Small Grants (Edmonton Community Foundation)

Overview of the Small Grants (Edmonton Community Foundation) program:

The Small Grants Program, offered by the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), is designed to provide timely and responsive support to local charitable organizations. This program focuses on short-term initiatives, pilot projects, capacity-building, and one-time needs that align with an organization’s mission but fall outside the scope of ECF’s larger Community Grants program. The goal is to help Edmonton-based non-profits strengthen their ability to serve the community in innovative or urgent ways without being tied to long timelines or complicated application processes. Funding through Small Grants can be used to test a new program, address an immediate challenge, upgrade equipment, deliver time-sensitive training, or build internal capacity for better long-term outcomes. Small Grants are ideal for projects requiring a quick turnaround or for organizations seeking to explore a creative solution to an emerging issue. The application process is straightforward, with no fixed deadlines—organizations can apply anytime. Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants typically receive a decision within 4–6 weeks. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the project will benefit the community, outline measurable goals, and provide a detailed project budget. Priority is given to projects that serve equity-seeking populations, promote accessibility and inclusion, or strengthen the internal operations of charitable organizations.

Benefits of the Small Grants (Edmonton Community Foundation) program:

• Flexible funding for sudden, unexpected needs.
• Monthly application reviews for faster turnaround.
• Eligibility for both direct organizational needs and partnerships with equity-deserving communities.
• Support for Indigenous qualified donees in Treaty 6 Territory.
• Transparent and supportive reporting process with potential deadline extensions.
• Check https://ecf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025-Small-Grant-Guidelines-Oct-31.pdf for guidelines

Eligibility criteria of the Small Grants (Edmonton Community Foundation) program:

• Be a Registered Canadian Charity or other qualified donee.
• Serve the Greater Edmonton Area, including the four surrounding counties. Additionally, Indigenous qualified donees located within Treaty 6 Territory.
• Each organization can have one current Small Grant for their own work AND one to support a partnership or collaborative led by and/or focused on equity-deserving communities.
• When applying to support their own work, must have completed, and reported on any previous Small Grant.
• When applying in partnership with a non-profit society or grassroots group, must have completed and reported on any previous Small Grant for a partnership or collaborative.
• Use funds for a short-term, one-time, or pilot initiative (not for ongoing operations or large-scale projects)