Open Call for Major Grants Program (Canada)

The Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program supports large-scale, transformational projects that create long-term community impact across Calgary and eligible surrounding regions. The programme funds sustainable capital projects and collaborative initiatives led by registered charities and qualified donees that address major community challenges through innovation, partnerships, strong leadership, and sustainable solutions.

About the Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program

The Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program provides funding for ambitious initiatives designed to create significant and lasting benefits for communities.

Unlike smaller community grants, this programme focuses on projects that:

• Create broad community transformation.
• Address major social or community challenges.
• Strengthen community systems.
• Build long-term sustainability.
• Encourage collaboration between organisations.

The programme supports initiatives that can create meaningful change beyond individual organisations.

Purpose of the Program

The main purpose of the Major Grants Program is to support projects that:

• Improve community wellbeing.
• Address complex community issues.
• Create sustainable solutions.
• Strengthen charitable sector capacity.
• Develop innovative partnerships.
• Deliver long-term public benefit.

Types of Projects Supported

The programme supports two major categories of initiatives:

Sustainable Capital Projects

Examples include:

• Community infrastructure development.
• Long-term facility improvements.
• Capital projects that create lasting community value.

Collaborative Community Initiatives

Examples include:

• Multi-organisation partnerships.
• Community-wide solutions.
• Projects addressing major social challenges.
• Innovative approaches to community development.

Key Program Priorities

Successful projects should demonstrate:

• Transformational community impact.
• Strong partnerships.
• Organisational resilience.
• Effective leadership.
• Sustainability planning.
• Innovation.
• Equity-focused approaches.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Canadian charities.
• Qualified donees.

Organisations that are not qualified donees may apply if they partner with:

• A registered charity acting as an eligible partner.

Eligible Geographic Areas

Projects must significantly benefit communities located in:

• Calgary.
• Banff National Park.
• Canmore.
• Rocky View County.
• Municipal District of Bighorn.
• Municipal District of Foothills.
• Kananaskis.
• Wheatland.
• Treaty 7 First Nations.

Application Limit

Each organisation may submit:

• One Major Grant proposal at a time.

How to Apply

The application process includes three main phases.

Phase 1: Project Synopsis

Applicants submit an initial summary explaining:

• Project concept.
• Community need.
• Expected impact.
• Alignment with Calgary Foundation priorities.

Phase 2: Full Proposal Submission

Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a detailed proposal.

The full proposal must include:

• Project description.
• Detailed budget.
• Project timeline.
• Audited financial statements from the previous three years.
• Leadership biographies.
• Board member list.
• Organisational structure document.

Phase 3: Advisory Committee Meeting

Selected applicants present their proposal to the advisory committee.

The committee reviews:

• Project approach.
• Community impact.
• Organisational readiness.
• Sustainability plans.

Final recommendations are submitted to the Calgary Foundation Board of Directors.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

Transformational Impact

Assessors consider:

• Scale of community benefit.
• Long-term impact.
• Ability to address significant challenges.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Projects should demonstrate:

• Meaningful partnerships.
• Shared responsibility.
• Community involvement.

Project Readiness

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Clear planning.
• Realistic timelines.
• Strong implementation strategies.

Sustainability

Assessment considers:

• Long-term financial sustainability.
• Future operational planning.
• Ability to maintain outcomes.

Organisational Capacity

Applicants should show:

• Strong governance.
• Effective management.
• Leadership capability.

Equity and Inclusion

Projects should demonstrate:

• Integration of equity principles.
• Consideration of diverse community needs.
• Inclusive approaches.

Why This Program Matters

Large-scale community challenges often require significant investment and collaboration.

The Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program helps organisations:

• Develop long-term solutions.
• Build stronger communities.
• Create sustainable infrastructure.
• Address complex social issues.
• Increase community resilience.

By supporting transformational initiatives, the programme encourages projects that create benefits for current and future generations.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the community problem.
• Demonstrate why the project requires major investment.
• Show strong partnerships.
• Provide realistic financial planning.
• Highlight long-term sustainability.
• Explain measurable community outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without clear transformational impact.
• Providing incomplete financial information.
• Failing to demonstrate partnerships.
• Applying without organisational readiness.
• Ignoring sustainability planning.
• Proposing projects with limited community benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program?

It is a funding programme supporting large-scale initiatives that create transformational and lasting community impact.

Who can apply for Major Grants?

Registered charities and qualified donees can apply. Other organisations may apply through partnerships with eligible registered charities.

What types of projects are funded?

The programme supports sustainable capital projects and collaborative initiatives addressing major community needs.

How many applications can an organisation submit?

Each organisation can submit only one Major Grant proposal at a time.

What documents are required for a full proposal?

Applicants must provide project details, budget, timeline, audited financial statements, leadership information, board details, and organisational structure documents.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are reviewed based on transformational impact, partnerships, sustainability, leadership, planning, organisational capacity, and community benefit.

What happens after shortlisting?

Shortlisted applicants present their proposal to the advisory committee before final recommendations are submitted to the Calgary Foundation Board of Directors.

Conclusion

The Calgary Foundation Major Grants Program provides significant support for organisations developing transformational projects that strengthen communities and address major challenges. By funding sustainable capital projects and collaborative initiatives, the programme helps create long-term positive change across Calgary and surrounding eligible regions. Strong applications should demonstrate clear community impact, innovative partnerships, organisational capacity, sustainability, and alignment with community priorities.