How much funding can be received?

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Core funding of up to $75,000 annually for eligible non-profit organizations.
Enhanced Capacity Building funding of up to $150,000 annually for organizations showing wider sector impact.

Eligible projects & activities

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:

$ 84,500

Installing rooftop solar panels for shared community workspace

$ 80,000

Launching an online marketplace for local organic producers

$ 73,000

Expanding mobile health clinics for underserved communities

$ 65,000

Replacing outdated HVAC with a high-efficiency system upgrade

$ 92,000

Acquiring CNC machinery for precision manufacturing expansion

$ 58,000

Implementing IT cybersecurity upgrades for member data protection

Eligibility criteria of the Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP) program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP) program

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 to the Enhanced Capacity Advancement Program (ECAP) program

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

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

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

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

Submit application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents during the intake period
Keep confirmation of submission for your records

Await decision

Wait for notification from ECAP staff regarding the status of your application
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested

Sign grant agreement

If approved, review and sign the formal grant agreement with the Ministry
Complete any required organizational assessments as specified

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.