Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Program

• 80/20 funding partnership: The Government of Alberta provides up to 80% of the funding, while participating municipalities or Metis Settlements must contribute at least 20%.
• Annual agreement required for joint funding, with municipalities and Metis Settlements responsible for local allocation of the combined funds.

• The applicant must be a municipality or Métis Settlement in Alberta that enters into an annual agreement with the Government of Alberta.
• The proposed programs and services must be preventative in nature and promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
• The applicant must allocate at least 20% of the joint funding required for program delivery, with the government providing up to 80%.
• Eligible programs should aim to improve quality of life, build community capacity, and promote healthy lifestyles.

Who is eligible?

• Municipalities in Alberta
• Metis Settlements in Alberta
• Community agencies (through grants provided by participating municipalities or Metis Settlements)

Who is not eligible

• Companies offering only services related to individual leisure or entertainment needs.
• Organizations whose main activity is to provide basic assistance such as money, food, clothing, or housing.
• Companies exclusively offering rehabilitation services.
• Businesses whose services would duplicate those already provided by a government agency.

Eligible expenses

• Costs associated with delivering preventative social programs and services in the community.
• Expenses for public information and access to available social supports.
• Outlays for promoting and supporting volunteer work within the community.
• Resources for programs helping individuals and families develop skills for resiliency and healthy relationships.
• Costs related to supporting the social development of children and their families.
• Expenses for initiatives that help seniors stay connected to their communities or receive home supports.

Eligible geographic areas

• Municipalities and Metis Settlements in Alberta

• Implementation of performance measures to evaluate the results of projects and programs.
• Ability to demonstrate effectiveness in responding to the needs of preventive social services.
• Identification of gaps in existing services and opportunities for improvement.

• Participating municipalities and Metis Settlements are required to implement performance measures and report on program outcomes.
• Performance measurement resources and publications are available to guide reporting and evaluation.
• FCSS programs operate under an accountability framework that emphasizes continual learning and improvement.
• Annual program and financial reporting must be completed and submitted online according to designated timelines.