Apply now Community Priorities Grant – Capital Stream 2026 (Canada)

The Community Priorities Capital Grant Program 2026 provides $5,000 to $25,000 for capital projects that strengthen infrastructure and community assets in the Westlock region. Funded by the Community Priorities Fund, this stream supports eligible registered charities and qualified donees operating in Westlock, Westlock County, and Clyde. The grant is strictly for capital expenses and does not fund general programs or non-capital activities.

Program Overview

The Community Priorities Capital Grant Program 2026 is administered by the Westlock Community Foundation.

This funding stream supports capital investments that enhance community infrastructure and long-term assets within the Foundation’s designated service region.

The Capital Stream is funded through the Community Priorities Fund and is distinct from program or project-based grants. Only capital-related requests are eligible under this stream.

Funding Amount

Eligible grant requests must fall within the following range:

• Minimum: $5,000

• Maximum: $25,000

Funding is intended strictly for capital expenses.

What Is a Capital Project?

A capital project refers to investments in tangible assets or infrastructure that provide long-term community benefit.

Examples of eligible capital expenses may include:

• Building renovations or upgrades

• Equipment purchases with long-term use

• Infrastructure improvements

• Facility expansion

• Major repairs to community spaces

• Permanent installations

This stream does not fund:

• Operational costs

• Staffing expenses

• Ongoing program delivery

• Short-term activities

Organizations seeking non-capital funding must apply through a different grant stream.

Geographic Eligibility

Projects must benefit communities within the Foundation’s defined region:

• Town of Westlock

• Westlock County

• Village of Clyde

Applicants must either:

• Be located within this region
  OR

• Deliver programming within this region

Projects outside the designated service area are not eligible.

Priority Funding Areas

Capital projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s six strategic priority areas:

1. Affordability

Ensuring access to essential resources and basic needs.

2. Economic Vibrancy

Creating equitable opportunities to work, grow, and thrive.

3. Safety

Promoting well-being, security, and community stability.

4. Connection & Belonging

Strengthening relationships and inclusive community engagement.

5. Active Living

Supporting physical, mental, and social health through infrastructure and facilities.

6. Environment

Enhancing ecosystems and environmental conditions that impact human life.

Strong proposals clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more of these priorities.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Legal Status

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally registered charities

• Qualified donees with a valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number

Organizations registered as societies without federal charitable status are not eligible for direct funding.

However, non-registered groups may apply in partnership with:

• A registered charity

• A municipality

• A school district

Location Requirement

Applicants must operate within or deliver programming in:

• Town of Westlock

• Westlock County

• Village of Clyde

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Priorities Capital Grant Program 2026 is one of the Foundation’s new funding streams designed to:

• Strengthen local infrastructure

• Build durable community assets

• Enhance access to essential services

• Support long-term sustainability

• Improve community resilience

By investing in capital improvements, the Foundation ensures lasting benefits for residents across the region.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify:

• CRA charitable or qualified donee status

• Geographic eligibility

• Capital nature of the project

Step 2: Define the Capital Need

Clearly outline:

• The infrastructure or asset to be funded

• Why it is necessary

• How it aligns with one or more priority areas

• Who will benefit and how

Step 3: Prepare Financial Documentation

Include:

• CRA business number

• Organizational financial statements

• Detailed capital budget

• Quotes or cost estimates (if required)

Step 4: Establish Partnerships (If Needed)

If your organization lacks charitable status, secure a formal partnership agreement with an eligible entity.

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete the online application through the Westlock Community Foundation’s official grant portal before the deadline.

Ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Submitting non-capital requests under the Capital Stream

• Applying without CRA registration or qualified donee status

• Failing to demonstrate regional impact

• Providing vague infrastructure descriptions

• Missing cost breakdowns or financial documentation

• Weak alignment with priority areas

Clear justification and strong community benefit are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding range?

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

2. What qualifies as a capital project?

Capital projects include infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, building improvements, and long-term physical assets.

3. Can operational expenses be funded?

No. This stream strictly funds capital expenses only.

4. Who can apply?

Federally registered charities and qualified donees with a valid CRA business number. Non-charities may apply through eligible partnerships.

5. Which areas are eligible?

Projects must benefit the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde.

6. Can a society without charitable status apply?

Not directly. It must partner with a registered charity, municipality, or school district.

7. Is this a new funding stream?

Yes. The Community Priorities Capital Grant is one of the Foundation’s new funding streams for 2026.

Conclusion

The Community Priorities Capital Grant Program 2026 provides targeted funding between $5,000 and $25,000 to strengthen infrastructure and long-term community assets in the Westlock region.

Eligible organizations should ensure their proposal is strictly capital in nature, aligned with one or more priority areas, and clearly demonstrates measurable impact within the designated service region.