Human Rights and Multiculturalism Grants

Human Rights Education and Multiculturalism Fund (HREM)

Projects That Make Change

The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Education Fund is piloting a Letter of Intent process for the October 2009 deadline. Our objective is to make it easier for applicants to apply for funding and to increase the ability of Education Fund staff to provide consultative support to organizations. This process will be assessed following this deadline.

The Purpose of the Fund

The purpose of Education Fund is two-fold:

  • Work with community organizations, public institutions and government to foster equality and to reduce discrimination by supporting initiatives that make it easier for all Albertans, especially those excluded because of their race, ancestry, colour, religious beliefs, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation and other human rights protected grounds to participate fully in society.
  • Help organizations become a catalyst for change through projects and initiatives that:
    1. Create an environment where all Albertans have an opportunity to participate to their full potential without discrimination;
    2. Increase the capacity of organizations to develop and sustain works that fosters equality and reduces discrimination; and
    3. Advance the development of welcoming communities and inclusive workplaces.

Grant Priorities

  • Remove organizational barriers that exclude groups protected under the Alberta human rights legislation
  • Increase community or organizational capacity to develop and sustain work in building welcoming communities and inclusive organizations.

Preference will be given to projects that:

  1. Produce sustainable and on-going outcomes
  2. Involve the people or communities directly affected by the issue
  3. Demonstrate solid planning and community involvement

Read about previously funded projects on the Culture and Community Spirit Website.

The Pathways to Change Model

The Education Fund grant is an outcome-based grant. Applications will be assessed on the expected outcomes of their projects. Applicants may find the Pathways to Change Model will assist them to identify the short term outcomes they want to achieve. Five strategies leading to full civic participation are:

  • Community capacity building
  • Civic participation
  • Public education and increased public understanding/acceptance of diversity and support for change
  • Local institutional change
  • Public policy and institutional change

Copies of Pathways to Change: Facilitating the full civic engagement of diverse groups in Canadian society are available to download from the Culture and Community Spirit Website or by contacting the Human Rights and Citizenship Branch at 403-297-2713.

How To Apply For A Human Rights And Multiculturalism Grant

1. Contact an Education Fund Consultant to discuss your project idea and the Letter of Intent requirements.

For applicants north of Red Deer: nicholas.ameyaw@gov.ab.ca, 780-427-4001
For applicants in and south of Red Deer: cam.stewart@gov.ab.ca, 403-476-4657