Community Initiatives Fund - Community Grant Program

• Completed online application form
• Organizational profile in the CIF portal
• Budget details for the proposed program
• Supporting expense documentation, if requested

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated Saskatchewan nonprofit organizations
• Municipalities
• First Nations
• Health regions
• Schools and school boards

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that are not in good standing with CIF
• Programs primarily benefiting people living on-reserve
• Government-delivered programs and services
• Religious programs focused on promoting religious viewpoints
• Third-party funding programs where CIF funds would be distributed to others instead of direct delivery

Eligible expenses

• Salaries for staff directly delivering the program
• Independent contractor fees for instructors and facilitators
• Supplies directly related to program delivery
• Food and nutrition costs approved as part of delivery
• Facility rental and transportation costs when required for the program
• Limited general operating expenses, up to 20% of the approved request

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Music festivals, fairs, farmers markets, centennials, homecomings, parades, and similar events
• Government-delivered programs and services
• Religious programming focused on promoting religious practices or viewpoints
• School curriculum-related activities, excursions, trips, and staff training for schools, municipalities, and health regions
• Out-of-province travel, capital expenses, promotional items, prizes, and fundraising or sponsorship activities

Eligible geographic areas

• Saskatchewan
• North region
• Central region
• South region
• Provincial scope across Saskatchewan

• Alignment with CIF funding themes and priorities
• Demonstrated need or community priority
• Feasibility and ability to reach the intended audience
• Benefit to smaller, rural, Northern, Indigenous, or newcomer communities, or people facing barriers
• Partnerships, community support, eligible expenses, realistic budget, and complete application

• Step 1: Register in the online portal
  • Create or log into a CIF account.
  • Wait for organizational profile confirmation before starting an application.
• Step 2: Complete the application
  • Fill in all required fields in the online form.
  • Use only the information requested.
  • Save your work as you go.
• Step 3: Submit online
  • Submit through CIF’s online grant platform.
  • Do not submit by mail, fax, or email.
  • Late applications are not accepted.

• Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility and completeness.
• Eligible applications are sent to the relevant regional Peer Review Committee.
• Peer Review Committee recommendations go to the CIF Board for final approval.
• Applicants are notified of the result about 2 months after the deadline.
• Approved applicants receive an approval letter and funding agreement before payment is released.

• Applicants must use CIF’s online grant portal.
• Organizational profiles may take up to 3 business days to confirm.
• Successful applicants must acknowledge CIF support in promotional materials.
• A final report is required within 60 days after the program ends.