Funding 

Bow Valley Non-Profit Grant Meetings

Would you like to learn more about grant opportunities? Join a local group, in person or virtually, on the second Thursday of each month from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Canmore Public Library. Contact Elle West at the Town of Canmore for more details: [email protected].

  • July 10th, 2025
  • August 14th, 2025
  • September 11th, 2025
  • October 9th, 2025
  • November 13th, 2025
  • December 11th, 2025

These meetings focus on connecting to the Grant Connect Database and finding upcoming grant opportunities. The group discusses ways to develop partnership opportunities, collaborate on events, share resources & grants, and discuss grant writing best practices. Any Bow Valley organizations seeking funding or grant opportunities are welcome to join! Feel free to invite others who may benefit.

NEW Grant Funding Opportunities – Summer/Fall 2025

Organized by deadline date (soonest to latest)

Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants

The Burroughs Wellcome Fund aims to stimulate the growth of new connections between thinkers working in largely disconnected fields who might together change the course of climate change’s impact on human health.

Interest areas include:

  • activities that build connections between basic/early biomedical scientific approaches and ecological, environmental, geological, geographic, and planetary-scale thinking, as well as with population-focused fields, including epidemiology and public health, demography, economics, and urban planning.
  • preparation for the impacts of extreme weather and other crises that can drive large-scale disruptions that will immediately impact human health and the delivery of health care.
  • public outreach, climate communication, and education efforts focused on the intersection of climate and health are also appropriate for this call.

*Proposal deadline is July 24, 2025

 

FCC Agrispirit Fund

Do you have a capital project that will enrich lives in your rural community? The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports projects in communities of less than 150,000 people. Eligible applicants can apply for $10,000 to $25,000.
Examples of what may be considered:

  • Projects to support food recovery or reduction of food waste
  • Initiatives that support agriculture and food
  • Projects that reduce your environmental footprint
  • Projects that improve accessibility and inclusion
  • Construction of or upgrades to community buildings

*Application deadline is July 30, 2025

 

GoC Connection Grants

Supports events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives. These events and activities represent opportunities to exchange knowledge and engage with participants on research issues they value. Events and outreach activities funded by a Connection Grant can often serve as a first step toward more comprehensive and longer-term projects.

*Application deadline is August 1, 2025

 

Indigenous Arts Individual Project Funding

This funding provides up to $18,000 to support the development of an individual Indigenous artist, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists in Alberta by providing funding for a specific cultural or artistic project.

*Application deadline is September 2, 2025

 

Hockey Alberta Every Kid Every Community

The Hockey Alberta Foundation would like to encourage all Alberta-based community groups, pond hockey programs, youth groups, recreational groups, community leagues and local Minor Hockey Associations (LMHA) and clubs who have an idea, project or program that align with the EKEC guiding principles whereby an individual OR group may benefit from the grant. All applications must be received from Alberta based organizations or individuals.

*Application deadline is September 15, 2025

CIP Project Based Grant

The Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Project-Based grant stream supports projects that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta by helping non-profit organizations with: new programs, enhancements to an existing program, community events, gender equity projects, 2SLGBTQQIA+ events and new programs, technology and portable equipment.

*Application deadline is Sep 15, 2025

 

Community Facility Enhancement Program Small

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Small provides up to $125,000 in financial assistance to upgrade, expand, purchase or build arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, sport or other related public-use community facilities.

*Application deadline is Sep 15, 2025

 

Bob Etherington Heritage Conservation Fund

Provides matching grants and scholarship funds to support initiatives that preserve and interpret Alberta’s heritage. This fund aims to help develop skills in heritage conservation in Alberta by providing financial support to eligible individuals who wish to attend training and organizations who wish to deliver training in heritage conservation.

*Application deadline is October 1, 2025

 

Community Performing Arts Organizations Operating Funding

This grant provides annual funding to eligible not-for-profit community organizations that self-create and self-produce performing art productions. To be eligible you must be engaged in creating and producing in the performing arts as your organization’s principal mandate.

*Application deadline is October 1, 2025

 

Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation

Our Lady of the Prairies Foundation provides grants in the following areas of interest: Spiritual, Educational, Social, Healing and Environmental. The Foundation is required to distribute at least 75% of all grants to organizations who carry out activities in Saskatchewan. Organizations in other Canadian provinces are also supported.

Grants are available to charities or organizations with registered charity numbers. Preference is given to projects that empower people and strive to be inclusive.

*Application deadline is October 1, 2025

Ongoing Funding Opportunities

Organized alphabetically

Allstate Community Foundation

The Allstate Foundation of Canada supports non-profit charities who are actively working to address and overcome the issues of domestic abuse and inclusive and accessible housing, as well as providing opportunities for Allstate Canada employees to create positive social change in their communities, mostly through volunteerism.

 

CIBC Community And Sponsorship

The CIBC Foundation serves multiple focus areas:

  • Supporting Cancer Initiatives
    • Cancer research, treatment, screening and diagnosis
    • Wellness, survivorship and patient support programs
  • Championing inclusive communities
    • Projects increasing access to education and employment outcomes for underserved communities, with a focus on reskilling and upskilling
    • Programming for children aged 13 and under that supports healthy active living, education and enrichment or help for children with disabilities
  • Investing in financial education
    • Financial education resources and learning opportunities

 

Alberta Innovate Strategic Networking and Development Program
This program supports members of Alberta post-secondaries and not-for-profits who are leading events that focus on emerging technologies that inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and drive progress in our province, with up to $25,000 in funding.

 

Alberta Wetland Replacement Program
Municipalities and non-profits can apply for funding to construct or restore wetlands. The mandate of the Wetland Replacement Program is to facilitate the replacement of wetlands within all municipalities and watersheds across Alberta, prioritizing:

  • watersheds which have had the greatest loss of wetlands since 2015
  • areas with the highest rates of loss historically

The Wetland Replacement Program focuses on fostering partnerships with municipalities and non-profit organizations that have a vested interest in wetland replacement.

 

Canada Cultural Investment Fund – Limited Support to Endangered Arts Organizations 

In specific circumstances, funding is available for the restructuring of an arts organization, so it can continue to contribute to the community it is serving. This component was established for those rare instances where a professional arts organization faces the prospect of closure, yet there is a high degree of support for its continuation and a viable business/restructuring plan.

 

Commemorative Partnership Program
The Commemorative Partnership Program (CPP) provides funding related to community engagement projects such as commemorative activities (e.g. events) and commemorative resources (e.g. learning materials).

 

Crowdfunding Alberta 

Non-profit organizations create their campaigns and invite supporters to share on social media and donate. The organization receives all of the donations raised, less third party payment processing fees and optional platform fees, whether they reach their funding goal or not. The Government of Alberta will match 30% of funds raised by an eligible campaign in its first 8 weeks on the platform.

 

Electronics Recycling Association

They collect used electronic equipment and repurpose them for charities/nonprofits: “The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization committed to reducing unnecessary electronic waste by recycling and repurposing used electronics. We work with local companies to repurpose used electronics and IT equipment in a safe and secure manner. Our team works with community charities to provide repurposed computers and electronics to those in need.” https://www.era.ca/apply-for-donations/

Requests must be made by one of the following (Canada-based only):

  • Not-for-Profit Organizations
  • Charitable Organization
  • Care Facilities (ie: hospitals, seniors’ homes)
  • Educational Institutions

 

Foyston Gordon and Payne Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to support registered charities whose activities and programs benefit children anywhere in Canada. The focus is on smaller charities, where grants will result in noticeable changes and have a long-lasting impact, and on charities helping children locally. A minimum of one donation each year is provided to a charity serving Indigenous peoples of Canada.

 

The Georgina Foundation
The Foundation provides funding in the range of $200 – $2,000 per agency in order to be able to support as many charitable organizations as possible. Agencies must demonstrate that funding will make a difference to the service or program for which they are requesting support. Organizations chosen to receive funding typically have great financial need and receive limited funding from other sources.

 

Government of Canada’s Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund

There are two priorities for this support fund:

  1. Support for Official Language Minority Communities: Boost the supply of legal information and socio-legal support services for official language minority communities, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations within those communities.
  2. Support for the Justice System: Strengthen the bilingual capacity of the justice system through language training, professional development and promotion of the language of law.

 

Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage Legacy Fund

Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that:
• commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality;
• mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th);
• involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use;
• encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public.

*Projects must be submitted before the anniversary date of the event or personality to be commemorated.

 

Government of Canada Community Economic Development Services Funding

Examples of eligible activities include:

  • Community Development – includes activities to stimulate economic growth or diversification that capitalize on community capacity, strengths and opportunities.
  • Community Adjustment – includes activities to support Prairie communities facing economic shocks, challenging economic circumstances and/or depressed economic conditions.
  • Inclusiveness – includes activities that help women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, official language minority communities and other underrepresented groups participate in the economy

The CEDD program uses a 2-stage continuous intake approach:

  • Expression of interest (EOI): This abbreviated on-line application form lets you describe the proposed project purpose, rationale, eligibility, activities and budget.
  • Full application: If your project advances to the second stage, we invite you to provide more details about the project through our online portal. This may include financial statements, confirmation of other sources of funding and other project information

 

Government of Canada Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

This provides funding to community-based events that:

  • promote intercultural or interfaith understanding
  • promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination
  • celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament

There is no fixed deadline, however, it is advised that your application be submitted 18 weeks prior to the proposed event start date. 

 

HJR Consulting

Granting priorities are focused on creating the individual and systemic conditions necessary for people to realize their full potential. Priorities focus on those with immediate needs and children, youth and families who are economically disadvantaged. Grants support organizations that deliver measurable impact in support of that vision.

The application process begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) found by clicking the New Application button in portal. LOIs can be submitted at any time.

 

Honda Canada Foundation

The Honda Canada Foundation was created to lend a hand to registered non-profit charities that strive to make the lives of Canadians better, with a focus on four pillars: Education, Environment, Mobility, Traffic Safety and Community.

Max Bell Foundation

Project based and development grants for registered charities. Eligible proposals are ones that are designed to inform public policy and align with priorities of Health & Wellness, Environment, Education or Civic Engagement and Democratic Institutions.

RBC Donations and Sponsorship

Sponsorships are an integral part of RBC’s marketing and promotional activities. Preferred – but not exclusive – areas of sponsorship are:

  • Arts & Culture
  • Olympics
  • Golf
  • Environment

Proposals in other categories are evaluated on how well they support the strategies of our various lines of business.

 

SPAR DONATION FUND PROGRAM

Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR) Donation Fund Program encourages support for the development of sport, physical activity and recreation in Alberta. Eligible sport, physical activity and recreation development programs are those delivered directly or in partnership with the organizations enrolled in the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Donation Fund Program.

Totem Charitable Foundation

The intent of the Totem Charitable Foundation is to build healthy communities, inspire innovative thinking and encourage social progress. If your project benefits Albertans, is a registered charity and promotes education, community development, medical research, or the arts you are eligible to apply!

 

TransCanada Trail Funding Program
The Trail Funding Program is intended to support Trail operators across Canada in the development and enhancement of the Trans Canada Trail by offering a range of funding streams including:

  • Infrastructure and Major Repairs stream
  • Trail Signage stream
  • Accessibility and Inclusion in Trails stream
  • Indigenous Communities stream
  • Climate Emergency Support fund

 

Volunteer Alberta Screening Development Grant

For nonprofit organizations currently operating in Alberta, with a sole mandate to provide publicly accessible programs and services to the broader community, who have more than 10 volunteers a year requiring vulnerable sector.

Alberta Government’s Online Grant Tool 

Alberta’s not-for-profit organizations and charities now have a one-stop shop to access the supports and services they need to start, manage and grow. To simplify access to these resources, the Department of Arts, Culture and Status of Women has launched a new online tool that allows workers or volunteers in these organizations to find and access services, funding and programs that can help them.

In 2021, the Red Tape Reduction Non-profit Industry Panel identified that Alberta non-profits had difficulty accessing supports and navigating information about services provided by Alberta’s government. The panel suggested that a one-window approach could assist the sector in identifying relevant services and funding opportunities. This new tool is the answer to navigation difficulties.

Click here to view the new online tool for Alberta non-profits

Alberta Arts Grants Calendar 

The Roza Foundation offers a grant calendar with upcoming grant deadlines for funding available to arts organizations and artists in Alberta. The list includes public funders at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, along with private foundations that support the arts in Alberta. –> Click here to view the grant calendar

Statistic & Demographics Resources

Funding applications often require research into statistics and demographic data that help support the application. Below are some useful resource links.

 

Local & Provincial Funding Opportunities

  • Community Grants: Town of Canmore – Community Event Grant and a Community Initiative Grant. Information sessions usually run in April.
  • Town of Banff – Community Grants – For registered non-profit charities and societies in Banff. Projects, programs, events, operating costs, equipment or start-up funds that benefit Banff residents and enhance their quality of life in accordance with the Town of Banff’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities. Grants up to $5,000. The total grant money available is $10,000 for all grants awarded. Grant applications typically open from the end of March to the end of April.
  • Town of Banff – Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) – Building Bridges Grant – For community and neighbourhood groups and individuals in Banff and Lake Louise. Projects that fit with the FCSS mission of strengthening the social well-being of individuals, families and community (recreation initiatives that achieve this mission will be considered). Typical grant size is between $100 and $2,000. Total grant money available is $6,000. * This is one of the few grants available to non-profit organizations who are not registered.
  • The Banff Canmore Foundation Community Grants on an annual basis across the following sectors to qualified donees: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, and recreation and social services. Outside of the granting cycle, the foundation also awards three scholarships: the Lafarge Education Endowment Fund scholarship, the Marika Laub Memorial Scholarship, and the Christie Foreman & Christopher Wong Scholarship Endowment Fund.
  • Communities | Lafarge Canada – Each year, Lafarge contributes volunteer time, in-kind donations and funding to a range of organizations committed to building local communities. To help guide sponsorship and support, Lafarge looks for projects that support these three core community values: education, environment and sustainable construction.
  • Bow Valley Credit Union Sponsorships – Bow Valley Credit Union is actively focused on growing the communities where we live and work. Through our Community Investment Program, BVCU helps our communities grow stronger and become better places to live through sponsorships and donations. We are focused and proactive with emphasis on our youth and community based projects.
  • Calgary Foundation Grants – Exists to support charitable organizations working to build a community where everyone feels they belong. With over 60 years of community leadership, we are proud to partner with hundreds of organizations each year through thoughtful, impactful and innovative grants.
  • Canmore Rotary – Founded in 1991, the Rotary Club of Canmore has raised more than one million dollars to support a wide variety of local and international projects – each serving to raise the profile of Canmore internationally, as well as help individuals and local community groups tackle activities which contribute to the quality of life in the Bow Valley and in many communities in developing countries.
  • Grant Programs | Municipal District of Bighorn, AB – Provides grants, to eligible recipients, for various purposes. Applications are reviewed by the Community Services Board in September each year.
  • Charitable Gaming | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) – Alberta has a unique charitable gaming model. It is the only province in Canada where charitable organizations are licensed to conduct and manage casino events. AGLC also licenses charitable organizations to fundraise through bingo, as well as selling raffle and pull tickets.
  • Field Law Community Fund Program – Field Law – This annual program supports individuals, groups or organizations in Alberta and the Northwest Territories with pay-it-forward ideas for their communities. A total of $75,000 is divided among our Community Markets, with $30,000 distributed in the Southern Alberta Community Market; $30,000 distributed in the Northern Alberta Community Market; and $15,000 distributed in the Northwest Territories Community Market.
  • Trailblazer Fund for Non-Profits – Switchback Creative – Annual fund for non-profit organizations that are doing really great work and have design, web or branding challenges. Apply for a chance to receive $10,000 in services from Switchback Creative. Applications open every September.

TIP: A Grants Database can help you identify grants available specific to your project. The Banff Public Library hosts the Grant Connect Database. A copy of the Canadian Subsidy Directory: Subsidies, Grants and Loans are available through Town of Canmore FCSS.

Bow Valley Non-Profit Funding Opportunities

Alberta Government Provincial  Funding Opportunities

  • Alberta Government – Grant for Non-Profits – Financial assistance for non-profit organizations, including the Community Initiatives and Community Facility Enhancement programs.
  • Community Initiatives Program (CIP) – Supports not-for-profit organizations by providing funds to enhance and enrich project-based initiatives throughout Alberta. Supports initiatives such as community services, seniors services, libraries, arts and culture, sports, educations, health and recreation.
  • Crowdfunding Alberta | Investing in our future, together – Crowdfunding Alberta is a made-for-Alberta crowdfunding platform. It helps to connect Alberta’s non-profit organizations with supporters and donors for fundraising campaigns.
  • Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) – Assists Alberta’s municipalities and not-for-profit organizations with the costs of planning, upgrading and developing a wide range of community-use facilities and places which enhance community life and citizen well-being.

Government of Canada: Federal Funding Opportunities

Top Fundraising Resources of 2023

  1. Diversifying your nonprofit’s revenue: How you slice the pie matters
    (Nonprofit Hub)
  2. On Collaboration, Communication, and the Future of Corporate Fundraising: An Interview with Crystal Daniel (Imagine Canada)
  3. 7 red flags for funders in your grant proposal (Candid)
  4. Let’s Imagine podcast Episode 7: How the lack of core funding is impacting 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations (Imagine Canada)
  5. How to cultivate an abundance mindset (The Aesthetics of Joy)
  6. A great frontline fundraiser won’t work 9-5 (Veritus Group)
  7. Radical grantmaking: Shifting decision-making – and power – to communities (The Philanthropist)
  8. Using “Thank You” as a donor retention strategy (Funraise)
  9. Success stories: Nonprofits that nailed donor fatigue handling (Perfect Doc Studio)
  10. 10 step guide to cultivating corporate sponsors (The Fundraising Authority)

You’re worth the investment: How to advocate for your professional development (Propper Fundraising)

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