Call for funding proposals

The purpose of the Beltline Community Investment Fund (BCIF) is to invest in projects within the Beltline Area (click here for map) to support public realm infrastructure for current and future residents and to provide visitors with a quality public environment. BCIF was created in 2006 alongside density bonusing policies in the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 2P2006), implemented through Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 to facilitate and finance improvements to the Beltline Area.

BCIF leverages investments in projects on public lands or within public rights-of-way in the Beltline related to public realm improvements, including but not limited to:

• Public open space design, redevelopment or enhancement
• Streetscape design and improvements
• Implementation of urban design strategies and public art on public land
• Public open space acquisition

Through BCIF, approximately $2,500,000 is available for new capital projects that support public space improvements in the Beltline. The City of Calgary is currently looking for innovative, community-minded projects to access the fund and is calling for Letters of Intent (LOI) from interested organizations. The organizations that are selected to deliver the projects will be expected to align their projects with the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plans Part 1 and Part 2 and the Calgary Greater Downtown Strategy. A summary of the guiding principles in these three documents is available at this link.

Please review the following before submitting your LOI:

• Read the information on this webpage in its entirety
• Review the BCIF Resources for Organizations

Note that further information is available on the BCIF webpage.

LOIs will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Organizations interested in applying for BCIF funding can submit an LOI to BCIF@calgary.ca.

If the project outlined in your LOI is accepted, you will be invited to the BCIF Application Process and asked to submit a full application. Full applications will also be accepted on an ongoing basis, however there will be set periods when applications will be reviewed by the BCIF Committee for funding decisions.

Reviews of full applications will take place by the following quarterly deadlines:

• March 25, 2024
  
• Jun 24, 2024
  
• Nov 25, 2024
  
• March 24, 2025
  

NOTE: The BCIF Letter of Intent process will remain open throughout the 2024/2025 year, unless fully subscribed.

Funding criteria

Projects must meet the following baseline criteria to be eligible for funding:

• Capital projects that fall into one of the following categories related to public realm improvements or enhancements:
  • Public open space design
  • Redevelopment or enhancement
  • Streetscape design and enhancements
  • Mobility improvements
  • Public realm projects enhancing City-owned building projects
  • Implementation of urban design strategies and public art on public land
  • Public open space acquisition
• Physically located within the defined Beltline area (link to map).
• Located on public lands or within public rights-of-way.
• Meets a demonstrated need in the Beltline community.
• Demonstrates support and connections with the Beltline community.
• Aligns with key City plans and policies that apply to the Beltline area including the Downtown Strategy, and the local area redevelopment plan.
• Meets all required City approvals for construction or fabrication before funding is released.
• A single project will only be considered for funding for two consecutive years, and then it is no longer eligible. Projects of a similar nature, but not the same, would be considered eligible.
• Projects that propose planning for capital projects may be considered eligible, including design competitions, conceptual design studies, consultancy services, and projects that support sustainable development and enhancement measures in the community.
• Be managed by a non-profit, society or other incorporated organization that has a demonstrated a proven track record of delivering projects of a similar nature.

The following types of projects are NOT eligible for funding:

• Operating costs not related to a capital project, for example, operating costs for activation, feasibility studies, or research projects.
• Projects that benefit only private interests.
• Anything a developer is already required to undertake as part of a development permit.
• Projects already funded for two consecutive years through BCIF.

BCIF is open to non-profit organizations, societies or other incorporated organizations that have demonstrated a proven track record of delivering projects of a similar nature and operating within Calgary’s city limits.

LOIs should be brief and provide high-level information. Please complete your letter including the information indicated below and submit it to BCIF@calgary.ca. The letter must be limited to two pages (information past two pages will not be considered).

The LOI should address the following:

• Organization name and contact information for project lead
• High-level overview of your project
• The experience your organization has delivering capital projects that would be eligible for this fund (refer to the Funding criteria section above)
• The demonstrated need(s) in the Beltline area your project will address
• How you will demonstrate support and connections with the Beltline community (for example, contacting community associations, Business Improvement Areas or other relevant community groups in Beltline)
• How the project will improve the public realm in the Beltline area  
• How the project aligns with principles of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy and the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan 
• How soon you can implement the project and how long it will take to complete
• The supports, approvals, permits or permissions you need to receive before undertaking this project
• How you plan to measure the impact of the project
• How much funding you will be requesting for this project 

As you begin this LOI process, please keep the following eligibility requirements in mind. If you are invited to submit a full application, you will need to provide the following:

Organizational eligibility:

• Demonstrate your organization’s operational capacity, including sound governance, financial outlook, and the use of evidence-informed practices. 
• Demonstrate your organization’s ability to have the necessary infrastructure to support the project including securing a physical location for the project in the Beltline area. 

Program eligibility:

Proposed operational project plan demonstrates the following:

• Your ability to manage and deliver the project in the allocated time (up to 24 months from the time funding is received)
• Include who the project is aimed at (priority population groups), what will be done, where and how it will be completed, and when the project will take place
• Show how you plan to evaluate and measure the project impact 
• Demonstrate your plan for maintenance and lifecycle of the project

Note: You do NOT need to address these requirements now at the LOI stage. Relevant documents pertaining to these eligibility requirements may be required later in the full application process.

The City of Calgary will review LOIs on an ongoing basis. All applicants will be notified about the outcome.

Only if your request is successful will you be asked to submit a full application through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Organizations must access FIMS with a myID business account, which is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. To register for a myID business account organizations should obtain a business ID number here, and then register their primary email address here. Finally, set up a myID business account by visiting myid.calgary.ca and using the business ID number and registered email address.

Due to the multiple steps required, organizations are encouraged to register for FIMS as early as possible.

Organizations may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.

Successful organizations will need to provide proof of Commercial General Liability (CGL) in an amount not less than $2,000,000 inclusive, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured.

If you have any questions or need support regarding FIMS, please email us at BCIF@calgary.ca.

Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods:

• Mid-term progress report
• Project-end report that details the program outputs and outcomes (due one month after project completion)
• A financial report of the project including submission of all receipts and invoices that detail project expenditures (due one month after project completion)

Please ensure your letter addresses the following:

• Organization name and contact information for project lead
• Provide a high-level overview of your project. 
• What experience does your organization have delivering capital projects that would be eligible for this fund?
• What demonstrated need(s) in the Beltline area will your project address?
• How will you demonstrate support and connections with the Beltline community? (for example, contacting Business Improvement Areas, Community Associations or other relevant community groups)
• How will the project improve the public realm in the Beltline area?  
• How does the project align with principles of Calgary’s Greater Downtown Strategy and the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan?
• How soon can you implement the project and how long will it take to complete?
• What supports, approvals, permits or permissions do you need to receive before undertaking this project?
• How do you plan to measure the impact of the project?
• How much funding will you be requesting for this project?

Be sure to review the BCIF Resources for Organizations before submitting your letter of intent. 

Funding Information Management System (FIMS) is a secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.

myID - An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).

All questions about the Beltline Community Investment Fund call for Letter of Intent can be sent to BCIF@calgary.ca. 

How can interested organizations apply for funding?
Starting January 30, 2023 applicants can submit a Letter of Intent to BCIF@calgary.ca for potential projects. Details on the call for proposals are available at this link. Once the letters have been reviewed, eligible applicants will then be invited to submit an application through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS), which is a secure, online platform for organizations to apply for funding and manage their profiles.

If an organization is interested, is it worth submitting a Letter of Intent just to express interest?
Submitting a Letter of Intent is not recommended unless an organization already has a concrete project in mind.

What is the anticipated timeline for this funding opportunity? When are decisions made and funding issued?
The intake process for this fund will be ongoing, therefore interested organizations can apply at any time during the year, or until the fund is fully subscribed. However, applications will be reviewed by the BCIF Committee on a quarterly basis.

When is the Letter of Intent due?
Letters of Intent can be submitted at any time. Applications are reviewed on a regular basis so applicants should receive a response within two weeks of submission advising if their Letter of Intent was successful. Projects successful at the Letter of Intent stage will be invited to undertake a full application process. 

When will successful applicants receive funding?
Once a project has been approved for funding by the BCIF Committee, applicants will be informed within seven business days. Funding will be provided once the funding agreement has been signed.

Who and what kind of organization is eligible for this funding?
Applicants must be an incorporated organization, but not necessarily a non-profit organization. As per the Terms of Reference, projects must be "managed by a non-profit, society or other incorporated organization that has demonstrated a proven track record of delivering projects of a similar nature."

What kind of project is eligible for this funding?
Eligible projects must be capital projects that fall into one of the following categories related to public realm improvements or enhancements. Geographically, the projects must take place in the Beltline (click here for a map), but the applicant can be based elsewhere.

• Public open space design
• Redevelopment or enhancement
• Streetscape design and enhancements
• Mobility improvements
• Public realm projects enhancing City-owned building projects
• Implementation of urban design strategies and public art on public land
• Public open space acquisition

How is ‘public realm’ defined?
In the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan, Section 6 entitled Public Realm Plan states: “The image of every city, especially inner city and downtown communities, is defined by the quality of its public realm – its streets, boulevards, public squares, parks, riverfronts, and public art – as well as the urban vitality and economic vibrancy that is generated and contained in the public realm.”

For further explanation about the public realm as it pertains to the Beltline, please refer to the Beltline Public Realm Plan, starting on page 46 within the Beltline ARP Part 1.

Is the call open to both new and existing projects?
Funding is available for new projects. Projects that are currently underway that meet the eligibility requirements can apply for funding for new expenses. Retroactive expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.

A project will only be considered eligible for two rounds of BCIF funding, after which it would no longer be eligible. Projects that are of a similar nature can also be considered eligible, as long as they are unique, distinct projects.

Can a new initiative have already started before we obtain the funding?
Funding cannot be retroactively applied to any project prior to the date a formal funding agreement between the City of Calgary and the fund recipient is signed.

Can an organization only apply once or multiple times?
An organization can apply multiple times, but projects already funded for two consecutive years through BCIF will be ineligible.

Would a project be considered ineligible if it obtains funding from multiple sources?
No – Pursuing other funding sources is encouraged if your project necessitates doing so. However, BCIF will not fund any expenses that are being paid for by another funder, or any expenses that have been incurred prior to the signing of a formal BCIF funding agreement with The City of Calgary. 

Why do applicants need permits before knowing if they will receive funding?
As per the BCIF funding framework in the Terms of Reference, The City of Calgary will need to see evidence that the appropriate permits and permissions from the asset owner are already in place before being able to commit funding to the project. These documents should be uploaded into the FIMS system.

What is the typical grant amount (or range) funded for this initiative?
There is not a set minimum or maximum for funding requests. The BCIF Committee has the authority to approve individual project grants of up to $200,000. For individual projects grants over $200,000, the Committee will work with Administration to bring recommendations to Council for consideration.

As a guideline, funding requests should scale appropriately to your proposed project as well as be within your current capacity and experience as an organization.

How much funding is available?
The current value of the fund is approximately $2.5 million, although it does not need to be fully subscribed.

Details of the fund are available here at calgary.ca/BCIF.

In November 2023, as part of the 2024 budget adjustments, Calgary City Council approved funding to support a Transit & Community Safety investment option. Up to $2 million of the approved funding is targeted support for The City of Calgary’s Civic Partners, as defined in the Investing in Partnerships Policy, to address safety incidents and related escalated safety issues in the areas and community spaces surrounding a Partner’s facility/facilities that impact the safety of visitors and Calgarians with a focus on the downtown.

To disburse this targeted one-time grant funding, The City is offered a 2024 Civic Partner Community Safety Grant Program. This guide outlines the key principles and approaches for the program. 

1. Review the guide in full and determine if your organization is eligible to apply.
2. Complete the online grant application and submit any required documents by midnight on Monday, January 29, 2024.
3. Provide any additional documents that may be requested during the review process. This will include the Budget Expenditures document which can be submitted in Question #23 of the online grant application form. A budget template has been provided, however, you may also submit your own budget expenditures document, if you choose.
   
4. To ensure a timely and fair process, no late applications will be accepted.
   
5. Information submitted in grant applications may be made public.
6. If you have any questions, please contact your City partnership liaison (Civic Partnership Consultant or other partnership liaison) or email partnerships@calgary.ca with “Community Safety Grant Application” in the subject line.
   

The application period has closed.

Funding was available for current City of Calgary Civic Partners as defined in the Investing in Partnerships Policy that are in good standing with The City. If you are unsure if your organization is eligible, please reach out to your City liaison, or email partnerships@calgary.ca.  

In alignment with Council’s approval of Investment Option 17 in the 2024 budget adjustments, this one-time funding focuses on supporting Civic Partners to positively affecting safety in the areas and community spaces surrounding their facility/facilities to help enhance overall safety throughout Calgary for all Calgarians. It is one time funding.

City Administration will review all funding applications using fair and consistent review process based on the following criteria that align with the approval by Council:

• Clear demonstration that there is a need to address safety of visitors and Calgarians in and around the Partner’s facility/facilities and/or the surrounding community spaces
• Quantity and magnitude of safety incidents in and around the Partner’s facility/facilities
• Demonstration that the funding will contribute to one or more of the following results:
  • Improved safety in the areas immediately surrounding a Partner’s facility/facilities,
  • Improved safety in the community spaces immediately surrounding a Partner’s facility/facilities,
  • Increase safety of visitors to a Partner’s facility, or
  • Enhanced overall safety for Calgarians
• Proximity to transit, in particular in the downtown area
• Demonstration that the organization has challenges using existing cash flow, reserves or funding from any related foundations to meet the proposed initiative or work
• A clear plan and budget that demonstrates that funding will be fully spent in the 2024 calendar year
• A plan to sustain the initiative or work if required, recognizing that this is one time funding for 2024

Grant recipients will be required to provide an interim report in Q2 2024 and final report 30 days after year end about the use of the funds, and may be requested to provide proof of how the funds were spent. They will also be required to submit audited financial statements for 2024 within 90 days of the organization’s fiscal year end, or other timeline outlined in the partner’s existing agreements with The City.

In an effort to maintain transparency and accountability, The City will make the names of all recipients and funding allocation amounts available publicly.

City and Civic Partners team up to address safety challenges downtown and near transit

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Fund – Organizational Effectiveness Applicant Guide

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Organizational Effectiveness Sample Application Form

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Budget SampleTemplate

The Capacity Building Fund is available to eligible non-profit organizations for one-time projects to strengthen their organizational effectiveness, increase their programs’ impact, and address emerging social issues and trends that are impacting Calgarians.

This fund focuses on two categories:

Emerging Social Issues for sector-wide projects

Organizational Effectiveness for projects that strengthen organizations.

Please note that each category has its own section on the Call for Funding Proposals webpage. This section is for Organizational Effectiveness.

Applications will be accepted from all eligible applicants through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Wednesday, November 1, 2023 to Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted unless an extension is requested, and approved, 24-hours in advance of the application deadline. To request an extension, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca, and indicate the rationale for the request.

Up to $1.5 million will be available through this fund in 2024. Eligible projects must be one-time projects that can be completed, and funds spent, by December 31, 2024.

This year community-based organizations will be encouraged to submit proposals within either funding stream, to implement projects that will lead to positive change for the Calgarians they serve. 

Community-based organizations are those that are:

• A registered non-profit organization
• Led by members of the community they serve, and;
• Have an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 a year
  OR
• Have 4 or less full-time equivalent staff positions 

Up to $500,000 of the $1.5 million available through this fund will be allocated towards projects developed by community-based organizations. 

You do not have to be a Community-Based Organization in order to be eligible for this funding. Please see the Eligibility section below for details on organizational eligibility.

Organizational Effectiveness
Grant amount: Up to $50,000 for each project.

Funds are available for one-time projects that improve an organization’s effectiveness in supporting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. These initiatives would include increasing the adaptive or technical capacity of an organization. The initiatives go beyond regular operating processes or programmatic activities and seek to enhance the ability of the organization to be resilient and responsive. 

Priority Areas
This year, projects that fall under the following areas will be prioritized for funding: 

• Technology solutions
  Examples could include software or hardware that increase the efficiency of the organization or its programs; advances digital equity; supports service delivery; promotes coordination of multiple organizations.
  
  
• Data & evaluation
  Examples could include strategies that focus on data collection, analysis, or interpretation; change management plans that use data to identify challenges, adjust processes, refine goals, and demonstrate impact; evaluation or learning tools to better identify and understand the community the organization serves; program evaluations that measure impact, effectiveness, and achievements.
  
  
• Employee health & wellness
  Examples could include human resource strategies; flexible work options; equity, diversity, and inclusion policies; employee engagement strategies, policies or practices that support employee mental health.
  
  
• Management capacity
  Examples could include the development of revenue diversification strategies; financial reserve policies; alternate operational models; organizational realignment, and risk assessments.

Applications outside of these priority areas will also be accepted and considered for funding.

Anticipated outcomes:

• New strategies that enable an organization to prioritize, innovate, and respond to internal or external changes.
  
• Redistribution or reallocation of organizational resources to better respond to emerging issues within and outside of their organization.
• Increased ability to implement new organizational or programmatic functions. 
• Increased organizational effectiveness or efficiency.

Organizational Eligibility

• Non-profit organizations with an elected volunteer Board of Directors, operating within Calgary’s city limits. Organizations must be registered under one of the following:
  • The Alberta Societies Act;
  • The Alberta Companies Act;
  • The Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act; or
  • The Canada Business Corporations Act.
• Organization must be in good standing with The City of Calgary. Organizations with a previous, or existing, funding agreement must have fulfilled all reporting and other contractual requirements or have no other conditions that would disqualify them from additional funding.

Project & expense eligibility

Only one application may be submitted per organization, per category. Organizations may submit applications for both Emerging Social Issues and Organizational Effectiveness.

Eligible projects and expenses include:

• One-time projects that strengthen organizational effectiveness and/or enhance program design to meet the needs of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities, etc.) will not be considered for funding. Exceptions include:
  • Technology purchased for the purposes of increasing organizational effectiveness are eligible. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to project delivery;
  • Rent is eligible so long as space is intended for delivery of activities conducted under this project.
• Funded projects may run until December 2024. No funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance, operation or staffing following the funding period.
• A portion of the organization’s global audit is an eligible expense, and organizations are encouraged to include this cost in their budget. 
• Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with insurance in the application’s budget section.

Capacity-building funding cannot be used for:

• Multiple projects within a single application.
• Ongoing programs and services.
  
• Operational and administrative costs beyond those related directly to the proposed project.
• Projects that are primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals.
• Offering direct assistance, including money, food, clothing, or shelter.
• Projects that are primarily rehabilitative in nature.
• Duplicating services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.

Ineligible expenses 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 project.
• Municipal property taxes and levies.
• Any payments to a member of a board or committee.

How we assess your application

Only one application may be submitted per category, per organization. Applications will be assessed in the following areas:

Fund eligibility

• Application is received by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted unless an extension is requested, and approved, 24-hours in advance of the application deadline. To request an extension, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca, and indicate the rationale for the request.
• Application is complete – partial applications will not be assessed.
• Organization is a registered non-profit organization and a legal entity in good standing. Organizations with an existing funding agreement with The City of Calgary have fulfilled all reporting and other contractual requirements. 
• Organization operates within Calgary city limits.
• Organization and project align with the criteria of one of the two categories.
• Demonstration that the project is clearly a one-time project, with the ability to spend the funds by December 31, 2024. Programs will not be funded.

Project eligibility – Organizational Effectiveness

• Clear articulation of organizational need, what capacity is being built, and how capacity is being built.
• Clear outline of intended outcomes.
• The impact of the project on Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities is clearly articulated, with a clear outline of intended measures for evaluating impact.
• The budget is proportionate to the type of proposed activities.
• Initiative is a single defined project, not multiple activities with different outcomes.
• Demonstration that activities can begin as soon as funding agreement is signed.

Applications are accessed and submitted through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Download the sample application form and budget for reference to assist in preparing answers ahead of time.

Organizations that don't yet have a FIMS account must register in the FIMS system before accessing an application. FIMS is accessed through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. Information on FIMS, and how to access the system, and FAQs, and be found on the FIMS resource page.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes.

In addition to submitting your application through FIMS, the following documents should be uploaded in FIMS by the application deadline:

• Organization’s Certificate of Incorporation.
• Organization’s provincial or federal annual return.

If you have questions during this application period, contact us at fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Application checklist

• Review this page in its entirety.
• Review sample application form.
• Register for the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).
• Complete and submit the Capacity Building Fund – Organizational Effectiveness application form by December 13th, 2023 at 11:59pm.
• Upload your organization’s Certificate of Incorporation and most recent provincial or federal annual return in FIMS.

After you have applied

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.  

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof of Commercial General Liability (CGL) in an amount not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) inclusive, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured. This may take time to accomplish, so it is advised to look into this process with your insurance provider early. Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with insurance in the application’s budget section.

Reporting
Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods:

• A project-end report will be submitted through FIMS that details the project outputs and outcomes. This report will be due on March 1, 2025.
• A financial report and an unaudited financial statement for the project will be submitted through FIMS. This report will be due on March 1, 2025.
• For projects funded for $25,000 or more, project audited financial statements will need to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end.
• The organization’s annual global audited financial statements will need to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end.

Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with audited financial statements in the application’s budget section. 

The application will include an optional section to gather disaggregated data in support of The City’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Disaggregated data means data that can be broken apart or “disaggregated” so that relationships and effects on different categories of people and organizations can be seen. All questions in the section are optional and therefore do not need to be completed to submit an application. Answers will not have an impact on the success of an application. 

Definitions pertaining to the disaggregated data section:

• Black – Refers to any individual who self-identifies as belonging to the Black Race. This includes individuals from the African continent, African Diaspora, Caribbean, South/Latin American heritage, North American ancestry or Other.
• Gender diverse – Refers to people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth (i.e., who are not cisgendered), and could include, but is not limited to, gender nonconforming, transgender, agender, Two-Spirit, gender queer, non-binary, and gender fluid.
• Indigenous – People whose ancestors lived on and with these lands prior to colonization and identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit.
• Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized Peoples Organizations – An organization that is led by and for Indigenous, Black, and/or diverse Racialized Peoples. This includes individuals and groups that The City of Calgary recognize to be experiencing systemic racism, racialization and racial discrimination due to historical oppression and colonization. These are organizations whose mandate and most of their activities and resources are dedicated to serving these communities and those that are created by, led by (at all levels) and involve a majority of people from these communities.
• LGBTIQ2S+ sexually diverse – Refers to people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual/straight, and could include, but is not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, demisexual, queer/questioning and two-spirit.
• Racialized – Individuals who experience systemic racism and Racial discrimination. These individuals are non-White, non-Indigenous and self-identify.

• Capacity-Building – Building the capacity of an organization or community involves strengthening the resources, capabilities, knowledge of a group, with the end goal of strengthening that group’s ability to achieve its mission and vision and increase its measurable impact. (Adapted from: Huffman, D., Thomas, K., & Lawrenz, F. (2008). American Journal of Evaluation, 29(3), 358-368.).
• Collaborative – Organizations working together in a manner that includes some or all of the following components: partners, backbone organization, communication, activities, shared outcomes, and a common agenda.  
• Community – A community is a group of people that interact and support each other, and are bonded by shared experiences or characteristics, a sense of belonging, and often by their physical proximity. Examples include, but are not limited to, communities of geography, race, culture, religion, ability, sexuality, and experience (Adapted from: Cobigo, V., Martin, L., & Mcheimech, R. (2016). Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 5(4), 181-203.).
• Community-based organization – Non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organizations that represent community needs and work to help them. Community-based organizations may be associated with a particular area of concern or segment of the community. For the purposes of this fund, eligible community-based organizations are those that are led by members of the community they serve and have an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 a year or have 4 or less full-time equivalent staff positions.
• Emerging Social Issues – A social condition, behaviour, or service gap that has a negative impact on Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. The identified issue does not need to be new, but the approach to addressing it should be.
• Full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing position – An FTE is a unit of measurement used to figure out the number of full-time hours worked by all employees in an organization. A full-time job is one in which a person works 30 or more hours a week. A person working 30 hours a week is considered one (1) FTE. Someone who works 15 hours a week would be considered a half (0.5) FTE. You can calculate the number of FTEs in your organization by adding everyone’s average weekly working hours and dividing by 30.
• Funding Information Management System (FIMS) – A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.
• myID - An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).
• Organizational Effectiveness - Developing the capabilities of an organization to improve its effectiveness and sustainability. (Cornforth, C., & Mordaunt, J. (2011). Voluntas, 22(3), 428-449.).
• Program – A program is an ongoing activity or service offered by an organization, usually involving clients that benefit from their participation in the service.
• Project – An activity with a clear beginning and end, with clear deliverables at the end.

If you have identified barriers with this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding more equitable, please contact us. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the suggested changes.

Email: fundingproposals@calgary.ca

How much funding is available?
Up to $1.5 million is available in 2024.

How will the $1.5 million be distributed across the two categories?
There is no pre-determined allocation of funds specifically directed to Emerging Social Issues and Organizational Effectiveness. Allocations will be dependent on the applications submitted.

Can organizations submit more than one application?
Organizations may only submit one application per category. One for Emerging Social Issues and one for Organizational Effectiveness.

Can organizations submit an application in each category for the same idea?
No, each category targets different priorities and have different eligibility criteria. Organizations should align the proposal to the appropriate category.

Do organizations need to submit applications to each category?
No, organizations have the option of only applying under one category.

Funding is available for one-time projects but not ongoing programs. Why is that, and what is the difference between the two?
Successful proposals will only receive a one-time funding allocation, with no eligibility for additional funds. As a result, funds are targeted at projects that can be started and completed within 2024. Ongoing programs are activities or services that take place continually or with a regular schedule. In most cases programs are those that involve and benefit clients, whereas projects benefit the organization. 

If funding is only available for one-time projects, does that mean the projects are not allowed to operate beyond 2025?
Projects may continue beyond the funding period, but there must be a distinct result or outcome within 2024. For example, funding could be used to form a collaborative amongst organizations with the outcome being the establishment of the collaborative. The collaborative could continue to operate, but Capacity-Building funds would not be provided for sustainment.

When will organizations be notified if their application was successful or not?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by March 1st, 2024.

When will successful applicants receive their funding?
If successful, applicants will receive a funding agreement that must be signed and returned to the City of Calgary alongside proof of adequate ($2,000,000) commercial general liability insurance, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured. Once this is received, funds will be released to the organization.

How does an organization access FIMS?
You may log into FIMS at the following link. Organizations will access FIMS through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

How does an organization create a myID business account?
To create a myID business account, your organization will need to have a business ID number and a primary email address registered with The City. If you have both, visit the following link. Once you have registered, an activation code and link will be emailed to the registered business primary email address.

Where can the application be found in FIMS?
There are several tabs on the left-hand side of the FIMS landing page. To start an application, choose the ‘Available Funding’ tab. Click the ‘Apply for this funding’ button to begin the application. Once you begin filling out an application and hit the save button the application will be moved to a different section of FIMS. To access applications you have saved, but haven’t submitted, go to the ‘Applications’ section. To start a new application, go to the ‘Available Funding’ section.

Do organizations need to submit anything other than the application itself?
In addition to the application, organizations should upload a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation and a copy of their most recent provincial or federal annual return. If you have uploaded these within the last 12 months, there is no need to do so again.

What is an annual return and why are you asking for it? 
Registered nonprofit organizations must file an annual return to either the provincial or federal government, depending on how they have been incorporated. Returns verify your organization’s information and maintain its active status. We use this information to verify organizational details and status.

Do you have to be a Community-Based Organization to apply for Capacity Building Funding?

No, you do not have to be a Community-Based Organization in order to be eligible for this funding. We are encouraging Community-Based Organizations to apply and intend to allocate up to $500,000 of the available $1,500,000 to projects from Community-Based Organizations. The remainder of the funding is intended to go toward projects at other organizations. See the section on organizational eligibility under the Eligibility heading in this call for further details.

If we received a Capacity Building grant for 2023, are we eligible to submit a proposal for 2024 for a different project?

Yes, organizations who received Capacity Building funding in a previous year may apply for a different Capacity Building project this year, provided they meet all of the organizational and project eligibility of the funding call.

How much of a project budget can be allocated towards administrative or overhead costs?

While there is no specific percentage that is allowed for administration costs for a project, ensure that any administration costs included in the project are directly related the project itself, and not the ongoing operations of the organization.

When should eligible projects begin and end?

We anticipate that applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by March 1^st, 2024. Eligible expenses can only be incurred during the approved funding term, so applicants should plan for projects to begin on or after this date. Successful projects should be completed, and funds spent, by December 31, 2024. So, it is advisable to plan for projects that are 10 months long, or less.

A virtual information session was held November 20.

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Fund – Emerging Social Issues Applicant Guide

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Fund – Emerging Social Issues Sample Applicant Form

Download the 2024 Capacity Building Budget Sample Template

The Capacity Building Fund is available to eligible non-profit organizations for one-time projects to strengthen their organizational effectiveness, increase their programs’ impact, and address emerging social issues and trends that are impacting Calgarians.

This fund focuses on two categories:

Emerging Social Issues for sector-wide projects

Organizational Effectiveness for projects that strengthen organizations.

Please note that each category has its own section on the Call for Funding Proposals webpage. This section is for Emerging Social Issues.

Applications will be accepted from all eligible applicants through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Wednesday, November 1, 2023 to Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:59 pm. Late applications will not be accepted unless an extension is requested, and approved, 24-hours in advance of the application deadline. To request an extension, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca, and indicate the rationale for the request.

Up to $1.5 million will be available through this fund in 2024. Eligible projects must be one-time projects that can be completed, and funds spent, by December 31, 2024.

This year community-based organizations will be encouraged to submit proposals within either funding stream, to implement projects that will lead to positive change for the Calgarians they serve. 

Community-based organizations are those that are:

• A registered non-profit organization
• Led by members of the community they serve, and
• Have an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 a year
  OR
• Have 4 or less full-time equivalent staff positions 

Up to $500,000 of the $1.5 million available through this fund will be allocated towards projects developed by community-based organizations. 

You do not have to be a Community-Based Organization in order to be eligible for this funding. Please see the Eligibility section below for details on organizational eligibility.

Emerging Social Issues
Grant amount: Up to $75,000 for each project.

Funds are available to support one-time projects that address an emerging social issue or trend through collaboratives or sector coordination. Proposed projects should support knowledge development and exchange, strengthen collaborative efforts, coordinate efforts among organizations working to address a sector gap, or any activity wherein an innovative collaborative response is designed, developed and/or leads to implementation.

Projects should involve members of the community that are directly involved in, or impacted by, a particular issue and/or social service organizations that would respond to it. As social issues are complex, projects under this stream should be collaborative in nature and involve other organizations along with the primary applicant. Funds may be used for the express purpose of establishing a new collaborative around a specific social issue. Funds may also be used to strengthen existing collaborative efforts. 

Examples of projects could include:

• The start-up of a new collaborative for the purposes of addressing an identified social issue.
• Collective impact projects that coordinate efforts among organizations focusing on a specific social issue.
• Collaborative projects with organizations that seek to explore how issues can be addressed at the systems or policy level.
• Creation of a sustainability plan to support the social inclusion of a community or population.
• Participatory action efforts to increase involvement of diverse partners in addressing issues of social inclusion.
• Projects that partner with other organizations or affected populations to address service gaps among Calgarians experiencing social isolation and other vulnerabilities.
• Collaboration among organizations that provide supports to vulnerable populations around a certain emerging social issue through creation of an information sharing framework.

Anticipated outcomes:

• New innovative strategies are developed to address emerging social issues.
• Individuals in a community are brought together to identify needs and solutions.
• Innovative community-based projects are designed, developed, and implemented.
• New partnerships among two or more non-profit organizations are established and sustained.
• Coordinated response is developed to emerging social issues or trends.
• Service gaps and collaborative strategies to address them are identified.

What is a collaborative?

Collaboration and interorganizational partnerships are critical to successfully addressing social issues. By working with others, organizations can leverage a wider range of expertise and resources to inform change. Collaboratives vary in how they are structured and how they operationalize shared work, however for the purposes of this funding opportunity the collaborative should have some of and be working toward achieving the following:

• Partners: Two or more organizations working together towards a common goal.
• Backbone organization: A backbone organization managing the collaboration (in this case the primary applicant and fiscal agent). The backbone organization will work with partners to carry out activities.
• Communication: Collaborative workflow, regular check-ins, and shared messaging for external communications.
• Activities: Expertise leveraged from each partner as part of the overall goals of the project.
• Shared outcomes: Common progress measures working towards a shared outcome.
• Common agenda:  Project schedules, decision-making structures, timelines, and accountabilities.

Organizational eligibility

• Non-profit organizations with an elected volunteer Board of Directors, operating within Calgary’s city limits. Organizations must be registered under one of the following:
  • The Alberta Societies Act;
  • The Alberta Companies Act;
  • The Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act; or
  • The Canada Business Corporations Act.
• Organization must be in good standing with The City of Calgary. Organizations with a previous, or existing, funding agreement must have fulfilled all reporting and other contractual requirements or have no other conditions that would disqualify them from additional funding.
• Organizations will be required to list others operating in partnership, though this collaborative working style can be captured in several ways. Prior to applying, partnering organizations should have a history of working together which in some cases could include a written agreement, where appropriate. 

Project & expense eligibility

Only one application may be submitted per organization, per category. Organizations may submit applications for both Emerging Social Issues and Organizational Effectiveness.

Eligible projects and expenses include:

• One-time projects that address systems gaps or sector trends that may be impacting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.
• Projects that work with an impacted population to develop new strategies and address an emerging social issue affecting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.
• Funds may be used to form a collaborative, and can be used to enhance operating through temporary staffing costs, convening costs and technology. The collaborative does not need to be formalized prior to applying.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities, etc.) will not be considered for funding. Exceptions include:
  • Technology purchased for the purposes of collaboration are eligible. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to project delivery;
  • Rent is eligible so long as space is intended for delivery of activities conducted under this project.
• Funded projects may run until December 2024, with the understanding that the collaborative may run beyond this period. No funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance, operation or staffing following the funding period.
• A portion of the organization’s global audit is an eligible expense, and organizations are encouraged to include this cost in their budget. 
• Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with insurance in the application’s budget section.

Capacity-building funding cannot be used for:

• Multiple projects within a single application.
• Ongoing programs and services.
• Operational and administrative costs beyond those related directly to the proposed project.
• Projects that are primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals.
• Offering direct assistance, including money, food, clothing, or shelter.
• Projects that are primarily rehabilitative in nature.
• Duplicating services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.

Ineligible expenses 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 project.
• Municipal property taxes and levies.
• Any payments to a member of a board or committee.

How we assess your application

Only one application may be submitted per category, per organization. Applications will be assessed in the following areas:

Fund eligibility

• Application is received by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted unless an extension is requested, and approved, 24-hours in advance of the application deadline. To request an extension, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca, and indicate the rationale for the request.
  
• Organization is a registered non-profit organization and a legal entity in good standing. Organizations with an existing funding agreement with The City of Calgary have fulfilled all reporting and other contractual requirements. 
• Organization operates within Calgary city limits.
• Organization and project align with the criteria of one of the two categories.
• Demonstration that the project is clearly a one-time project, with the ability to spend the funds by December 31, 2024. Programs will not be funded.

Project eligibility – Emerging Social Issues

• Collaborative has evidence of a working relationship which would benefit from new investment in ways of working together. 
• The roles of partners in the proposed project are clearly identified.
• Evidence of unmet or changing needs of Calgarians is well defined, including impacted population(s).
• There is a plan in place for community members affected by the identified social issue to be involved in a proposed response.
• Clear outline of intended outcomes.
• The impact of the project on Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities is clearly articulated, with a clear outline of intended measures for evaluating impact.
•  The budget is proportionate to the type of proposed activities.
• Project is a single defined project, not multiple activities with different outcomes.
• Demonstration that activities can begin as soon as funding agreement is signed.

Applications are accessed and submitted through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Download the sample application form and budget for reference to assist in preparing answers ahead of time.

Organizations that don't yet have a FIMS account must register in the FIMS system before accessing an application. FIMS is accessed through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. Information on FIMS, and how to access the system, and FAQs, and be found on the FIMS resource page.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes.

In addition to submitting your application through FIMS, the following documents should be uploaded in FIMS by the application deadline:

• Organization’s Certificate of Incorporation.
• Organization’s most recent provincial or federal annual return.

If you have questions during this application period, contact us at fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Application checklist

• Review this page in its entirety.
• Review sample application form.
• Register for the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).
• Complete and submit the Capacity Building Fund – Emerging Social Issues application form by December 13th, 2023 at 11:59pm.
• Upload your organization’s Certificate of Incorporation and most recent provincial or federal annual return in FIMS.

After you have applied

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.  

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof of Commercial General Liability (CGL) in an amount not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) inclusive, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured. This may take time to accomplish, so it is advised to look into this process with your insurance provider early. Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with insurance in the application’s budget section.

Reporting
Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods:

• A project-end report will be submitted through FIMS that details the project outputs and outcomes. This report will be due on March 1, 2025.
• A financial report and an unaudited financial statement for the project will be submitted through FIMS. This report will be due on March 1, 2025.
• For projects funded for $25,000 or more, project audited financial statements will need to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end.
• The organization’s annual global audited financial statements will need to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end. 

Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with audited financial statements in the application’s budget section. 

The application will include an optional section to gather disaggregated data in support of The City’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Disaggregated data means data that can be broken apart or “disaggregated” so that relationships and effects on different categories of people and organizations can be seen. All questions in the section are optional and therefore do not need to be completed to submit an application. Answers will not have an impact on the success of an application. 

Definitions pertaining to the disaggregated data section:

• Black – Refers to any individual who self-identifies as belonging to the Black Race. This includes individuals from the African continent, African Diaspora, Caribbean, South/Latin American heritage, North American ancestry or Other.
• Gender diverse – Refers to people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth (i.e., who are not cisgendered), and could include, but is not limited to, gender nonconforming, transgender, agender, Two-Spirit, gender queer, non-binary, and gender fluid.
• Indigenous – People whose ancestors lived on and with these lands prior to colonization and identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit.
• Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized Peoples Organizations – An organization that is led by and for Indigenous, Black, and/or diverse Racialized Peoples. This includes individuals and groups that The City of Calgary recognize to be experiencing systemic racism, racialization and racial discrimination due to historical oppression and colonization. These are organizations whose mandate and most of their activities and resources are dedicated to serving these communities and those that are created by, led by (at all levels) and involve a majority of people from these communities.
• LGBTIQ2S+ sexually diverse – Refers to people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual/straight, and could include, but is not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, demisexual, queer/questioning and two-spirit.
• Racialized – Individuals who experience systemic racism and Racial discrimination. These individuals are non-White, non-Indigenous and self-identify.

• Capacity-Building – Building the capacity of an organization or community involves strengthening the resources, capabilities, knowledge of a group, with the end goal of strengthening that group’s ability to achieve its mission and vision and increase its measurable impact. (Adapted from: Huffman, D., Thomas, K., & Lawrenz, F. (2008). American Journal of Evaluation, 29(3), 358-368.).
• Collaborative – Organizations working together in a manner that includes some or all of the following components: partners, backbone organization, communication, activities, shared outcomes, and a common agenda.  
• Community – A community is a group of people that interact and support each other, and are bonded by shared experiences or characteristics, a sense of belonging, and often by their physical proximity. Examples include, but are not limited to, communities of geography, race, culture, religion, ability, sexuality, and experience (Adapted from: Cobigo, V., Martin, L., & Mcheimech, R. (2016). Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 5(4), 181-203.).
• Community-based organization – Non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organizations that represent community needs and work to help them. Community-based organizations may be associated with a particular area of concern or segment of the community. For the purposes of this fund, eligible community-based organizations are those that are led by members of the community they serve and have an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 a year or have 4 or less full-time equivalent staff positions.
• Emerging Social Issues – A social condition, behaviour, or service gap that has a negative impact on Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. The identified issue does not need to be new, but the approach to addressing it should be.
• Full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing position – An FTE is a unit of measurement used to figure out the number of full-time hours worked by all employees in an organization. A full-time job is one in which a person works 30 or more hours a week. A person working 30 hours a week is considered one (1) FTE. Someone who works 15 hours a week would be considered a half (0.5) FTE. You can calculate the number of FTEs in your organization by adding everyone’s average weekly working hours and dividing by 30.
• Funding Information Management System (FIMS) – A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.
• myID - An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).
• Program – A program is an ongoing activity or service offered by an organization, usually involving clients that benefit from their participation in the service.
• Project – An activity with a clear beginning and end, with clear deliverables at the end.

If you have identified barriers with this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding more equitable, please contact us. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the suggested changes.

Email: fundingproposals@calgary.ca

How much funding is available?
Up to $1.5 million is available in 2024.

How will the $1.5 million be distributed across the two categories?
There is no pre-determined allocation of funds specifically directed to Emerging Social Issues and Organizational Effectiveness. Allocations will be dependent on the applications submitted.

Can organizations submit more than one application?
Organizations may only submit one application per category. One for Emerging Social Issues and one for Organizational Effectiveness.

Can organizations submit an application in each category for the same idea?
No, each category targets different priorities and have different eligibility criteria. Organizations should align the proposal to the appropriate category.

Do organizations need to submit applications to each category?
No, organizations have the option of only applying under one category.

Funding is available for one-time projects but not ongoing programs. Why is that, and what is the difference between the two?
Successful proposals will only receive a one-time funding allocation, with no eligibility for additional funds. As a result, funds are targeted at projects that can be started and completed within 2024. Ongoing programs are activities or services that take place continually or with a regular schedule. In most cases programs are those that involve and benefit clients, whereas projects benefit the organization. 

If funding is only available for one-time projects, does that mean the projects are not allowed to operate beyond 2025?
Projects may continue beyond the funding period, but there must be a distinct result or outcome within 2024. For example, funding could be used to form a collaborative amongst organizations with the outcome being the establishment of the collaborative. The collaborative could continue to operate, but Capacity-Building funds would not be provided for sustainment.

When will organizations be notified if their application was successful or not?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by March 1st, 2024.

When will successful applicants receive their funding?
If successful, applicants will receive a funding agreement that must be signed and returned to the City of Calgary alongside proof of adequate ($2,000,000) commercial general liability insurance, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured. Once this is received, funds will be released to the organization.

How does an organization access FIMS?
You may log into FIMS at the following link. Organizations will access FIMS through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

How does an organization create a myID business account?
To create a myID business account, your organization will need to have a business ID number and a primary email address registered with The City. If you have both, visit the following link. Once you have registered, an activation code and link will be emailed to the registered business primary email address.

Where can the application be found in FIMS?
There are several tabs on the left-hand side of the FIMS landing page. To start an application, choose the ‘Available Funding’ tab. Click the ‘Apply for this funding’ button to begin the application. Once you begin filling out an application and hit the save button the application will be moved to a different section of FIMS. To access applications you have saved, but haven’t submitted, go to the ‘Applications’ section. To start a new application, go to the ‘Available Funding’ section.

Do organizations need to submit anything other than the application itself?
In addition to the application, organizations should upload a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation and a copy of their most recent provincial or federal annual return. If you have uploaded these within the last 12 months, there is no need to do so again.

What is an annual return and why are you asking for it? 
Registered nonprofit organizations must file an annual return to either the provincial or federal government, depending on how they have been incorporated. Returns verify your organization’s information and maintain its active status. We use this information to verify organizational details and status.

Do you have to be a Community-Based Organization to apply for Capacity Building Funding?

No, you do not have to be a Community-Based Organization in order to be eligible for this funding. We are encouraging Community-Based Organizations to apply and intend to allocate up to $500,000 of the available $1,500,000 to projects from Community-Based Organizations. The remainder of the funding is intended to go toward projects at other organizations. See the section on organizational eligibility under the Eligibility heading in this call for further details.

If we received a Capacity Building grant for 2023, are we eligible to submit a proposal for 2024 for a different project?

Yes, organizations who received Capacity Building funding in a previous year may apply for a different Capacity Building project this year, provided they meet all of the organizational and project eligibility of the funding call.

How much of a project budget can be allocated towards administrative or overhead costs?

While there is no specific percentage that is allowed for administration costs for a project, ensure that any administration costs included in the project are directly related the project itself, and not the ongoing operations of the organization.

When should eligible projects begin and end?

We anticipate that applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by March 1^st, 2024. Eligible expenses can only be incurred during the approved funding term, so applicants should plan for projects to begin on or after this date. Successful projects should be completed, and funds spent, by December 31, 2024. So, it is advisable to plan for projects that are 10 months long, or less.

Do all of the partners in the collaborative need to be registered non-profit organizations, or only the primary applicant?

The primary applicant needs to meet all the organizational eligibility listed on the funding call. Other partners do not need to meet this criteria.

A virtual information session was held November 21.

Download the full 2024 Connect the Dots! Applicant Guide

Download 2024 Connect the Dots! Sample Application Form

Download 2024 Connect the Dots! Sample Budget Template

The Connect the Dots! (CTD!) call for funding proposals will enhance support for existing evidence-based community programs and services that respond to the mental health and addictions related issues affecting Calgarians. CTD! funding is available for established programs and services with a track record of positive impact to enhance capacity to address an identified service gap.

This is a competitive process which will assess both currently funded and established evidence-based community programs and services which are not currently receiving funding though CTD!. Organizations that currently receive CTD! funding may apply to sustain funding for their current programs (with or without an additional enhancement). Pilot projects are not eligible.

Non-profit organizations that meet the eligibility requirements may submit an application for funding from August 31, 2023 – October 16, 2023, through the City of Calgary’s Funding Information Management System (FIMS).

Through this call for funding proposals, up to $5 million annually will be available for a 24-month time frame (January 2024 to December 2025). There is no maximum or minimum amount that can be requested. However, the requested amount should be proportionate to the type of proposed activities and timelines.

Historically, CTD! funding allocations have been in the range of $90, 000 – $300,000 annually. A list of previously funded programs and amounts can be found on Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Funding Allocations page.

Successful programs will be funded until the end of 2025 and sustainability beyond this period should be a consideration in developing your applications and budget. 

CTD! funding is intended for existing programs or collaboration efforts that respond to the mental health and addiction related issues affecting Calgarians. Community-based programs, services and collaboration efforts that are currently demonstrating results may request funding to enhance their capacity to address an identified service gap.

Through this process, organizations will align their program or service enhancement with Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy and its outcome areas of:

Being well: Wellness at home, at school, at work and in the community.

• Resilient people and communities: Programs and services which increase the ability of Calgarians to build resilience to better prepare for, respond to and recover from difficult times
• Reduced stigma: Programs and services which address the complex social process which aims to exclude, reject, shame, and devalue groups of people based on mental health and addiction.

Getting help: What you need, when, where, and how you need it.

• Improved service access and navigation: Projects which increase service coordination and integration between the mental health and social services that serve Calgarians.
• Increased knowledge: Projects which ensure Calgarians know where to get help for mental health issues and problems, substance use and addiction issues where and when needed. 

Applicants can apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Thursday, August 31 – Monday, October 16 (11:59 p.m.).

Due to an anticipated high volume of applications, extensions will not be provided following the submission deadline and late or partial applications will not be processed.

Prior to applying, organizations are encouraged to review this web page in its entirety, as well as the following documents:

• Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy;
• Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Investment Framework;

All eligible organizations must apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Information on FIMS, and how to access the system, and FAQs, and be found on the FIMS resource page.

Organizations that don't have a FIMS account must register before accessing an application. Organizations access FIMS with a myID business account, which is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. To register for a myID business account organizations should obtain a business id number here, and then register their primary email address here. Finally, set up a myID business account by visiting myid.calgary.ca and using the business ID number and registered email address. Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS, and review the FIMS training modules.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes

In addition to submitting your application through FIMS, the following documents should be uploaded in FIMS by the application deadline:

• Organization’s Certificate of incorporation;
• Organization’s provincial or federal annual return;
• Organization’s most recent financial statement;
• Strategic plan, including vision and mission (or equivalent);
• Business or strategic plan for proposed program, service, or collaborative effort;
• Evaluation of program in current state (annual reporting, testimonials, or other evidence of program success);
• For collaboration efforts only: Memorandum of Agreement, Terms of Reference, or written agreement;
• For collaboration efforts only: Information sharing policies and/or procedures.

• Non-profit organizations with an elected volunteer Board of Directors, operating within Calgary’s city limits. Organizations must be registered under one of the following:
  
  • The Alberta Societies Act;
  • The Alberta Companies Act;
  • The Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act; or
  • The Canada Business Corporations Act.
• Organizations must have a solid track record for effective service delivery; have strong operational capacity, including sound governance, stable financial outlook, and the use of evidence-based practices; as well as a strategic or business plan related to the proposed program.
• Organization must be in good standing with The City of Calgary. Organizations with a previous, or existing, funding agreement must have fulfilled all reporting and other contractual requirements or have no other conditions that would disqualify them from additional funding.
• For collaboration efforts (partnerships) only: Organizations working in partnership will be required to list all partners and capture their working style as one of:
  • Joint Venture: The primary applicant will work with partners to carry out activities. They will pool resources to accomplish outcomes.
  • Cooperative: Rather than pooling resources and sharing responsibility for the program or service, each organization instead takes on responsibility only for parts of the initiative. However, shared mission, goals, decision-making and resources are in place – with the primary applicant distributing resources accordingly.
  • Other: Applicant required to define the collaborative and working structure.
• For collaboration efforts (partnerships) only: Prior to applying, partnering organizations should have a history of working together and in some cases a written agreement (where appropriate).

• This one-time funding is intended for existing programs or collaboration efforts that respond to the mental health and addiction related issues affecting Calgarians.
• Programs funded through the 2022-2023 CTD! funding are eligible to apply for funding to continue to deliver currently funded programming with or without an additional enhancement.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities etc.) will not be considered for funding, However;
  • Technology purchased for the purposes of collaboration are eligible. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to program delivery.
  • Rent is eligible so long as space is intended for delivery of activities conducted under this program.

If you have identified barriers with downloading the applicant guide, this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding more equitable, please contact us at fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Information on eligibility requirements, application process and helpful tips can be found on the Applicant Guide.

Virtual information sessions will be scheduled for potential applicants to learn more about the application process.

Info Session 1:
Monday, Sept 11
(1 – 2 p.m.)

Info Session 2:
Tuesday, Sept. 19
(11 – 12 p.m.) 

Info Session 3:
Friday, Sept. 22
(10 – 11 a.m.)

Info Session 4:
Tuesday, Oct. 3
(12 – 1 p.m.) 

Download the Change Can’t Wait! Call for funding proposals: 2023 Applicant Guide.

Download the Change Can't Wait: 2023 Application Form

In March 2021, Council approved $14 million in support of the Calgary Mental Health and Addiction Community Strategy and Action Plan and its three outcome areas of Being Well, Getting Help, and Staying Safe. 

To support the vision of the strategy, the Community Investment Table has leveraged a combined $2.2 million to support pilot projects through the Change Can’t Wait! campaign since 2020. Each round of funding has tested innovative ideas that bring change at the individual, family, community, and policy or system levels. Together, the Community Investment Table continues to co-invest in the advancement of two of the strategic outcome areas:

• Being well: Wellness at home, at school, at work and in the community.
• Getting help: What you need, when, where, and how you need it. 

 To learn more about this call, sign up for one of our information sessions.

Applicants can apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Wednesday, May 24 to Friday, July 14 at 11:59 p.m.

Organizations can access applications if they have access to FIMS. Organizations who do not have a FIMS account must register with a myID business account as applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for eligibility, payment, and reporting purposes. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS here.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes

The Community Investment Table is launching the 2023 Change Can’t Wait! call for proposals to test innovative ideas through pilot initiatives. In building on learnings and successes from the first three rounds of Change Can’t Wait!, the purpose of this call for proposals is to support collaboratives in piloting innovative shared projects and strengthening the ways they work together in the process.

Funds are available to support collaboratives and sector coordination for collective impact initiatives addressing mental health and addiction. Proposed initiatives should support knowledge development and exchange, strengthen collaborative efforts, coordinate efforts among organizations working to address a sector gap, support technological advances or any activity wherein an innovative collaborative response is designed, developed and/or leads to implementation.

Proposed projects will be two-fold: the delivery of an innovative response to mental health and addiction in Calgary and the collaborative itself in their position to advance change within Calgary’s mental health and addiction ecosystem. 

Through this call for funding proposals, up to $1.8 million in funding will be available for a 15-month timeframe. There is no maximum or minimum amount that can be requested. However, the requested amount should be proportionate to the type of proposed activities and timelines.

Project timelines may run up until December 2024, however sustainability beyond the pilot period should be a consideration in developing the budget. 

Collaboration and interorganizational partnerships are critical to successful system change efforts. By working with others, organizations can leverage a wider range of expertise and resources to inform change. Collaboratives vary in how they are structured and how they operationalize shared work, however for the purposes of this funding opportunity the collaborative is required to have:

• Partners: Two or more organizations working together towards a common goal
• Backbone organization: A backbone organization managing the collaboration (in this case the primary applicant and fiscal agent). The backbone organization will work with partners to carry out activities.
• Communication: Collaborative workflow, regular check-ins, and shared messaging for external communications.
• Activities: Expertise leveraged from each partner as part of the overall goals of the project.
• Shared outcomes: Common progress measures working towards a shared outcome
• Common agenda:  Project schedules, decision-making structures, timelines, and accountabilities.

For more information about eligible collaboratives, download the Change Can’t Wait! Call for funding proposals: 2023 applicant guide.

In addition to shared outcome measures established by your collaborative, initiatives must align with one of the following strategic outcomes:

Being well

• Resilient People and Communities: Projects which increase the ability of Calgarians to build resilience to better prepare for, respond to and recover from difficult times
• Reduced stigma: Projects which address the complex social process which aims to exclude, reject, shame, and devalue groups of people based on mental health and addiction.

Getting help

• Improved service access and navigation: Projects which increase service coordination and integration between the mental health and social services that serve Calgarians.
• Increased knowledge: Projects which ensure Calgarians know where to get help for mental health issues and problems, substance use and addiction issues where and when needed. 

• Primary applicants applying on behalf of the collaborative will need to be registered to operate in Alberta. The opportunity is not limited to non-profit or charitable organizations. For example, businesses, faith groups, community associations, academic and public institutions are all eligible.
• While not required, should a non-profit or charitable organization be a member of the collaborative it is recommended they take on the role of primary applicant when it makes sense to do so.
• Organizations will be required to list others operating in partnership, though this can be collaboratives working style can be captured in three ways:
  • Joint venture: The primary applicant will work with partners to carry out activities. They will pool resources to accomplish outcomes.
  • Cooperative: Rather than pooling resources and sharing responsibility for the project, each organization instead takes on responsibility only for parts of the project. However, shared mission, goals, decision-making and resources are in place – with the primary applicant distributing resources accordingly.
  • Other: Applicant required to define the collaborative and working structure. 
• Prior to applying, partnering organizations should have a history of working together and in some cases a written agreement (where appropriate). 

• Collaboratives must pilot a new idea or way of advancing work together.
• This fund is not intended to sustain established initiatives, however, could pilot new components of a project which has already established proof of concept.
• Dollars are not used to form the collaborative (for example: identifying partners, initial meetings) but can be used to enhance operating through temporary staffing costs, convening costs and technology. In other words, you will have to have your collaborative formalized prior to applying.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities, etc.) will not be considered for funding. Exceptions include:
  • Technology purchased for the purposes of collaboration are eligible. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to program delivery.
  • Rent is eligible so long as space is intended for delivery of activities conducted under this initiative.
• Publications generated by this initiative are to be publicly available free of charge immediately upon their completion.
• Insurance and audited financials (for grants of $25, 000 and over) are required but should be added to the proposed budget as eligible expenses
• Initiative may run until December 2024, sustainability beyond funding period will be a consideration. No funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance, operation or staffing following the pilot period.
• Staffing costs are eligible for the 15-month period only, with no expectation of extension.
• More than one idea may be submitted; however, a separate application form must be submitted for each distinct idea. 

Applications will be assessed in the following areas:

• Application is received by the deadline – late applications will not be processed without extension process initiated 24-hours in advance of the application portal closing. To request an extension please email fundingproposals@calgary.ca 
• Application is complete - partial applications will not be processed.
• Primary applicant is registered to operate in Alberta and currently operating in Calgary city limits.
• The collaborative and proposed initiative both align with the information provided in the call for proposals.
• Organizations with an existing funding agreement have fulfilled reporting and other contractual requirements. 

• Primary applicants applying on behalf of the collaborative are registered to operate in Alberta. The opportunity is not limited to non-profit or charitable organizations. For example, businesses, faith groups, community associations, academic, and public institutions are all eligible.
• Collaborative has evidenced working relationship which would benefit from investment in new ways of working together and a strong project proposal.
• Alignment to Calgary’s Mental Health and Addiction Strategy outcomes.
• Strategy is clearly articulated and includes insights into how initiative will be piloted.
• Demonstration of need, and evidence to support request.
• Clear outline of intended measures for evaluating impact.
• Partners and their roles are clearly identified.
• Requested amount is proportionate to the type of proposed activities.
• Demonstration that activities can begin as soon as funding agreement is signed.
• Statement of sustainability indicating how your initiative will continue this work following the funding agreement.

The Community Investment Table will review applications and make decisions in September 2023. All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application shortly thereafter.

Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision-making process.

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods:

• Primary applicant is responsible for meeting all funding requirements including reporting.
  • Mid-report through FIMS (April 2024)
  • Year-end report will be submitted through FIMS that details the program outputs and outcomes (February 2025)

• A financial report and an unaudited financial statement will be submitted through FIMS.
  • Unaudited financial report for primary applicant (February 2025)
  • Audited financial statement for initiatives $25,000 and over (3 months after fiscal year-end)

• Insurance and audited financials are required. The costs associated with both should be included in the application budget, as they are eligible expenses.
• Initiative may run until December 2024, sustainability beyond funding period will be a consideration. No funding will be provided for ongoing maintenance, operation or staffing following the pilot period. As such we recommend that your Collaborative has a rough plan for how you will carry the project beyond pilot if it is successful. 

Funding Information Management System (FIMS) - A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.

myID - An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS).

If you have identified barriers with this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding process more accessible and equitable, please email fundingproposals@calgary.ca. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the changes.

The Capacity-Building and Emerging Issues Fund is available to eligible non-profit organizations for one-time initiatives to strengthen their organizational effectiveness, increase their programs’ impact, and address emerging issues and trends that are impacting Calgarians.

The Capacity-Building and Emerging Issues Fund is implemented via two focus areas, each with their own eligibility criteria: Emerging Social Issues for initiatives that address an emerging social issue or trend and Organizational Effectiveness for initiatives that strengthen organizations.

Indigenous, Black and Racialized organizations

This year, organizations that are specifically led by and for Indigenous, Black and/or Racialized communities are encouraged to submit proposals under either the emerging social issues or organizational effectiveness categories, to implement initiatives that will lead to positive change for the Calgarians they serve. An Indigenous, Black and Racialized organization eligible to apply for this funding is:

• A registered non-profit organization
• An organization that is led by and for Indigenous, Black, and/or Racialized communities; whose mandate and most activities and resources are dedicated to serving these communities and that are created by, led by (at all levels) and involve a majority of people from these communities

Please see the glossary section below for more information on definitions for Indigenous, Black and Racialized organizations.

Of the $750,000 of City funds allocated towards capacity-building, up to $375,000 will be directed towards initiatives developed by Indigenous, Black and Racialized organizations. 

A virtual information session will be scheduled for potential applicants to learn more about the application process.

Download the Community Safety Investment Framework Call for Proposal Application and Budget Sample

Download the Community Safety Investment Framework Call for Proposal Applicant Guide

The Community Safety Investment Framework emerged through work with a focus on mental health and addiction, ongoing community engagement about public safety and feedback received through public consultations on systemic racism. The Framework guides investment in outcomes for Calgarians experiencing crisis, with the long-term outcome to improve the wellbeing of Calgarians through an equitable and effective crisis response system.

CSIF is a collaborative effort between The City of Calgary, the Calgary Police Service and community partners to connect and identify ways to improve support for Calgarians in crisis due to mental or emotional distress, addiction, conflict, or a threat to their safety.

Applicants can apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Wednesday, February 1 to Wednesday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Organizations can access applications if they have access to FIMS. Organizations who do not have a FIMS account must register with a myID business account as applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for eligibility, payment and reporting purposes. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS here.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to apply will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes.

The purpose of this Call for Proposals is to strengthen existing community crisis response programs and transform the crisis response system to improve the wellbeing of Calgarians through an equitable and effective approach. 

Non-profit organizations are invited to apply for up to $5 million in available funds for new, enhanced and existing initiatives which work to advance four priority outcome areas: 

• Improved crisis triage: programs and services that direct a person in crisis to get to the right service at the right time.
• Increased availability of 24/7 non-emergency support and outreach services: programs and services other than emergency services (Police/EMS/Fire) that are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Increased access to community and peer support programs: crisis response programs and services that address gaps in services to Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities.
• Integrated case management: crisis response programs and services that are collaborative, coordinated and client-centered, meeting the unique needs of clients/participants.

Funds are available to support initiatives providing a primary or secondary crisis response.

Primary Crisis Response: providing immediate support to a person in crisis within the first 24 hours of reaching out for help. 

Secondary Crisis Response: providing coordinated access to immediate services (housing supports, psycho-social supports, etc.) as well as follow-up, with a focus on case management in the immediate aftermath of when the crisis has occurred.

Tertiary Crisis Response*: facilitating long-term attachment to a primary care network for wraparound, whole-person care, including access to a walk-in clinic, medical care, social and wellness-focused support, and overall follow-up care so the person in crisis does not fall back into crisis.

*Tertiary Crisis Response falls beyond the scope of this Call for Proposals.

Priority outcome areas were determined based on the evaluation of historical investments made through the Community Safety Investment Framework, alignment with our refined definitions of crisis response and recommendations provided through the Transforming Calgary’s Crisis Response System Research Report. New and currently funded organizations are encouraged to align their initiative with one of the following outcome areas: 

Improved crisis triage: programs and services that direct a person in crisis to get to the right service at the right time.

Activities might include:

• Programming that supports overall triage and coordination for crisis intake services.
• Programming that provides services that eliminate barriers to calling for help in a crisis, especially for Black, Indigenous, Racialized, and diverse Racialized groups.

Increased availability of 24/7 non-emergency support and outreach services: crisis services and programs other than emergency services (Police/EMS/Fire) that are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Activities might include:

• Programming that provides 24/7 access to non-emergency support and outreach services for crisis response services.
• Programming that provides trauma-informed care to a person in crisis with a commitment to establishing culturally appropriate services. 
• Programming demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with other crisis serving organizations.
• Programming that offers adequate transportation services to and from services and crisis facilities.

Increased access to community and peer support programs: crisis response programs that address gaps in services to Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities. 

Activities might include:

• Incorporating lived experience through peer support into the crisis response system.
• Delivering crisis response services in the language of choice for the person in crisis.
• A commitment to providing culturally and/or linguistically appropriate services with an integration of traditional health practices (i.e., an Indigenous Elder partnering with a clinician and a peer support worker; an integration of cultural healing lodges in programming, etc.). 
• Programming that demonstrates a commitment to connect with, or programming that is led by Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities.
• Increasing training capacity (either to deliver or receive training) within grassroots organizations.

Integrated case management: crisis response services and programs that are collaborative, coordinated and client-centered, meeting the unique needs of clients/participants.

Activities might include:

• Increasing the capacity of information sharing to better serve a person in crisis.
• Programming that directly supports the person in crisis with a plan to provide immediate access to needed support and immediate follow-up care within the first 30 days after the crisis has occurred. 
• Programming removes barriers for individuals with families, so a person in crisis has a safe place to send their children while they are receiving care.

• Non-profit organizations registered under the Societies Act or the Companies Act in Alberta, or the Federal Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, and operating within Calgary's city limits are eligible to apply. 
• The one-time funding is intended for existing or new programs or collaboration efforts that support Calgarians experiencing crisis.
• Program activities can begin as soon as funding agreement is signed. 
• Operational and administrative costs beyond those directly related to the program will not be considered for funding.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities) will not be considered for funding.
• Technology purchased for the purposes of program delivery will be considered. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to program delivery.

Application eligibility

• Application is received by the deadline – late applications will not be processed.
• Application is complete - partial application will not be processed.
• Organization is a registered non-profit organization. 
• Organization operates within Calgary city limits.
• Organization and proposed program both align with the criteria of this call for proposals.
• Organizations with an existing funding agreement have fulfilled reporting and other contractual requirements.

Program or initiative design assessment 

Programs and initiatives will be evaluated by reviewers assigned by the City of Calgary and the Calgary Police Service. Applications will be reviewed for the following: 

• Program or initiative is aligned with priority outcome areas.
• Approach to crisis response is clearly articulated, including impacted population(s). 
• Demonstration of need and evidence to support request.
• Clear outline of intended outcomes and indicators.
• Partners and their roles are clearly identified (if applicable). 
• Requested amount is proportionate to the proposed activities.
• Demonstration that program activities can begin as soon as funding agreement is signed.
• Consideration of eligible expenses. 
• Attachment of program logic model and other supporting materials (if relevant).
• Ability to meet previous contractual requirements outlined in existing agreements. 
• Programs and services are aligned with a primary and/or secondary crisis response. Tertiary crisis responses are not eligible for this CSIF funding opportunity.

The City of Calgary and Calgary Police Service will review applications and make decisions in April 2023. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application shortly thereafter.

Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods: 

• Interim report through FIMS (November 2023).
• Project-end report to be submitted through FIMS that details the program outputs and outcomes (June 2024).
• A financial report and an unaudited financial statement to be submitted through FIMS. 
• For programs funded for $25,000 or more, audited financial statements to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end. 

NOTE: Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with audited financial statements in the application’s budget section. 

Person in crisis – refers to a person in need of immediate support due to mental or emotional distress, or a threat to themselves or others’ safety. 

Crisis response - refers to the immediate resources required by the individual experiencing a crisis, their families and/or support networks. 

Funding Information Management System (FIMS) - A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.

myID - An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). 

If you have identified barriers with this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding more equitable, please contact us at fundingproposals@calgary.ca. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the changes.

If you still have questions, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca. 

Download the Mental Health and Addiction Literacy Community Training and Education Initiative Application and Budget Sample

Download the Mental Health and Addiction Literacy Community Training and Education Initiative Applicant Guide

In March 2021, Council approved $14 million in support of the Calgary Mental Health and Addiction Community Strategy and Action Plan and its three outcome areas of:

• Being well: Wellness at home, at school, at work and in the community
• Getting help: What you need, when, where, and how you need it
• Staying safe: Security at all times, especially in a crisis

To support the vision of the strategy, The City of Calgary is seeking support in implementing Action 2B by expanding the reach of mental health literacy training and education programming to Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized youth.

Applicants can apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) from Wednesday, February 1 to Wednesday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Organizations can access applications if they have access to FIMS. Organizations who do not have a FIMS account must register with a myID business account as applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for eligibility, payment and reporting purposes. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS here.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to apply will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes.

The purpose of this Call for Proposals is to partner with organizations that deliver youth mental health literacy programming organized by and for Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities to help implement Action 2B: Expanding the reach of mental health literacy training and education programming to wider audiences targeting service providers and community groups who work with youth.

Organizations are invited to apply for up to $200K annually for a 3-year period. The successful applicant(s) may target one population group and/or work more broadly to convene sector partnerships to develop a coordinated approach to mental health literacy programming for Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized youth. This fund is not intended for the delivery of clinical mental health services. 

Initiative activities can be phased and may include, but are not limited to:

Phase 1:

• Building programs for schools and the community built on best practices of mental health literacy and peer support programs.
• Developing an inventory or environmental scan of organizational programs and outreach initiatives.
• Engaging with community members to develop a model or adapting curriculum.
• Partnering with other organizations and demonstrating relationships.

Phase 2:

• Fostering a coordinated system of care among grassroots, equity-led and mainstream, organizations.
• Partnering to increase capacity of mental health literacy initiatives.
• Developing a youth advisory council comprised of community leaders and volunteers to establish a network of peer educators.
• Providing mental health learning and education opportunities for families, neighbours, and peers to foster natural supportive environments and informal support networks.
• Convening and hosting opportunities for organizations that develop mental health resources to enable collaboration among mental health literacy initiatives focused on education.
• Identifying and assessing youth-serving organizations that could adopt and implement proposed mental health literacy approaches.
• Creating toolkits and resources for community groups looking to develop or adapt mental health literacy initiatives.

Process outcome: Collaborative relationships have been formed to coordinate the delivery of mental health literacy information and programming. 

Medium-term outcome (6 - 24 months): Children, youth and their families in Calgary have knowledge and language about mental health, mental illness, how to support positive mental health, and when to seek help. 

Long-term Outcome (2 - 5 years): Calgarians can cope with the stresses and strains of daily life at school and have access to supports and services when needed.

Potential indicators:

• More Calgarians report a strong sense of community and belonging.
• More Calgarians experience strong social support/availability of natural supports.
• More Calgarians report improved ability to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
• More Calgarians report increased opportunities to connect within their communities.
• More Calgarians report improved knowledge about mental health and addiction 

Organization eligibility

Organizations registered to operate in Alberta (e.g., Societies Act of Alberta, Companies Act of Alberta, or Business Corporations Act) and currently operating in Calgary’s city limits are eligible to apply. This opportunity is not limited to non-profit or charitable organizations. For example, community associations, faith groups, consultants, academic and public institutions are eligible to apply.

Organizational capacity to offer the proposed initiative will be assessed during the review process. New organizations may benefit from partnering with established organizations to deliver programming – though it is not a requirement for consideration. 

Initiative eligibility considerations

• Both new or enhanced existing initiatives are eligible.
• Operational and administrative costs beyond those directly related to the program are eligible up to 10% of total cost of delivering the initiative.
• Capital expenses (vehicle purchase, facilities) will not be considered for funding (rent eligible).
• Technology purchased for the purposes of program delivery will be considered. Please provide a rationale for the purchase of hardware, applications, software, or database enhancements as it relates to program delivery.
• Publications generated by this initiative are to be publicly available free of charge immediately upon their completion.
• Successful initiative(s) will work alongside the Mental Health Literacy Advisory Group to foster a coordinated system of care. 
• Insurance and audited financials are required but can be added to the proposed budget as eligible expenses.
• Initiative(s) may run from 1 – 3 years, there is no guarantee of funding beyond 2026. 

The City of Calgary and its Advisory Committee comprised of community leaders working in anti-racism and mental health literacy will review applications and make decisions in April 2023. All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application shortly thereafter.

Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision-making process.

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Organizations will be required to report using the following accountability methods: 

• Interim report through FIMS (November 2023).
• Project-end report to be submitted through FIMS that details the program outputs and outcomes (June 2024).
• A financial report and an unaudited financial statement to be submitted through FIMS. 
• For programs funded for $25,000 or more, audited financial statements to be submitted within three months after the organization’s fiscal year-end. 

NOTE: Organizations are encouraged to include the costs associated with audited financial statements in the application’s budget section. 

Black/African or Caribbean – Refers to people pertaining to the continent of Africa: People who are native to Africa, or individuals who trace their ancestry to indigenous inhabitants of Africa.

Community – A community is a group of people that interact and support each other, and are bonded by shared experiences or characteristics, a sense of belonging, and often by their physical proximity. Examples include, but are not limited to, communities of geography, race, culture, religion, ability, sexuality, and experience (Adapted from: Cobigo, V., Martin, L., & Mcheimech, R. (2016). Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 5(4), 181-203.).

Funding Information Management System (FIMS) – A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization's profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services.

Indigenous – People whose ancestors lived on and with these lands prior to colonization and identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Metis, or Inuit.

Indigenous, Black and Racialized Organizations – An organization that is led by and for Indigenous, Black, and/or Racialized communities. These are organizations whose mandate and most of their activities and resources are dedicated to serving these communities and those that are created by, led by (at all levels) and involve a majority of people from these communities.

Mental Health Literacy – Understanding how to achieve and maintain positive mental health; decreasing stigma related to mental disorders; and enhancing help-seeking efficacy (which involves knowing when to seek help, where to find it and what to expect).

myID – An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). 

Racialized – Anyone who experiences Racism as Racialized (also sometimes defined as “people of colour”).

If you have identified barriers with this call for funding proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make this funding more equitable, please contact us at fundingproposals@calgary.ca. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the changes. 

If you still have questions, email fundingproposals@calgary.ca.