Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation Fund, administered by the Saskatchewan Community Foundation, provides project-based and operating grants to support charitable initiatives in South Saskatchewan. The fund focuses on community development areas such as arts, education, health, mental health, housing, Indigenous programming, poverty reduction, and youth development.
Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, and eligible organizations can submit up to three applications per year for separate initiatives.
About the Fund
This foundation fund supports charitable organizations delivering meaningful community impact in the South Saskatchewan region. It provides flexible funding for both operational support and project-based initiatives that address local needs.
The fund is designed to strengthen:
- Community wellbeing and resilience
- Access to essential social services
- Cultural and educational development
- Environmental and sustainability efforts
Key Funding Areas
The fund supports initiatives in the following areas:
- Arts and culture programming
- Education and learning initiatives
- Environmental sustainability and clean energy transition
- Health and mental health services
- Drug addiction and substance use programming
- Homelessness and affordable housing
- Indigenous-led programming and reconciliation initiatives
- Poverty reduction strategies
- Youth development and empowerment
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities in Canada
- Qualified donees under the Canadian Income Tax Act
- Organizations with endorsement from a qualified donee (e.g., municipalities)
Applicants must demonstrate charitable purpose and community benefit.
Funding Details
- Minimum grant: $5,000
- Maximum grant: $35,000
- Application limit: Up to 3 applications per organization per year
- Funding type: Project-based and operating support
Successful applicants must submit a final report detailing outcomes and evaluation results.
Eligible Use of Funds
Funding may be used for:
- Project delivery and program activities
- Operational support for charitable initiatives
- Community development programming
- Service expansion or enhancement
Ineligible Expenses
The fund does not support:
- Operating or capital deficits
- Endowment creation or investment funds
- Retroactive expenses
- Political or advocacy activities
- Multi-year funding commitments
- Private benefit activities for individuals
Priority Areas
The fund prioritises initiatives that:
- Strengthen community wellbeing
- Improve access to housing and essential services
- Support Indigenous communities and reconciliation
- Address mental health and addiction challenges
- Reduce poverty and social inequality
- Enhance youth opportunities and development
- Promote cultural and educational growth
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Identify a community need in South Saskatchewan
- Develop a clear project or operational plan
- Ensure alignment with priority funding areas
- Confirm charitable eligibility status
- Submit up to three distinct applications if applicable
- Provide evaluation and outcome measurement plans
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear community impact
- Strong alignment with fund priorities
- Measurable outcomes and evaluation methods
- Organizational capacity and sustainability
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your application:
- Clearly define project goals and outcomes
- Focus on measurable community benefits
- Align with priority funding sectors (health, housing, youth, etc.)
- Provide evidence of community need
- Ensure strong reporting and evaluation frameworks
Avoid proposals that include ineligible expenses such as deficits, endowments, or political activities.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Registered charities and qualified donees in Canada, or organizations endorsed by them, can apply.
What is the funding range?
Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000.
How many applications can be submitted?
Organizations may submit up to three applications per year, each for a separate project.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects in health, housing, education, arts, environment, youth development, and Indigenous programming are supported.
Is operating support available?
Yes, both project-based and operating grants are available.
Are multi-year grants allowed?
No. The fund does not support multi-year commitments.
Conclusion
The G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation Fund supports community-focused charitable initiatives across South Saskatchewan by funding projects in key social and environmental areas. Through flexible grants and broad eligibility, the fund strengthens local capacity in health, housing, education, and community development while prioritizing measurable community impact.
For more information, visit Saskatchewan Community Foundation.