Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Each year, Alberta’s government provides support to hundreds of non-profit projects and programs to continue delivering vital services to communities across the province. This includes investing in initiatives like Alberta’s Crowdfunding platform, capital grant funding, and funding for community grant programs.If passed, Budget 2025 will continue to build strong and vibrant communities by supporting community grant programs, including $64 million for the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiative Program (CIP) grants that stimulate economic growth, enhance gathering places and provide opportunities for Albertans to build community and connect with one another.
“I am proud that Budget 2025 reinforces Alberta’s commitment to communities by investing in programs like the Community Facility Enhancement Program and the Community Initiatives Program. These programs allow us to continue supporting non-profits and volunteers and help strengthen communities by expanding the spaces, services and programs available to everyday Albertans.”Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
The CFEP grant helps fund both building new facilities and renovating existing spaces such as heritage facilities, community halls and theatres, festival spaces and many others. Additionally, the CIP grant supports programs, initiatives and events that contribute to and create opportunities for Albertans to engage with their communities.
Last year, the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance received a CFEP grant to assist with the construction of Edmonton’s first dedicated mountain biking facility. The facility will be accessible for bikers of all skill levels and will include dirt jumps, wooden drops, skills structures and an asphalt pump track, spanning almost ten acres within Queen Elizabeth Park.
“This investment in the Edmonton Bike Park is a game-changer for our community, providing a dedicated space for riders of all ages and skill levels to develop their abilities and enjoy the outdoors. With mountain biking growing rapidly in Edmonton, this park will serve as a hub for skill progression, youth engagement and active recreation. We’re excited to see this long-awaited project come to life and grateful for the support that will make it happen.”Joe Yurkovich, president, Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance
To continue bringing educational programming to the big screen and around the province, The TELUS World of Science – Edmonton received a CFEP grant to help with costs in upgrading its IMAX system. This exciting upgrade will make educational content more accessible for communities across Alberta, increasing access to virtual field trips and virtual events, and allow for rental opportunities for groups in need of this unique technology. Once the upgrade is complete, the IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton will be the only one of its kind in Canada to feature this updated technology.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Government of Alberta for investing in non-profit organizations such as ours to amplify impact and build thriving communities. With support from funding programs like CFEP and CIP, we are leveraging new technologies that break down barriers to science education, expanding access for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of science innovators and entrepreneurs. We know that an investment in curiosity is an investment in our collective future.”Constance Scarlett, president and CEO, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton
Community grants are invested in organizations in all corners of the province. Recently, the Street Sisters Society in Calgary received a grant to strengthen its capacity to provide programs, services and training, improving the quality of life for vulnerable Albertans. As well, Foothills Search and Rescue Society in Diamond Valley received a grant to help with purchasing two side-by-side off-road vehicles and a trailer to allow more trained volunteers to respond to search locations quicker and increase capacity to transport Albertans in areas threatened by fire or flood.
Alberta’s government is meeting the challenges faced by family and communities, staying focused on ensuring our province is the best place to live, work and raise a family.
