The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) is a project-based grant that provides financial assistance to not-for-profit community groups and organizations delivering programs and services that benefit the residents of Alberta. The Project-Based funding stream of the Community Initiatives Program (CIP) helps non-profit organizations to finance projects that improve and enrich communities across Alberta for:
- New programs/improvements to current ones
- Community gatherings
- Technological initiatives that promote gender equality
- Portable equipment
The initiative was created to help groups that give back to their communities and provide opportunities for Albertans to get involved in their communities. The CIP also promotes collaboration between community groups and organizations.
Alberta Human Services administer the program. The Community Projects Program (CIP) – A project-Based stream for community-based initiatives addressing gender-based violence, women’s economic security, and women in leadership has absorbed the old Status of Women Community Grant Program.
Funding
The total amount of money available is $75,000.
Project-based funding from the CIP is approved on a matching basis, and the applicant must pay an amount to the project’s expenses equal to or greater than the CIP Project-Based grant request. Matching funds might come in cash, donated labor, equipment, or materials, as long as they are all directly tied to the project.
Applicants are limited to one non-capital and one capital grant per fiscal year in Alberta and must meet the following standards and eligibility requirements:
- through the CIP Project-Based financing stream or the CIP Operating funding stream, one non-capital grant
- one capital grant through either the CIP P-B funding stream or the Community Facility Enhancement Program
Organizations should apply under the specific program stream best suited for their project.
Eligible Organizations
A registered organization in Alberta (and in good standing) under one of these acts:
- Provincial Legislation
- Agriculture Societies Act
- Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act – Extra-Provincial Corporations
- Companies Act, Part 9 (Nonprofit Companies)
- Libraries Act
- School Act
- Societies Act
- Special Act of the Alberta Legislature
- Federation Legislation
- Canada’s Parliament has passed a particular act.
- Not-for-profit corporations in Canada must be registered under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, and businesses in Alberta must be registered under the Business Corporations Act.
- Income Tax Act (of Canada) (Charities) First Nations and Metis Settlements
- Regional Health Authorities Act-created and regulated foundations
- The Post-secondary Learning Act of Alberta defines universities, colleges, and institutions.
Organizations must have an Alberta-based address regularly monitored by a member of the organization.
Ineligible Organizations
The following organizations are not eligible to apply for CIP Project-Based Grant funding:
Municipalities, for-profit organizations, and any other organizations not registered under one of the acts mentioned earlier have delayed or inadequate accounting or reporting relating to any grant previously provided by Alberta Culture and Status of Women.
How to Apply?
Follow the below given three steps to complete your application for the following program:
Step 1: Read the guidelines for the grant. Guidelines for Project-Based CIP can be found by clicking the link given at the end of the article.
Step2: Fill out the application packet
Complete the following forms:
- Project-based application for CIP
- Application for Direct Deposit
- CIP Project-Based Budget Template
The links to these forms can be found on the program’s official site.
- With your application, attach any supplementary documents that are required.
- Incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed in processing.
- Keep a complete copy of your application, budget, and required documents on hand if you are called for further information or clarification.
Step 3: Complete the application package and submit it.
Applications can be emailed (preferred) or submitted to the Community Grants Program at the following address:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Community Grants Unit, Alberta Culture, and Status of Women, Suite 212, 17205 106A Avenue. Edmonton, AB T5S 1M7
After you’ve submitted your application, Program staff may contact groups for information during the review process.
Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision on their application. It takes about six months to complete the review and decision-making process. The following is the notification period:
- The month of July (January 15 intake)
- November is a month of transition (May 15 intake)
- The month of March (September 15 intake)
All grant application decisions are final, and there will be no appeals.
Reporting Obligations
Projects must be completed and accounted for within 18 months of receiving the grant funding.
Financial reporting must include the following elements:
- Unless an extension of the reporting date has been allowed, the Final CIP Accountability Report (FCAR) (DOCX, 111 KB) must be prepared and delivered to program staff within the timeframes stated in the guidelines.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is once a year.
- January 15,
- May 15,
- September 15,
- October 15
The projects must be completed within 18 months of receiving the check.
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