Call for Proposals: Neighbour Grants (Canada)

The Calgary Foundation Neighbour Grants Program supports volunteer-led community projects that strengthen belonging, create connections, and bring people together across Calgary and eligible surrounding regions. Grants of up to $10,000 support activities such as neighbourhood gatherings, cultural celebrations, creative projects, skill-sharing initiatives, and community engagement activities.

About the Calgary Foundation Neighbour Grants Program

The Neighbour Grants Program is designed to support grassroots, community-led initiatives that help people connect and build stronger neighbourhood relationships.

The programme focuses on projects that:

Create a sense of belonging.
Encourage community participation.
Strengthen local relationships.
Support inclusive community experiences.
Celebrate diverse cultures and identities.

Projects are developed with local charities and nonprofit organisations to ensure community ideas receive the support needed for successful delivery.

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of Neighbour Grants is to support communities in creating meaningful connections through locally driven activities.

The programme encourages:

Volunteer leadership.
Community collaboration.
Inclusive participation.
Neighbourhood engagement.
Stronger social networks.

Types of Projects Supported

Eligible projects may include:

Community Gathering Activities

Examples:

Neighbourhood events.
Community meeting spaces.
Social connection activities.
Local celebrations.

Creative and Cultural Initiatives

Examples:

Arts projects.
Cultural festivals.
Community storytelling.
Heritage activities.

Skill Sharing and Learning Activities

Examples:

Workshops.
Community education sessions.
Peer learning activities.
Knowledge exchange programmes.

Community Engagement Projects

Examples:

Local problem-solving initiatives.
Neighbourhood improvement activities.
Community participation programmes.

Reconciliation-Focused Learning

Projects may support:

Indigenous learning opportunities.
Community conversations.
Activities promoting understanding and reconciliation.

Funding Details

The programme provides:

Maximum grant amount: Up to $10,000.
Funding type: Project-based community support.

Funding can support eligible project expenses such as:

Event space rental.
Refreshments.
Project materials and supplies.
Artist fees.
Honoraria for Indigenous Elders.

Ineligible Expenses

Funding does not support:

Debt repayment.
Expenses already paid before approval.
Facility improvements.
Fundraising activities.
Regular ongoing operational costs.
Projects with expensive ticket prices.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Registered charities.
Qualified donees.

Registered charities must:

Use a community development approach.
Include meaningful leadership roles for grassroots community members.

Partnership Applications

The programme may also consider:

Nonprofits without charitable status.
Informal volunteer groups.

These groups may need to apply through a partnership arrangement with an eligible organisation.

Applicants should discuss eligibility requirements with the Calgary Foundation before applying.

Eligible Geographic Areas

Projects must 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.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Community-Led Project

Applicants should identify:

A community need.
The people involved.
How the project will create connections.

Step 2: Build Local Partnerships

Projects should involve:

Grassroots community members.
Local nonprofit partners.
Volunteer leaders.

Step 3: Prepare the Proposal

Applications should explain:

Project activities.
Community benefits.
Budget requirements.
Leadership involvement.
Expected outcomes.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are reviewed through the Calgary Foundation application process.

Assessment Process

Applications are reviewed by:

A Calgary Foundation volunteer review team.

Assessment considers:

Community impact.
Level of participation.
Strength of community leadership.
Inclusiveness.
Project feasibility.
Alignment with programme goals.

Project Requirements After Approval

Successful applicants must:

Acknowledge Calgary Foundation support.
Use funds only for approved activities.
Consult the Foundation before making major project changes.
Submit a final project report after completion.

Why This Program Matters

Strong communities are built through relationships, participation, and shared experiences.

The Neighbour Grants Program helps communities:

Reduce social isolation.
Create welcoming spaces.
Celebrate diversity.
Encourage volunteer leadership.
Build stronger neighbourhood connections.

By supporting grassroots ideas, the programme allows residents to actively shape their communities.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Clearly explain how the project builds belonging.
Show community involvement.
Highlight volunteer leadership.
Include diverse community voices.
Provide a realistic project budget.
Explain expected community outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for projects that are mainly fundraising activities.
Requesting support for ongoing operating expenses.
Excluding grassroots community participation.
Submitting projects without clear community benefits.
Applying for expenses that occurred before approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Calgary Foundation Neighbour Grants Program?

It is a funding programme that supports volunteer-led projects designed to strengthen community connections and belonging.

How much funding is available?

Eligible projects can receive up to $10,000.

Who can apply for Neighbour Grants?

Registered charities and qualified donees can apply. Other groups may apply through eligible partnerships.

What types of activities are supported?

The programme supports community gatherings, cultural activities, creative projects, skill-sharing, engagement activities, and reconciliation-focused learning.

Can informal volunteer groups apply?

Yes, informal groups may be considered through partnership arrangements with eligible organisations.

Where must projects take place?

Projects must benefit Calgary or eligible surrounding regions, including Treaty 7 First Nations communities.

What reporting is required after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must submit a final project report and acknowledge Calgary Foundation’s support.

Conclusion

The Calgary Foundation Neighbour Grants Program provides up to $10,000 to help communities create meaningful connections through volunteer-led projects. By supporting neighbourhood gatherings, cultural initiatives, creative activities, and community engagement efforts, the programme strengthens belonging and helps residents build more connected and inclusive communities.