Grants
Leduc County is committed to providing funding support to not-for-profit organizations to enrich and enhance our communities through events, programs and services, access to physical activity and increased inclusion to participants who may face recreation constraints.
Community Association Grant
2026 grant applications are now open, and will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2025.
The Community Association Grant offers three funding opportunities:
1. Arts and Culture - funding opportunity for the development of low-cost, sustainable, arts and culture related events, programs and services that are available to and benefit all Leduc County residents.
2. Recreation and Sport - funding for projects, programs and special events available to all Leduc County residents to support physical and social environments, affordable access to physical activity and increased inclusion to participants who may face recreation constraints.
Eligible arts, culture, recreation or sport grants may include, but are not limited to:
- Performing arts (drama, music, dance, theatre)
- Multicultural and heritage arts (cultural celebrations, festivals, fairs)
- Educational arts (camps, youth programs)
- Community and special events
- Social and physical recreation programs (active hobbies, exercise)
- Sport groups (training, subsidized participation)
3. Operating assistance - funding for the ongoing operations of affiliated community groups that provide membership-based recreational, art, cultural, social and/or sport programs and services accessible to the broader community (e.g., 4-H Clubs, Pickleball Clubs, Girl Guides, etc.).
Online applications are only accepted on or before September 30.
For more information, please email recgrants@leduc-county.com or call 780-955-6410.
Objectives
- Support the social participation and inclusion of Leduc County residents.
- Provide supportive physical, social, and emotional environments.
- Creating affordable access to physical activity and increased inclusion to participants who may face recreation constraints.
- Encourage the development of arts and cultural-related events and programs.
Priorities
- Supporting healthy living
- Supporting social, emotional and physical health.
- Supporting physical literacy and opportunities to make healthy, active lifestyle choices.
- Supporting inclusion and diversity
- Intergenerational programming and volunteerism.
- Collaborating and partnership with diverse communities.
- Supporting residents in rural and remote locations.
- Supporting connection and engagement
- Supporting social and cultural opportunities for gathering in person or virtually.
- Supporting affordable solutions to enable engagement, access, and inclusion.
Applicants may apply for the Arts and Culture grant (suggested up to $2,000) for arts and culture-related projects, programs and special events taking place in the Leduc County region.
Applicants may apply for the Recreation and Sport grant (suggested up to $2,000) for recreation and sports related projects, programs and special events taking place within the four regional recreation zones: Town of New Sarepta, Town of Calmar, Town of Thorsby and Village of Warburg).
Applications to both grant opportunities (combined suggested up to $4,000) may be considered. The applications must be for a different project, program or special event.
Applicants may apply for the Operating Assistance grant (suggested up to $1,000) for the ongoing operations of affiliated community groups that provide membership-based recreational, art, cultural, social and/or sport programs and services accessible to the broader community (e.g., 4-H Clubs, Pickleball Clubs, Girl Guides, etc.).
Organizations or community groups must be in good standing and meet all eligibility criteria as outlined in the Community Association Grant Funding Guidelines.
Organizations or community groups must be in good standing and meet eligibility criteria as outlined below:
Eligible organizations:
- Not-for-profit organizations registered under the Societies Act, Libraries Act or Agricultural Societies Act that provide social, recreational, and cultural programs, events and services accessible to the public.
- Affiliated community groups that provide membership-based social, recreational, and cultural programs and services that are open to the broader community (e.g., 4-H Clubs, Pickleball Clubs, Girl Guides).
- Non-registered groups may be considered, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and funding conditions.
- Libraries that offer social, recreation, arts, and culture programs may be considered for funding, provided the programs are not already supported through municipal funding.
Ineligible organizations:
- Municipalities.
- For-profit organizations.
- Organizations that operate in a strictly private or closed setting, without programs or services open to the general public.
- Religious organizations, unless engaged in a significant project that benefits the entire community.
- Organizations that already, and will not receive Community Facility Operating funding or other Leduc County funding for the proposed project.
- Organization already receiving, or will receive, cost-share funding from partner municipalities for the proposed project (e.g., Cities of Leduc and Beaumont, Towns of Calmar and Thorsby, Village of Warburg)
- Organizations with an outstanding Community Association Grant Financial Accountability report from the pervious year’s grant cycle (if applicable).
- Organizations with an outstanding Community Facility Operating final report from the previous year’s grant cycle (if applicable).
Eligible projects, but not limited to:
- Projects must be held within the Leduc region and accessible to all Leduc County residents.
- Performing arts (drama, music, dance, theatre).
- Multicultural and heritage arts (cultural celebrations, festivals, fairs).
- Educational arts (camps, youth programs).
- Community and special events.
- Social and physical recreation programs (active hobbies, exercise).
- Sport groups (training, subsidized participation).
Ineligible expenses:
- Wages to support individuals.
- Fundraising or administration costs.
- Travel costs.
- Projects, programs and special events costs that are already funded through the school board.
- Retroactive projects, programs and special events costs.
- Renovations.
Grant timeline
Application intake period: |
Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 |
Organization/Community Group eligibility assessment: |
October |
Funding notification and grant funds awarded: |
November |
Acknowledgement of funding conditions due: |
January |
Funding period: |
January to December |
Financial Accountability report due: |
February (following the funding period) |
To help you prepare for your online application, we have provided copies of the application forms below for your reference prior to submission.
Application and supporting documentation:
The following documents and information must be included with your online application. Applications submitted without all required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible.
- Detailed project information, including community participation, engagement, anticipated reach, and a project budget (to be completed within the application).
- Current list of board/committee members.
- Signed meeting minutes with a motion to apply.
- Financial statement (may include an audited statement, Societies Act annual return, or Board approved statement).
Note: applications submitted without all required information and documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible.
All eligible applications will be reviewed using, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- The project provides community value.
- The project contributes to the quality of life, community engagement and community development to Leduc County resident.
- Viability and sustainability of the project.
- The project is new or expanded opportunities for residents to participate.
- Organization or community group’s financial stability and capacity.
Community groups receiving funds from the Community Association grant program must adhere to the Community Association Grant Funding Guidelines and the following funding conditions:
- Project(s) must be held within Leduc County and accessible to all residents.
- Funds must be used within 12 months (January to December) of the funding year.
- Project(s) must be publicly advertised and recognize Leduc County as a funding agency prior to, during and upon completion of the project (refer to Leduc County’s sponsorship recognition).
- Grant funding (cheque or direct deposit will only be issued to the official bank account of the organization or community group, or that of an affiliated or partner organization.
- Any changes to the approved project scope must be submitted to and approved by Administration.
- A Financial Accountability report can be completed at anytime once the project is finished. It must be submitted no later than two months after the funding year ends (by February).
The Financial accountability report is part of the funding conditions, and can be completed at anytime once the project is finished. It must be submitted no later than two months after the funding year ends (by February).
Organizations or community groups with an outstanding financial accountability report from the previous year’s grant funding will not be eligible.
Provincial grants for community groups
The Government of Alberta offers a variety of grants and funding opportunities for community groups across the province. Review and apply for the following grant programs through the Government of Alberta:
Seniors grant program
For community-based projects
The seniors grant program supports projects, programs and events that enrich the quality of life and enhance the health and well-being of seniors within Leduc County. The program is designed to provide funding support to organizations and volunteer groups who will create new opportunities for Leduc County seniors to connect, engage and contribute to their communities. For the purpose of this grant, the term “senior” will refer to any person of, or over the age of 55.
Eligible organizations or groups can apply for funding for projects, programs and events that are either led by seniors or driven by seniors’ ideas and interests. Ongoing or recurring activities will be considered as long as there is a new component; however, new ideas and events are highly encouraged.
A maximum of $15,000 base funding will be provided by Leduc County to be distributed to suitable applicants whose activities meets the below eligibility. The amount per funding request is not capped; however, the requested amount should be consistent with the size of the project, program or event and the capacity of it.
Applications were accepted from Jan. 2 to Jan. 31, 2025.
Objectives
- Promote and encourage active engagement and volunteerism
- Foster a sense of belonging
- Promote social inclusion
- Develop and maintain healthy relationships
- Enhance access to social supports
- Develop and strengthen skills that build resilience
Priorities
1. Aging well
- Supporting social, emotional and physical health
- Supporting aging in place
- Improving quality of life
- Building skills or increasing knowledge
2. Inclusion and diversity
- Intergenerational programming and mentorship
- Collaborating with diverse communities, ethnicities or groups
- Supporting seniors in rural and remote locations
- Reducing stigma and ageism or promoting positive messages on aging
3. Connection and engagement
- Increasing social networks
- Providing affordable solutions to enable access and inclusion
- Providing volunteer opportunities and engaging new volunteers
- Supporting digital literacy
Grant amounts
- A maximum of $15,000 will be distributed by Leduc County to suitable applicants based on the project, program or event’s alignment with the funding objectives and priorities outlined above.
- If there are not enough suitable applicants, not all funding may be distributed.
- Approved applicants may not receive the entire amount requested.
- Final funding decisions will be approved by Leduc County Council.
Conditions of funding
Community groups receiving funds from the seniors grant program must demonstrate they meet the above-listed criteria by completing an application form.
- Funds must be spent within 12 months of being received unless otherwise approved by Leduc County.
- Organizations will not receive funding from multiple grant programs for the same project, program or event.
- Organizations will only receive one grant per project, program or event per year.
- The organization or group must currently serve Leduc County residents, the event held in Leduc County and identify as one of the following:
- A not-for-profit organization, such as a seniors centre, recreation group, cultural club or community hall group.
- A coalition, network, committee or group of individuals committed to working together.
- A for-profit organization, provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial and does not generate profit.
- Partnerships between multiple groups or organizations are encouraged.
- Eligible projects, programs or events can be social and/or recreational in nature
- Eligible projects, programs or events must focus on a minimum of one priority:
- Aging well
- Inclusion and diversity
- Connection and engagement
Examples
- Community social luncheons with a guest speaker on scams and frauds targeting seniors
- Physical activities focused on aging and mobility
- Intergenerational paint nights for seniors and youth
- Program to teach seniors digital literacy and online safety
- Reducing fees for seniors to encourage more participation in community events
- Developing a new program to engage new senior volunteers
Ineligible organizations
- Municipalities.
- For-profit organizations where the nature and intent of the activity is commercial and generates profit.
- Religious organizations, unless they are engaged in a project, program or event that benefits seniors from the entire community.
- Any organization or group whose projects, programs or events targeting people under the age of 55.
- Any organization or group that is not in good standing with Leduc County.
Ineligible expenses
- Projects, programs or events fully funded by other sources
- Clubs, groups or organizations that are not open to the general public
- Projects/programs/events that are not open to Leduc County seniors
- Projects/programs/events that are solely recreational or social
- Renovations or operational expenses
- Wages or subsidies directly paid to staff, volunteers, or participants
- Fundraising or administration costs
- Travel costs for organizers
- Retroactive project/program/event costs
Submissions for the Leduc County seniors grant program will be accepted from Jan. 2 to Jan. 31, 2025.
- Application forms are available online at www.leduc-county.com/grants or from the FCSS department. Please call 780-979-2385 to request a paper copy of the application form.
- Completed applications will be accepted by webform, email, fax, or drop off.
- Email applications to fcssinfo@leduc-county.com or fax to 780-955-4765.
- Drop off at Leduc County Centre – 4th floor FCSS, 101-1101 5 St. Nisku, AB. ATTN: Sara
- Please contact Sara Russell, Manager of Community Supports, if you have questions about the application process, wish to discuss ideas, or need to make adjustments to submitted applications.
- phone: 780-955-6424 or email: sara@leduc-county.com
- Applications will be reviewed by Leduc County.
- Council will review recommendations and award final grant approval in February 2025.
- Cheques will be issued to successful applicants by March 31, 2025.
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a final report no later than March 31, 2026 unless otherwise approved by Leduc County.
Beginning Jan. 2, apply online or download and submit a paper copy. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 2 to Jan. 31, 2025.
The online application will be available in January 2026; for more information, please contact fcssinfo@leduc-county.com
Review the seniors grant program funding guidelines
To discuss your idea prior to applying, reach out to Sara Russell at 780-955-6424 or sara@leduc-county.com.
All eligible applicants will be reviewed by Leduc County Family and Community Support Services. The evaluation of applications will be reviewed using, but not limited to, the following criteria:
- The project, program or event enhances social opportunities to a broad base of local seniors
- Contribution to quality of life, social participation and inclusion of local seniors
- Viability of the initiative
- Organizational competence
- Fiscal responsibility and viability
The grant funding guidelines require recognition of Leduc County as a sponsor of the project, program or special event by one or all of the following:
- Social media mentions
- Website
- Newsletter
- Displaying the County's approved sponsorship poster
- Grant recipients must submit a final report form upon completion of their funded activities and submit to Leduc County along with photos and required supporting documents.
- Organizations with an outstanding final report form for a grant from a previous year will not be eligible.