Open
Source verified July 23, 2026
Community Initiatives Program Project Grant
Support for Alberta community initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: July 18, 2026Latest change: The CIP Project Grant now uses GATE Front Office for the next intake, which is set for September 1, 2026, and the supporting guidelines and application materials were updated.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 18, 2026
Latest change: The CIP Project Grant now uses GATE Front Office for the next intake, which is set for September 1, 2026, and the supporting guidelines and application materials were updated.
CIP Project Grant update for September 1, 2026 intake
The CIP Project Grant page now directs applicants to GATE Front Office and sets the next intake deadline at September 1, 2026. It also adds a one-time transition intake, says registration can take up to 10 business days, and states that eligible expenses for the September 1, 2026 intake may be claimed if incurred on or after May 1, 2026. The application instructions were updated with new portal links, a sample application, and revised support references, and the page now points some organizations to the CIP Project-Based Guidelines for prior recipients. The program guidelines page also added a new July 2026 resource document, which may further clarify application guidance.
Funding available
$ 75,000
Deadline
Open
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project Grant provides one-time funding of up to $75,000 per project to Alberta-based non-profit organizations to support community-driven initiatives that enhance the well-being of Albertans. Eligible projects include new or enhanced community programs, community events, and technology.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Research
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Rural / Remote communities
- Artists / creatives
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- New or enhanced community programs
- Community events and experiences
- Technology
- Portable equipment
Documents Needed
- Financial statements for the applicant’s most recent full fiscal year, or a Council Resolution signed by two individuals with designated signing authority
- Current bank statements for all organization accounts
- Quotes or sources of estimates for project expenses
- Written confirmation of all cash and in-kind contributions, all sources of funding through municipal, provincial or federal departments or agencies, and a current list of board members
- Grant Agreement sections 1 and 2 signed by the designated signing authority or decision-making authority, the Application for Electronic Payment form, and a void cheque or pre-printed bank direct deposit form; when applicable, a Third Party Agreement and a job description for each staff position
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta-based non-profit organizations
- Organizations registered under one of the Alberta or Federal Acts listed in the guidelines
- Organizations in good standing with their legislative authority
- Organizations operational for at least one full calendar year before the application deadline
- Organizations with all prior CIP Project reporting submitted
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities, for-profit organizations, and individuals
- Schools as defined under Alberta’s Education Act (K-12 schools)
- Universities, colleges, and institutes as defined under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act
- Organizations registered under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
- Organizations with overdue or incomplete accounting or reporting relating to any grant previously awarded by Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Eligible expenses
- Leasing space for a new or expanded program
- Program materials and external evaluation
- New or temporary staff wages
- Venue, equipment, and rental costs for events
- Audio/visual, computer, licensing, and web development costs
- Portable equipment and furnishings
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Time and labour for application preparation, board or committee planning meetings, and fundraising campaigns
- Expenses incurred before application submission, including donated labour provided before the application is submitted
- Endowments, charitable donations, bursaries, business case or proposal development, donor recognition walls, and personal donations of equipment, materials or services
- Facility repairs or upgrades, small tools or hand tools, columbarium, grave sites or markers; moving expenses, maintenance expenses, contingency or miscellaneous costs; administrative costs and fees; liquor or bank or financing-related charges; financing charges and interest payments on loans; land purchase as a stand-alone project
- Operational and existing staff wages; debt payment or retirement; gifts, gratuities, honoraria, prizes, trophies, medals or awards; merchandise for resale; alcohol, tobacco or cannabis-related products; political activities or lobbying; costs related to any gaming activity; private sector or commercial projects; restricted public access projects; religious observance or religious sanctuaries; municipal, provincial or federal responsibility programs; post-secondary academic projects; core education curriculum, health and wellness or social services programs; capital construction, facility upgrades or renovations; research as a standalone project; projects outside Alberta; projects started before submission; hosting of national and international sport events eligible under the Tourism and Sport Major Sport Event program; annual general meetings; private residential or group housing projects
Selection criteria
- Overall project readiness, expected impact, and demonstrated need
- Organizational capacity
- Project viability and financial stability
- Social and economic impacts, including community and regional need
- Lower priority may be given to organizations that already receive ongoing funding from another level of government, organizations with annual operating budgets over $5 million, and events that take place prior to the notification date
How to apply
- Read the CIP Project Grant Guidelines and the CIP Project Resource Document
- Register for a GATE Front Office profile at least 10 business days before the intake deadline; one registrant must have legal signing authority for the organization
- Gather the mandatory information and documents listed in the application checklist
- Complete and submit the online application through GATE Front Office by the intake deadline
Processing and Agreement
- During the review process, program staff may contact applicants for information
- Notifications are emailed to the contacts listed in the application, approximately 6 months after the intake deadline
- Projects must be completed and fully reported within 18 months of the grant payment date
- For applications starting with the September 1, 2026 intake, reporting is completed directly in the GATE Front Office portal
- Failure to submit final reporting results in delinquency status and ineligibility for future Community Grants funding
Additional information
- The program is guided by Public Benefit, Transparency, Regional Equity, Accountability, Accessibility and Simplicity.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant Program
What is the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant?
The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project Grant provides one-time funding of up to $75,000 per project to Alberta-based non-profit organizations to support community-driven initiatives that enhance the well-being of Albertans. Eligible projects include new or enhanced community programs, community events, and technology.
How much funding can be received?
Community Initiatives Program Project Grant Funds up to $75,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant program?
To be eligible for the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant program, you must:
Registered under an eligible Alberta or Federal Act
In good standing with its legislative authority
Operational for at least one full calendar year before the deadline
What expenses are eligible under Community Initiatives Program Project Grant?
New or enhanced community programs
Community events and experiences
Technology
Portable equipment
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant?
You can contact Community Initiatives Support, Government of Alberta by email at communitygrants@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 1-800-642-3855.
Where is the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant available?
The Community Initiatives Program Project Grant program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Community Initiatives Program Project Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Initiatives Program Project Grant is a Grant and Funding