Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

Calgary Learns has opened its 2026–2027 Program Grants to support part-time adult foundational learning programs delivered within Calgary. Funding focuses on adult literacy, English language learning, numeracy, digital skills, skills for learning, and community capacity building. Eligible organizations must be legally incorporated in Alberta for at least two years and serve adults facing financial barriers.

Calgary Learns 2026–2027 Program Grants for Adult Foundational Learning

Overview

Calgary Learns is inviting applications for its Program Grants to support part-time adult foundational learning initiatives delivered within Calgary. The grant term runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, with a focus on programs that meet the core learning needs of adults who face financial and educational barriers.

The grants prioritize learning streams that support adult literacy, English language learning, numeracy, digital skills, and foundational personal growth. Programs must complement existing opportunities in Calgary and provide accessible, non-credit, part-time learning.

Focus Areas

Calgary Learns funds programs across several foundational learning domains.

1. Adult Literacy

Supports adults (English as a first language) in:

• Reading

• Writing

• Document use
  Skills developed up to approximately Grade 9 level, emphasizing comprehension, interpretation, creation, and communication using printed materials.

2. English Language Learning (ELL)

For adults whose first language is not English and who cannot yet communicate fluently.
Supports:

• Speaking

• Reading

• Writing

• Listening
  Covers learning up to CLB 4 and employment-readiness language up to CLB 6. Priority goes to adults with literacy gaps or those not eligible for federally funded programs like LINC.

3. Numeracy

Develops the ability to:

• Apply and interpret mathematical information

• Communicate numerical ideas
  Supports learners up to Grade 9 numeracy level.

4. Basic Digital Skills

Helps adults build competency in:

• Using digital systems

• Navigating online tools and networks

• Managing digital information for work, daily living, and learning
  Focuses on moving beyond basic computer use into functional digital literacy.

5. Skills for Learning

Strengthens adults’ capacity to:

• Recognize themselves as learners

• Take risks and persist in learning

• Develop learning strategies

• Communicate and collaborate effectively

• Engage actively and independently in their learning journey

6. Community Capacity Building

Supports programs related to:

• Employment readiness

• High school equivalency preparation

• Parenting skills

• Social and emotional skill-building
  These programs must complement foundational skill development and not duplicate existing local services.

Eligibility Requirements for Organizations

To apply, organizations must:

• Be legally incorporated in Alberta for at least two years under an eligible statute

• Provide proof of the most recently submitted annual return

• Deliver programs within Calgary city limits

• Address a current foundational learning need among financially barriered adults

• Offer non-credit, part-time learning opportunities

• Ensure programs do not duplicate other learning options already available in Calgary

• Maintain current liability insurance

• Ensure staff and volunteers serving vulnerable adults have appropriate security clearances

Eligible Participants

Programs may serve:

• Adults 18 years and older

• Permanent residents and Canadian citizens
  Temporary foreign workers and refugee claimants may participate only if space allows.

What Types of Programs Are Funded?

Calgary Learns prioritizes:

1. Literacy and Foundational Learning Programs (highest priority)

2. Community Capacity Building Programs that enhance foundational skills

3. Learning Activities offered as part of broader programming (lowest priority if stand-alone)

Programs may include:

• Tutoring

• Instructor-led courses

• Family literacy programs

• Structured learning activities

How to Apply

While Calgary Learns provides full details during the application cycle, the general steps include:

1. Review the annual Program Grant Guidelines.

2. Confirm organizational eligibility and incorporation status.

3. Prepare a program description outlining:

   • Learning need

   • Target participants

   • Delivery model (hours, format, assessment)

   • Expected outcomes and evaluation methods

4. Develop a detailed budget aligned with program activities.

5. Ensure all compliance documents (insurance, policies, annual returns) are current.

6. Submit the application through Calgary Learns’ online system before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing programs outside Calgary city limits

• Designing full-time or credit-bearing courses

• Duplicating existing local learning programs

• Weak rationale for foundational learning need

• Insufficient detail about learner assessment and outcomes

• Missing proof of incorporation or annual return

• Failing to show how learners with financial barriers will be prioritized

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are new organizations eligible?

Only organizations incorporated in Alberta for at least two years may apply.

2. Can programs run outside Calgary?

No. All programming must occur within Calgary city limits.

3. What learner levels are supported?

Adult literacy and numeracy up to Grade 9, and English language learning up to CLB 4 (or CLB 6 for employment readiness).

4. Are full-time or credit programs allowed?

No. Programs must be part-time and non-credit.

5. Can temporary residents participate?

Yes, but only if space is available after permanent residents and citizens.

6. What learning formats are acceptable?

Tutoring, instructor-led sessions, family literacy classes, and structured learning activities.

7. What costs can be funded?

Funding typically covers program delivery costs such as instruction, materials, facilitation, and learner supports as outlined in Calgary Learns’ guidelines.

Conclusion

The Calgary Learns 2026–2027 Program Grants offer essential support for organizations delivering foundational adult learning in Calgary. By strengthening literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and language development, these grants help adults overcome financial and educational barriers while building skills for work, life, and community participation. Eligible organizations can play a vital role in expanding accessible, high-quality learning opportunities across the city.

For more information, visit Calgary Learns.