Closed
Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP)
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Supports Alberta non-profits in advancing sector-wide capacity building
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP) offers up to $150,000 in annual multi-year operational funding to support Alberta-based non-profit organizations focused on building the capacity of other non-profits and strengthening the sector as a whole. Eligible activities include human resources, training, sector services, office operations, marketing, communications, sector research, and advocacy.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : January 15, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Other Racialized Persons
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Programs to build the organizational capacity of non-profit organizations.
- Initiatives to strengthen Alberta’s non-profit and voluntary sector as a whole.
- Sector-wide projects that address leadership, adaptability, management, operations, or systems improvement.
- Community engagement and support services accessible to a broad range of non-profits.
- Implementation of strategies responding to sector-wide priorities such as recovery, digital transformation, workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and data-driven evaluation.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 65,000
Replacing outdated HVAC with a high-efficiency system upgrade
$ 58,000
Implementing IT cybersecurity upgrades for member data protection
$ 92,000
Acquiring CNC machinery for precision manufacturing expansion
$ 84,500
Installing rooftop solar panels for shared community workspace
$ 73,000
Expanding mobile health clinics for underserved communities
$ 80,000
Launching an online marketplace for local organic producers
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization in good standing under an eligible legislative act (e.g., Societies Act, Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act with Alberta registration, Companies Act Part 9, Special Act of the Alberta Legislature, or Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act – Extra-Provincial Corporations).
- The organization must have a primary mandate and proven ability to build the capacity of other non-profit organizations in Alberta and strengthen the capacity of Alberta’s non-profit and voluntary sector.
- The organization must have an Alberta-based address that is regularly monitored by an active member.
- The organization must demonstrate sufficient community support, including ongoing financial support from diverse sources, and broad accessibility of its programs and services.
- The organization must have operated in Alberta for at least one year.
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.
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Review program guidelines
- Review program overview and guidelines on the ECAP website
- Check for updated eligibility criteria and required documents
- Note the next anticipated intake period and prepare accordingly
2
Verify eligibility
- Ensure your organization meets all eligibility requirements
- Confirm your non-profit status and registration in Alberta
- Prepare to demonstrate capacity-building activities and community support
3
Prepare application materials
- Monitor for release of updated application forms and submission instructions at the start of the intake period
- Gather required supporting documents for application
- Contact ECAP for clarification if needed
4
Complete the application form
- Complete the application form according to the instructions provided
- Ensure all sections are accurately filled out and include all required documents
5
Submit application
- Submit the completed application and supporting documents during the intake period
- Keep confirmation of submission for your records
6
Await decision
- Wait for notification from ECAP staff regarding the status of your application
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
7
Sign grant agreement
- If approved, review and sign the formal grant agreement with the Ministry
- Complete any required organizational assessments as specified
8
Submit progress reports
- Fulfill all reporting requirements as outlined by ECAP
- Submit financial reports, outcome evidence, and communication summaries as required
- Use provided reporting templates for submissions
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
780-638-3500
