Community Initiatives Program and
Community Facility Enhancement Program changes

The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) and Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) have recently undergone a review aimed at improving the application process and streamlining programs to accommodate a range of projects that respond to community needs and priorities.

  • Both CIP and CFEP are moving to quarterly application deadlines. The change is expected to create a more even flow of applications during the year and to produce a shorter application turnaround. The final deadline to be considered in the 2009-10 fiscal year is December 31, 2009 to allow groups time to apply.
  • The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) has been redesigned to include three funding categories:
    • Project-Based Grants - to provide assistance for community organizations for equipment purchases, facility construction or renovation projects, hosting/travel/special events, new programs or special funding (i.e.: disaster) requests within Alberta. Funding limit: maximum $75,000.
    • Community Operating Grants - to provide assistance to registered non-profit organizations in Alberta to enhance the organization's ability to operate and to deliver services to the community. Funding limit: maximum $75,000.
    • International Development Grants - to provide financial assistance to small and medium sized Alberta based non-government organizations to meet Alberta's commitment to give people in developing countries the tools to eventually meet their own needs. Funding limit: maximum $25,000.

CIP application forms have been streamlined by project type.

  • New limits on funding, for any 'new 'or 'in process' applications include:
    • travel funding is capped at $10,000 per grant (effective July 1, 2009)
    • technology funding is capped at $50,000 per grant (effective July 1, 2009)
    • municipalities are no longer eligible for funding from CIP, but can continue to apply to CFEP (effective Oct 1, 2009)
    • organizations are limited to one CIP grant per year for non-capital purposes and one capital grant per year from either CIP or CFEP programs (effective July 1, 2009)
    • no funding will be provided for playgrounds from CIP (effective July 1, 2009)
  • Application forms for both CIP and CFEP are now available online. Paper applications will also continue to be accepted.

For more information, please contact the program office.