SMART & CARING GRANTS
The Foundation operates with a comprehensive procedure to determine the most crucial community needs. The grant process, which utilizes professional staff, an expert volunteer committee, and Board Members is unique, responsive and rigorous. Smart and Caring Grants allow us to respond effectively to our region’s current – and future – needs.
Smart and Caring Grants help make communities across Southeastern Alberta a great place to live for everyone by enhancing belonging of all citizens and strengthening the nonprofit and voluntary sectors. In awarding grants, we conduct a comprehensive procedure to determine the most crucial community needs from data and evidence-based practice. Grants are then awarded based on potential impact and fund availability. Within Designated Endowment Fund (including Field of Interest, Donor-Advised, and Scholarships), donors direct their investment income to their specific charities of or school divisions.
Eligibility
CFSEA welcomes all eligible initiatives, but particularly those that help further at least one of the five Vital Signs impact areas:
- Strengthening relationships with Indigenous and multi-cultural groups
- Encouraging mental health
- Pursuing an environmentally sustainable future
- Living a creative, active life
- Reducing poverty
How
Applications are filtered through a two-phase process, with details and links below. Organizations are strongly advised to attend our grant workshops, which are held twice a year. Contact the Community Foundation office for advice on how to complete the application process and watch our social media for workshop locations and dates.
When
Applications are accepted twice a year. Deadlines are March 30th (Spring grants cycle) and September 30th (Fall grants cycle). If the deadline falls on a weekend, the application must be submitted by the Monday following; the office closes at 4:30pm.
Timeline
The applications are reviewed by a committee of volunteers who make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. This takes approximately six weeks and applicants will be informed of the result of their application by end of May for the Spring grants cycle and by the end of November for the Fall grants cycle.
Additional Resources:
Final Report Guidelines
Final Report Fillable PDF
Recent CFSEA Grant & Fund Recipients
How to Apply
Before spending your valuable time completing a grant application, please read the grant application guidelines here and ensure your organization and your project meet our eligibility requirements.
If you believe your project fits within the above criteria, we welcome you to complete Phase I and submit a one (1) page summary of the project proposal and include:
- a brief description of the project (Who, What, When, Where, How)
- the priority granting area(s) and strength(s) the project addresses
- the anticipated outcome(s)
A CFSEA staff member will then contact you to discuss the project.
Phase II: Once the project’s eligibility has been approved, you will be invited to complete the full application.
Please note: any late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Find the grant application here.
Please submit:
- One full (1) electronic application with all attachments
- Five paper (hard copy) application with all attachments
Applications (including ALL supporting documents) should be submitted to admin@cfsea.ca with printed documents dropped off, or mailed to:
Attn: Niki Gray, Grants and Administration Coordinator
Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta
104, 430 6th Ave SE
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A 2S8