Building Communities Grant Program

Overview of the Building Communities Grant Program program:

The Building Communities Grant Program is a long-standing initiative of the Parks Foundation Calgary, designed to empower grassroots and volunteer-led organizations in Calgary to improve public outdoor spaces. The program supports projects that contribute to healthy, active lifestyles and foster stronger, more connected communities. It specifically funds the development, enhancement, or revitalization of community-led outdoor infrastructure projects—such as playgrounds, pathways, parks, gardens, and outdoor fitness or recreation amenities. The grant encourages innovation and collaboration, especially among groups that may not have access to traditional municipal capital funding streams. Projects must be located in publicly accessible outdoor spaces, such as parks, schools, or recreation areas, and should be available for general community use. The Building Communities Grant is not available to individuals or for-profit businesses but is geared toward Calgary-based community groups, non-profits, school councils, and associations that demonstrate strong community support and long-term sustainability planning. Applicants must demonstrate the project’s benefit to the broader community, its feasibility, and how it supports Parks Foundation values of healthy living, outdoor activity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Matching funds or in-kind contributions are encouraged, though not mandatory. This program helps groups navigate funding challenges, offering both financial and technical assistance to bring community-driven outdoor infrastructure projects to life.

Benefits of the Building Communities Grant Program program:

• Financial support for outdoor community capital projects
• Promotes healthy living, community engagement, and inclusive recreation
• Offers technical support and project planning guidance
• Encourages community participation and volunteerism
• Supports grassroots and under-resourced groups
• Improves access to safe, inclusive, and active outdoor spaces
• Helps leverage other funding sources with matching dollars
• Builds long-term infrastructure for community benefit

Eligibility criteria of the Building Communities Grant Program program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a volunteer-led group, non-profit, or community organization
• Operate within the City of Calgary
• Propose a capital project located in an outdoor, publicly accessible space
• Have community support for the project (e.g., letters of support, surveys)
• Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage funds and complete the project
• Secure any necessary approvals or permits from the City or landowner
• Be able to complete the project within the timeline (typically 1224 months)
• Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible
• School councils and neighborhood associations are welcome to apply