Grant Programs

External Grant Programs

Below is a list of external funding opportunities from government, corporations and not-for-profit organizations specific for the recreation and parks sector. If you are interested in a funding opportunity, please contact the organizations listed below for further information.

Government of Alberta

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) provides financial assistance for the expansion and upgrading of Alberta’s extensive network of community-use facilities. The program provides matching grants to Indian Bands, Metis Settlements, and registered community non-profit groups to build, purchase, repair, renovate, or otherwise improve related family and community wellness facilities.

The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) supports project-based initiatives in areas such as community services, seniors’ services, libraries, arts and culture, sports, education, and health and recreation. The maximum grant is $75,000 per project per year and applications can be submitted at any time. CIP funding is approved on a matching grant basis. The matching requirement may be met in the form of any contribution of money, volunteer labour, services, or donated materials or equipment for the project.

Alberta Sport Connection

The Above and Beyond Grant supports coaches and officials as they pursue educational or developmental opportunities

The Event Support Program focuses on sport program development, providing financial support to communities and associations in hosting major sport events, and as a result, promoting economic growth throughout the province.

Canadian Tire (National)

Canadian Tire JumpStart is a community-based charitable program that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation.​

Evergreen (National)

Evergreen Grants is one of Canada’s leading funders of community and school greening projects.

KidSport™ (National/Provincial)

KidSport Alberta Chapter is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under.

Alberta EcoTrust

The Albert EcoTrust Environmental Grants invests in environmental projects that build on the work and achievements of other organizations, projects and programs and uses shared resources to solve problems.

Parks Foundation Calgary

  • The Building Communities Grant Program (which is both a grant and a support program offering free services) provides grants of up to $30,000 for community spaces like parks and playgrounds.
  • The Amateur Sport Grant provides grants of up to $75,000 in support of capital projects that provide significant benefit to the continuation and enrichment of sport.

Please note, these grants are for projects within Calgary municipal boundaries or that benefit Calgary athletes.

The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.