Our Community Grants Program provides financial support to charities in the greater Edmonton area. Through this program, you can get support for a wide range of operational needs. We provide funding for programs, equipment, renovations, and more.

Designated Grants provide annual support to a specific charity chosen by the donor. Through designated funds, the agency receives important, predictable funding that they can use at their discretion to help fulfill their mandates. Agencies cannot apply for designated grants. Agencies interested in building an endowment can get support and coaching by contacting our Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Team.

Donor Advised Grants provide charities annual advice from the donors who established a fund to support them. These grants are specific to the donor and their chosen charity, so agencies cannot apply for them. However, ECF acts as a source of information to donors about Edmonton’s charitable sector. We learn about organizations and programs through the Community Grants Program. Then, we share information about emerging needs with donors who request it.

Environmental Operating Grants provide three years of operational funding to help grow and support Alberta’s environmental sector.

Foundation Directed Initiatives (FDIs) support new and ongoing high-priority projects in our community. This program offers multi-year funding to selected agencies focused on addressing a critical issue. FDI funding ensures they can focus on the work at hand while avoiding the cycle of annual grant applications. There is no application process for FDI funding. Agencies are chosen through an in-depth internal process that complements our Community Grants Program.

Free to Play is a new national initiative that helps kids thrive through outdoor play.

As one of 22 participating community foundations across Canada, ECF  is supporting programs that create opportunities for young people to move, imagine, take risks, and connect with others in safe, open spaces.

By encouraging outdoor play, Free to Play helps kids step away from screens and explore the world around them, sparking creativity, confidence and a sense of belonging.

ECF’s generous donors make it possible to meet a variety of community needs, whether ongoing or emerging. For some granting streams, applications are not accepted.

See a full list of all of the grants ECF has distributed

Small Grants aim to benefit organizations and the community by providing support for capacity development or to address unanticipated needs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives lasting no more than six months.

Our Student Awards programs provide bursaries and scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education. These programs are as diverse as the students who apply for them.

Our Youth Grants are comprised of two separate granting streams:

The Young Edmonton Grants (YEG) program supports activities initiated, led, and organized by young Edmonton and area residents. It provides youth between the ages of 13-24 with up to $3,000 to turn their ideas into reality. Past recipients include Folk Lordz, a cross-cultural improv troupe, and FEMPower: A Diverse Young Women’s Empowerment Conference. The best part about the YEG Program is its flexibility. Have an idea? Tell us about it!

Youth VOICE grants are available for innovative projects or activities that are initiated, led, and organized by young students currently enrolled in Grades 7-12 in a school within the Greater Edmonton area (including Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Parkland County, Leduc County and First Nations communities within this same geographic area).

Looking for our BIPOC grants?

BIPOC Grants have been incorporated into ECF’s Community Grants.

If you have questions or would like support navigating the application process,
please reach out to our Grants team at [email protected].