Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Other Initiatives Program (OIP) - Alberta - Canada
Open

Other Initiatives Program (OIP)

Supports urgent, community-focused projects benefiting the public interest
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada

Overview

The Other Initiatives Program (OIP) offers unrestricted financial support for community-based projects in Alberta that fall outside other Community Grants streams. Eligible activities include one-time projects, emergency or urgent projects, and international disaster relief initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Educational services
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • 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
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • One-time community-based projects or events that do not qualify under other Community Grants programs.
  • International disaster relief initiatives.
  • Projects that respond to emergencies or urgent community needs.

Documents Needed

  • Application form
  • Project budget
  • Application for electronic payment
  • Mandatory supporting documents checklist

Official resources

Official page

Other Initiatives Program

Program guide

Official program page

Official program page

Official program page

Supporting document

Supporting document

Supporting document

Supporting document

Supporting document

Supporting document

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

Selection criteria

  • 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.

How to apply

  • 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.

Additional information

  • 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.

Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions about the Other Initiatives Program (OIP) Program

What is the Other Initiatives Program (OIP)?

The Other Initiatives Program (OIP) offers unrestricted financial support for community-based projects in Alberta that fall outside other Community Grants streams. Eligible activities include one-time projects, emergency or urgent projects, and international disaster relief initiatives.

Who is eligible for the Other Initiatives Program (OIP) program?

To be eligible for the Other Initiatives Program (OIP) program, you must: Must be a registered non-profit organization in Alberta, in good standing under specified Acts. Eligible for First Nations, Métis Settlements, certain foundations, and Alberta post-secondary institutions. Must have an Alberta address regularly monitored by an active member.

What expenses are eligible under Other Initiatives Program (OIP)?

One-time community-based projects or events that do not qualify under other Community Grants programs. International disaster relief initiatives. Projects that respond to emergencies or urgent community needs.

Who can I contact for more information about the Other Initiatives Program (OIP)?

You can contact Government of Alberta by email at CommunityGrants@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 1-800-642-3855.

Where is the Other Initiatives Program (OIP) available?

The Other Initiatives Program (OIP) program is available the province of Alberta.

Is the Other Initiatives Program (OIP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Other Initiatives Program (OIP) is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Other Initiatives Program (OIP)?

Other Initiatives Program (OIP) is funded by Government of Alberta, Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)