Other Initiatives Program (OIP)

• There is no minimum or maximum funding amount; the level of financial assistance is determined based on project need and community benefit, and is subject to available resources.
• Matching funds are not required, but applicants must demonstrate financial viability.
• Organizations may receive funding for only one project per fiscal year.
• Capital funding is considered only for disaster or emergency-related projects that are provincial in scope and fall outside other grant streams.
• Grant funds must be used according to approved eligible costs; unused or misused funds must be repaid to the Government of Alberta.

• The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization in Alberta, in good standing under one of the following: Societies Act; Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act (Extra-Provincial Corporations); Part 9 of the Companies Act (Non-profit Companies); Special Act of the Alberta Legislature; or Income Tax Act of Canada (Charities operating in Alberta).
• Eligible applicants also include First Nations or Métis Settlements in Alberta, foundations regulated under Alberta’s Regional Health Authorities Act, and post-secondary institutions as defined under Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act.
• The organization must have an Alberta-based address, regularly monitored by an active member.
• The project must be a one-time initiative or event that falls outside the criteria of other Community Grants programs, or respond to emergencies or urgent needs.
• Applicants must contact the Community Grants office prior to submitting an application to confirm eligibility.

Who is eligible?

• Registered community non-profit organizations in Alberta
• First Nations or Metis Settlements in Alberta
• Foundations regulated under Alberta’s Regional Health Authorities Act
• Universities, colleges, or institutes as defined under Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act

Who is not eligible

• Municipalities
• For-profit organizations
• Organizations not registered under eligible Alberta acts or regulations
• Organizations with overdue or incomplete grant accounting/reporting with Arts, Culture and Status of Women
• Individuals

Eligible expenses

• Concrete expenses associated with the implementation of one-time projects that are not eligible for other community grant programs.
• Expenses incurred for emergency relief initiatives or in cases of disaster at the provincial, national, or international level.
• Specific eligible expenses approved by program staff, based on costs deemed necessary and directly related to the proposed project.

Eligible geographic areas

• Non-profit community organizations registered in Alberta
• First Nations or Métis settlements in Alberta
• Foundations established and regulated in Alberta
• Universities, colleges, or institutes as defined by the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act

• Organization’s capacity to execute the project.
• Project viability and financial feasibility.
• Demonstrated project benefits.
• Accessibility of the project to the community.
• Addressing a clear community or regional need.

• Step 1: Contact the Community Grants Office
  • Reach out to the Community Grants office to discuss your organization's eligibility and project suitability.
  • Contact by phone at 1-800-642-3855 or email at CommunityGrants@gov.ab.ca.
  • This step is mandatory before proceeding with the application.
• Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Application Package
  • Receive the application form and guidelines from program staff after initial contact.
  • Complete all required documents, including:
  • • Application form (provided by program staff)
    • Project Budget Template
    • Application for Electronic Payment
  • Ensure all required and supporting documentation is included and fully filled out.
• Step 3: Submit the Application Package
  • Email the completed application and supporting documents to CommunityGrants@gov.ab.ca.
  • Keep a complete copy of your submission for your records.
• Step 4: Await Notification
  • Your application will be reviewed, and you will receive written notification regarding the decision, typically within approximately three months from submission.
  • All decisions are final; no appeals are considered.
• Step 5: Grant Agreement (If Approved)
  • If your application is approved, sign a formal grant agreement outlining terms and conditions before funding is released.

• There is no minimum or maximum funding amount that can be requested; funding is based on need and community benefit.
• Organizations may only receive funding for one project per fiscal year through OIP.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the review process takes approximately three months.
• Recipients must retain records for seven years from the date of notification letter of file closure from Program staff.