Open
Last Update: June 22, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Major Grants supports large-scale, transformational initiatives for registered charities and other qualified donees in Calgary and area. The program prioritizes sustainable capital projects, collaborative initiatives, and work that addresses major issues through partnerships, equity, and strong planning.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Sustainable capital projects
- Collaborative initiatives aimed at changing the conditions that keep problems in place
Documents Needed
- Audited financial statements for the past three years
- Brief résumés or bios for all leadership team members
- List of the organization’s board of directors with name, role, length of service, and experience
- Document explaining the organization’s structure, such as an organization chart
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities
- Other qualified donees
Eligible geographic areas
- Calgary and area communities, including Calgary, Banff National Park, Canmore, Rocky View County, the Municipal Districts of Big Horn, Foothills, Kananaskis and Wheatland, and the surrounding First Nations of Treaty 7 territory
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the Calgary Foundation’s mission, vision, and understanding of transformational impact
- Positive community impact by addressing major issues and serving a great number of people
- Innovative partnerships and collaboration
- Advanced stage of readiness
- Good planning, firm financial support, sustainability, organizational resilience, leadership capacity, and principles of equity
How to apply
- Contact the funder to discuss the initiative by September 15 at the latest.
- Submit a short description of the project via the online grant portal by noon on October 10.
- Submit a fulsome proposal through the grant portal by noon on November 1.
Processing and Agreement
- The committee shortlists proposals in December.
- Representatives for shortlisted proposals meet with the advisory committee in January or February.
- Shortlisted proposals receive the results of the process by April 1.
- Applicants not selected for grants can book appointments to receive feedback.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted once per year.
- The program typically receives 20-25 strong applications and supports 5-6 projects.
- Applicants not selected for grants can book appointments to receive feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Major Grants Program
What is the Major Grants?
Major Grants supports large-scale, transformational initiatives for registered charities and other qualified donees in Calgary and area. The program prioritizes sustainable capital projects, collaborative initiatives, and work that addresses major issues through partnerships, equity, and strong planning.
Who is eligible for the Major Grants program?
To be eligible for the Major Grants program, you must:
The initiative must align with the Calgary Foundation’s mission, vision, and understanding of transformational impact.
The initiative must positively impact the community by addressing major issues and serving a great number of people.
The initiative must be at an advanced stage of readiness.
What expenses are eligible under Major Grants?
Sustainable capital projects
Collaborative initiatives aimed at changing the conditions that keep problems in place
Who can I contact for more information about the Major Grants?
You can contact The Calgary Foundation (CF).
Where is the Major Grants available?
The Major Grants program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the Major Grants?
Major Grants is funded by The Calgary Foundation (CF)