Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Operating grant | Government of Alberta

Core funding – provides up to $60,000 in financial assistance for administrative, operational, and program expenses needed to conduct operations and advance the organization’s mission. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• wages and salaries for existing staff, including administrative, finance, and program staff as well as the Executive Director;
• staff and volunteer training opportunities located in Alberta;
• minor purchases of equipment that is critical or integral to support the core position or core programs and services;
• rent, utilities, insurance;
• advertising, marketing, and communication expenses;
• travel within Alberta;
• office and program supplies;
• evaluation, data collection, auditing, and reporting; and
• other ongoing operating pressures as identified by the applicant.

Organizational Development Funding – applicants that are successfully assessed for Core funding have access to an additional $15,000 for Organizational Development activities. Organizational Development funding supports a range of strategic, responsive, or innovative actions that strengthen the organization’s skills, capacity, and ability to deliver its mission and increase its long-term sustainability. Eligible initiatives may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Communications and marketing development to enhance the organization’s overall capacity to communicate its mission and expand its reach.
• Research, feasibility studies, and engagement processes designed to improve the organization’s ability to monitor and respond to the needs of its clients and the community.
• Fund development and training to develop the organization’s approach, skills, and resources to diversify its revenue streams.
• Operational enhancements to improve and document operating policies, procedures, training material or quality assurance initiatives.
• Technology upgrades, training, and implementation that will increase capacity to provide online programs and services, improve client services, staff efficiency, evaluation, or information gathering/sharing.
• Staff and Volunteer training or program development to maximize client services and improve volunteer evaluation and engagement.
• Collaborative relationship building where organizations develop and share best practices and community models that address social issues and provide broad impact.
• Other initiatives identified by the applicant as a result of the organizational assessment that will strengthen the organization’s capacity or contribute to its long-term sustainability.