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Community Engagement Fund

Accepting applications from Jan. 16 - Feb. 12, 2026

The Community Engagement Fund is designed to strengthen community resilience by investing in initiatives that address social challenges before they escalate. Funding proposals should demonstrate a preventative approach, focusing on reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors for residents.

Eligible organizations may apply for funding to support a wide range of volunteer activities that directly benefit their operations and/or organization. For the purposes of this grant, a volunteer is defined as anyone who is not paid for their time and is not considered a participant in the program, service, or event. Social contribution activities such as volunteering, and community organizing have been associated with numerous benefits to the individuals participating and the communities they are conducted in.

Applicants must be eligible under the Family and Community Support Services Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation.

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 12, 2026 at 4 p.m. MST. Extensions will not be granted.

Complete the grant application

Grant details and eligibility

Details	Eligibility	Fund use
Preference will be given to registered not-for-profit organizations whose services are of a preventive nature, and that do one or more of the following: Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis. Help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships. Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them. Provide support that helps sustain people as active participants in the community.	Applicants must be eligible under the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation. Be a registered not-for-profit organization in good standing. Have an established track record of delivering social service programs. Provide evidence-based programming that aligns with preventive strategies. Operate within the municipality or serve Airdrie residents. Previously funded initiatives who are looking to increase the number of participants and volunteers are encouraged to apply.	Eligible activities and expenses may include: Delivery of programs and services (volunteer recruitment and training, appreciation events/gifts, reimbursement of volunteer incidental expenses) Community events (volunteer recruitment and training, appreciation events/gifts, reimbursement of volunteer incidental expenses) Support of organization operations (volunteer staff/board recruitment and training, appreciation events/gifts)

Additional important dates

All eligible applications will be presented to the Community Safety and Social Services (CSSS) Standing Committee in March for funding decisions.
Expenses incurred between Jan. 1, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2026 are eligible. Successful applicants should allow up to an estimated 90 days from the application deadline to receive grant funding.

Successful applicant expectations

Spend allocated funds within agreed upon timeline and return unspent funds.
Acknowledge funder logo in materials whenever possible—such as on event signage, promotional materials, and digital platforms.
Successful applicants will have additional opportunities to demonstrate impact (stories, video, photos, etc…).

Final reporting for successful applicants

Complete the final report prior to Jan. 28, 2027 by 4 p.m. MST.

Reports can be submitted prior to deadline.
Reporting requirements outlined in application.

As part of the Community Engagement Fund agreement, recipients must submit a final impact report (template will be provided). This will include a financial report. Please note, the information you provide in the final report may be presented in whole or in part to City Council or its Committees in reports relating to Airdrie FCSS.

Ineligible expenses

Activities provided under this grant must not:

Provide primarily for the recreation needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals,
Offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family,
Be primarily rehabilitative in nature, or
Duplicate services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.

Costs expenditures for this grant shall not include:

The purchase of land or buildings,
The construction or renovation of a building,
The purchase of motor vehicles,
Any costs required to sustain an organization that do not relate to direct service delivery under the program,
Municipal property taxes and levies, or
Any payments to a member of a board or committee