New $20-million fund to support civil societies in Alberta

Dec 3, 2020 | 2:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Applications are now open for a new fund that supports agencies benefitting the community.

The Government of Alberta says the Civil Society Fund will help to leverage the existing strengths of civil society organizations to better address social problems and improve supports.

It will provide $20-million in grants over three years with $7-million budgeted for 2020-21. This will support these agencies’ recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know the significant impacts the pandemic has had on civil society organizations and on communities,” says Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney. “With increased demand for services and devastating revenue losses, the pandemic sheds light on ways to improve and grow civil society organizations.”

“The projects funded by this new initiative will have a significantly positive impact, helping us all better address social challenges and improve supports for our most vulnerable people.”

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The groups who can apply for funding include charities, not-for-profits and volunteer groups, as well as First Nations and Metis Settlements.

Proposals will be considered for projects that have a positive impact on the civil society sector, including:

System infrastructure
Civil society research and data
Organizational transformation
Financial sustainability and resilience

Applicants can request up to $1.5-million for their project.

“I am pleased Alberta’s government is taking action to support the recovery of civil society. I look forward to continuing to work with government to make recommendations on how to strengthen and grow this vital sector,” says Dr. Joel Christie, Chair of the Premier’s Council on Charities and Civil Society.

More details, including how to apply, can be found here.

by David Opinko