Deadline: 16-Mar-2026
The Community Priorities Grants Program is the largest annual funding initiative of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. It distributes over $500,000 per year to support local, high-impact projects that address emerging needs and promote community equity. Grants are typically awarded for projects exceeding $15,000 to qualified organizations within the Southwestern Alberta region.
Managed by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, this program leverages unrestricted donor gifts to fund transformative local projects. The grant is designed to be responsive, shifting resources to where the community needs them most at any given time.
Why It Matters: Strengthening Regional Resilience
The program is a vital economic and social driver for Southwestern Alberta because:
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Promotes Equity: It prioritizes projects that dismantle barriers and ensure all residents have access to opportunities.
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Responds to Trends: Unlike fixed-service funding, this program targets “emerging needs,” allowing the region to pivot during new challenges.
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Fosters Collaboration: By rewarding projects that show community support, it encourages local non-profits to work together rather than in silos.
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Large-Scale Impact: By focusing on grants over $15,000, the foundation supports significant infrastructure or systemic changes rather than minor patches.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Qualified Donees: Organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that are eligible to receive charitable gifts (e.g., registered charities, municipalities).
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Unrestricted Gifts: Donations made to the Foundation that are not “earmarked” for a specific cause, giving the Foundation the flexibility to fund the most urgent community priorities.
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Emerging Needs: New or urgent social, environmental, or economic issues that have recently surfaced, as opposed to long-standing, routine operational requirements.
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Southwestern Alberta Region: The specific geographic area served by the Foundation, stretching from the BC border to Grassy Lake, and from the US border to Arrowwood.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific geographic and organizational criteria.
Eligible Applicants:
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Qualified Donees: Must be a registered charity or a qualified donee as defined by the CRA.
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Local Organizations: Must be based in and serve residents within Southwestern Alberta.
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Previous Recipients: Generally, if you received a grant in the previous year, you are ineligible this year unless the new application is a partnership with a non-registered organization.
Ineligible Organizations and Activities:
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Religious or political organizations (for activities serving their own membership/purposes).
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Projects benefiting residents outside of Southwestern Alberta.
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Advertising, marketing, or fundraising campaigns.
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Retroactive expenses (costs incurred before the grant decision).
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Ongoing core operating costs, administrative expenses, or deficit reduction.
How to Apply: Process and Strategy
The application process requires demonstrating both a clear need and broad community support.
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Project Identification: Ensure your project addresses an emerging need rather than maintaining an existing service.
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Strategic Alignment: Review the Foundation’s current priority areas (equity, collaboration, and depth of impact).
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Budget Development: Draft a budget for a request of $15,000 or more. Ensure no core operating or travel expenses are included.
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Demonstrate Support: Gather letters of support or evidence of partnership with other local stakeholders.
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Online Submission: Submit your application through the Foundation’s grants portal during the active intake period.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Requesting Operational Funding. Do not ask for money to pay existing staff salaries or rent. This grant is for specific, time-bound projects.
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Mistake: Premature Spending. Any money spent before the official grant decision date will not be reimbursed.
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Tip: Emphasize Partnership. Applications that show multiple organizations working together often score higher during the evaluation process.
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Tip: Define Impact. Clearly explain the difference between breadth (serving many people) and depth (making a life-changing difference for a smaller group).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the maximum grant amount available? While the program awards over $500,000 annually, individual grants are considered for amounts over $15,000. There is no stated maximum, but requests should be proportionate to project impact.
2. Can a school or municipality apply? Yes. Schools and municipalities are considered “qualified donees” by the CRA and are eligible to apply for community-focused projects.
3. Does the grant cover travel costs? No. The program specifically excludes team/group travel or travel reimbursements paid directly to individuals.
4. Why was my ongoing program rejected? The Community Priorities Grant is intended for initiatives and emerging needs. Funding for ongoing services is considered a “core operating cost,” which is ineligible.
5. Can we apply for a festival or workshop? No. The guidelines explicitly state that seminars, conferences, workshops, and festivals are not eligible for this specific funding stream.
6. If we aren’t a registered charity, can we still get funding? You may be eligible if you partner with a registered charity (Qualified Donee) that acts as the lead applicant and fiscal sponsor for the project.
7. When are grant decisions made? The Foundation typically has specific intake cycles (Spring and Fall). Decisions are usually communicated a few months after the application deadline.
Conclusion
The Community Priorities Grants Program is an essential resource for innovation in Southwestern Alberta. By focusing on equity, collaboration, and emerging needs, the program ensures that local donor dollars have the greatest possible impact on the region’s future. Successful applicants will be those who can clearly demonstrate that their project is a “priority” for the community, backed by partnerships and a solid plan for measurable impact.
For more information, visit Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.