Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Building Communities Grant Program provides capital funding and fundraising support to Calgary-based organizations to create inclusive outdoor play, learning, and gathering spaces. It offers up to CAD 50,000 or 50% of project costs to support accessible, climate-resilient, and community-driven outdoor infrastructure projects within Calgary.
Overview of the Program
The Building Communities Grant Program is a Calgary-based funding initiative designed to help communities develop outdoor spaces that promote connection, inclusion, and wellbeing. It supports capital projects that enhance public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and community gathering areas.
The program focuses on creating safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable spaces that reflect local community needs.
Program Objectives
The program aims to improve community infrastructure and strengthen social and environmental outcomes.
Key objectives include:
- Increasing access to outdoor nature, play, and gathering spaces
- Reducing barriers to community connection and recreation
- Supporting equity-deserving and underserved communities
- Enhancing accessibility, safety, and year-round usability
- Promoting environmental stewardship and climate resilience
- Encouraging inclusive and community-driven space design
- Strengthening neighbourhood-level public infrastructure
Funding Details
The program provides capital funding support for eligible outdoor community projects.
- Maximum funding: up to CAD 50,000 per project
- Funding limit: up to 50% of total eligible project costs
- Projects must be located within Calgary municipal boundaries
- Funding is focused on capital development and infrastructure improvements
Eligible Applicants
The program is open to Calgary-based community and institutional organizations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations based in Calgary
- Educational institutions
- Community associations and societies
- Local community groups
Applicant requirements:
- Must have an active Project Support Program project account
- Must hold valid non-profit registration status
- Project must benefit the broader Calgary community
- Project must be located within Calgary city limits
- Project must be accessible to all Calgarians
Eligible Projects
The grant supports outdoor infrastructure projects that improve community spaces and public access.
Eligible project types include:
- New or upgraded playgrounds
- Community gathering and meeting spaces
- Park improvements and enhancements
- Outdoor recreational amenities
- Neighbourhood-level public space development
- Inclusive and accessible outdoor environments
Environmental and Design Priorities
The program strongly encourages environmentally sustainable and climate-conscious design.
Projects are prioritized if they include:
- Tree planting and natural landscaping
- Shade structures and heat mitigation features
- Naturalized and biodiversity-friendly areas
- Low-impact and sustainable design elements
- Climate resilience features for year-round use
- Environmentally responsible construction practices
Community Impact Focus
The program emphasizes projects that create meaningful social and community benefits.
It prioritizes spaces that:
- Encourage inclusive community interaction
- Support children, families, and diverse user groups
- Strengthen neighbourhood identity and belonging
- Improve access to safe outdoor environments
- Foster long-term community engagement
Importance of the Program
The Building Communities Grant Program plays a key role in improving urban livability in Calgary by:
- Expanding access to outdoor recreational spaces
- Supporting inclusive and equitable community infrastructure
- Enhancing environmental sustainability in public spaces
- Strengthening social cohesion and neighbourhood connections
- Promoting healthy, active lifestyles through outdoor design
Conclusion
The Building Communities Grant Program supports Calgary communities in creating inclusive, accessible, and environmentally sustainable outdoor spaces. By funding parks, playgrounds, and gathering areas, it strengthens community connections, improves quality of life, and promotes climate-resilient public infrastructure across the city.
For more information, visit Parks Foundation Calgary.