Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP)

Who is eligible?

• Alberta-based non-profit organizations

Who is not eligible

• Organizations that provide direct services to individuals as their main activity.
• Companies that offer only a product-as-a-service, such as web-based platforms or crowdfunding services.
• Entities whose main role is to fund other non-profits.
• Organizations limited to supporting a specific non-profit sector (such as arts, sports, or social services) or demographic (such as youth or seniors).
• For-profit businesses and municipalities.

Eligible expenses

• Human resources expenses
• Training costs
• Sector services fees
• Office operations costs
• Advertising, public awareness, and marketing expenses
• Communications costs
• Travel and meeting expenses
• Small capital purchases (e.g., office equipment and furnishings)
• Community engagement expenses
• Workshops and conferences fees
• Sector research costs
• Evaluation expenses
• Advocacy costs
• Costs related to participation in the ECAP
• Other ongoing operating pressures identified by the applicant

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations based in Alberta.

• Demonstration of proven ability to deliver on the organization’s mandate.
• Breadth and impact of external capacity building outcomes across the five capacity building focus areas.
• Demonstration of work in sector priority issue areas (such as sector recovery, digital transformation, workforce, diversity, equity and inclusion, and data and evaluation).
• Sufficient community support for the organization’s mandate, including ongoing financial support from diverse sources.
• Broad accessibility and use of diverse programs and services offered by the organization.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Read the updated ECAP Guidelines, which will be made available at the beginning of the next application period.
• Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
  • Gather all information required for the multi-year funding application, ensuring alignment with ECAP objectives and focus areas.
• Step 3: Complete Application Form
  • Access and fill out the application form, which will be provided at the start of the next intake period.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Follow the submission instructions supplied with the application form to submit all required materials to the program office by the stated deadline.
• Step 5: Await Communication
  • Program staff will contact applicants regarding the status of their applications after the review process.

• The next intake for multi-year funding is planned for fall 2025, with updated guidelines and forms available at that time.
• Organizations that meet eligibility but are not successful in one intake are encouraged to reapply in future cycles.
• Grant recipients may be required to attend collaborative meetings based on the needs of the program and sector.
• Ongoing funding depends on meeting all reporting requirements and demonstrating progress toward identified objectives.