Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Indigenous Initiative Grant supports programs that strengthen foundational learning for Indigenous adults in Calgary, including literacy, numeracy, digital skills, employment readiness, and Indigenous languages and culture. Two grant types—General Initiative Grants and Pilot Initiative Grants—fund curriculum development, research, and new part-time learning opportunities. Eligible organizations must be incorporated, operate within Calgary, and serve Indigenous adults facing financial and social barriers.

Indigenous Initiative Grant: Funding for Foundational Learning Programs in Calgary

Overview

The Indigenous Initiative Grant provides funding for initiatives that improve foundational learning opportunities for Indigenous adults in Calgary. These grants prioritize culturally grounded learning, ethical program delivery, and alignment with Alberta’s Literacy and Foundational Learning priorities.

Programs must support adult Indigenous learners aged 18+ who experience social or financial barriers, while using Indigenous perspectives and culturally relevant learning tools.

Key Focus Areas

Eligible initiatives must fall within one or more of the following foundational learning areas:

• Adult Literacy (reading, writing, document use)

• Numeracy

• Basic Digital Skills

• Skills for Learning (learning strategies, confidence, self-management)

• Employment Readiness

• High School Equivalency Preparation

• Indigenous Languages and Cultures

• Parenting Skills

• Social & Emotional Skills

Grant Streams

1. General Initiative Grants

Supports:

• Development of new curriculum

• New research related to Indigenous foundational learning

• Training development for instructors and tutors

2. Pilot Initiative Grants

Supports:

• Development and testing of a new part-time, non-credit, foundational-level learning program

• Programs that meet CALP Grant program requirements

• Culturally grounded learning opportunities designed from an Indigenous perspective

Grant Review Process

• Initiatives follow a granting process shaped by Indigenous Elders and community leaders.

• Applications that pass the initial review must be delivered orally to the Calgary Learns Indigenous review team.

• This ensures each initiative creates ethical, culturally safe learning environments.

Who Is Eligible?

General Initiative Grant Eligibility

Organizations must:

• Be legally incorporated for at least two years under relevant Alberta statutes

• Provide the most recent Annual Return

• Operate the initiative within Calgary between July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

• Serve Indigenous adults (18+) with social/financial barriers

• Address a current foundational learning need

• Avoid duplicating existing local programs

• Have adequate liability insurance coverage

Pilot Initiative Grant Eligibility

Organizations must meet the same requirements as General Initiative Grants, plus:

• Deliver the pilot from an Indigenous perspective of learning and literacy

• Use culturally relevant oral and written tools across content, delivery, and evaluation

• Have Indigenous-appropriate outcome data systems to measure impact

• Ensure staff/volunteer security clearances for work with vulnerable adults

• Align with a current foundational learning need and Calgary community priorities

Why This Grant Matters

• Expands access to culturally grounded foundational learning for Indigenous adults

• Strengthens community-driven educational models

• Supports Indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of knowing

• Helps Indigenous learners overcome systemic barriers to employment, education, and well-being

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility based on incorporation status, timelines, and learner audience.

2. Determine the correct grant stream (General or Pilot) with help from the Grants Liaison.

3. Request the appropriate application form from the Grants Liaison.

4. Prepare a detailed proposal outlining:

   • Learning need

   • Target Indigenous learners

   • Program goals and outcomes

   • Cultural relevance and methods

   • Evaluation approach

5. Submit the written application for initial review.

6. If shortlisted, present the proposal orally to the Indigenous review team.

7. Finalize funding agreements if approved and begin implementation for 2026–2027.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without an Indigenous-centered approach

• Failing to demonstrate a real, current foundational learning need

• Overlapping or duplicating existing local programs

• Missing documentation (Annual Return, insurance proof)

• Weak evaluation plans not grounded in Indigenous perspectives

• Lacking proper security clearance for staff/volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Indigenous Initiative Grant?

Only legally incorporated organizations operating in Calgary for at least two years and serving Indigenous adults may apply.

2. What age group does the grant support?

Programs must serve Indigenous adults aged 18 and older.

3. Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Eligibility generally applies to incorporated non-profits, community organizations, and similar entities. Check with the Grants Liaison for exceptions.

4. Do programs need to be Indigenous-led?

Programs must be grounded in Indigenous perspectives. Indigenous leadership strengthens applications but may not be mandatory for all components.

5. What counts as a foundational learning need?

Gaps in essential skills such as literacy, numeracy, digital abilities, employability, and cultural literacy.

6. Can organizations apply for both grant types?

Organizations should typically apply for the grant stream that best matches their project. Consult the Grants Liaison for guidance.

7. Is oral presentation mandatory?

Yes. All proposals that move beyond initial review must be presented orally to the Indigenous review team.

Conclusion

The Indigenous Initiative Grant empowers organizations to develop culturally grounded learning opportunities that strengthen foundational skills for Indigenous adults in Calgary. By aligning with Indigenous perspectives, community priorities, and Alberta’s foundational learning framework, organizations can design impactful programs that address real learning needs and support long-term community well-being.

For more information, visit Calgary Learns.