STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
(Image Credit: ID 71334531 © One Photo | Dreamstime.com)
By Josh Hall
Community Initiatives Program

Changes coming to Alberta non-profit grant

May 13, 2026 | 6:03 PM

The Government of Alberta is implementing changes to its Community Initiatives Program, in an effort, officials say, to better support non-profits.

They say the changes will empower the non-profit sector and meet organizations’ needs.

According to the province, CIP – ODC replaces the former CIP Operating grant to refocus funding and improve access for a broader range of non-profits. The new program will include two funding categories that, first, provide opportunities for individual organizations to strengthen internal capacity and, second, improve long-term sustainability and collaborative efforts between organizations to address sector-wide or community-identified needs.

“Through the Organizational Development and Collaboration grant stream, we are supporting non-profits by expanding eligibility to funding that supports their work and community needs,” says Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.

Quick facts

  • Through the Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Alberta’s government empowers non-profit organizations to deliver enhanced programming, events and services that enrich communities across the province.
  • The new Community Initiatives Program (CIP) – Organizational Development and Collaboration grant replaces the previous CIP – Operating grant stream.
    • Individual organizations are eligible for up to $50,000 in grant funding and collaboratives can apply for up to $100,000.
    • The program will continue to be administered within the existing community grants budget.
  • Budget 2026 allocates $70 million for community grants, including almost $14 million for the two CIP Grant streams: CIP – Project, and the new CIP – ODC.
  • Applications for CIP grants are accepted twice a year.
    • In 2026, grant intakes will close June 15 and Oct. 15. In 2027 and future years, intakes will close April 15 and Oct. 15.
    • Approved organizations will be notified about six months after each intake closes.
  • Alberta’s network of more than 28,000 non-profit organizations includes groups supporting everything from arts and culture to recreation and social services.

More information is at alberta.ca.

by Josh Hall