HELPING TURN PROJECT DREAMS INTO REALITY
Next GRANT DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2024
Parks and playgrounds require a commitment of time, money, and resources to come to life, and public dollars will not stretch to meet the need. With opportunities for public funding decreasing and the cost of projects increasing, it has never been harder for communities to build these crucial spaces.
We are seeking support to help ensure we can continue providing this essential program.
Please contact info@parksfdn.com for any questions regarding making a donation to the program.
We don’t build parks, we build communities.
“Calgarians deserve safe, interactive, and fun spaces to play and gather. Community green spaces provide us with opportunities to stay active, learn, and build connections. Parks Foundation Calgary exists so we can all enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The Building Communities (BC) grant program was created with a vision to support community-led park projects; together we continue to meet the needs of local communities.
The BC Program helps to support a variety of community-led park or playground initiatives by awarding grants of up to $30,000. In addition to funding, we pride ourselves on providing ongoing support throughout the duration of each project. Our goal is to build community capacity and promote stewardship among children and community residents by supporting the development of valued community spaces. Since the program began in 2009, over 482 new or improved community-led projects have been completed.”
The Building Communities Grant can be used for the development of new or improved community-led park or playground projects. Any non-profit organization, educational institution, society or group can apply if they:
Have opened a Project Support Program project account *application required
Are registered as a non-profit society and have a Certificate of Incorporation
Has objectives relating to parks, community spaces or playgrounds
Are located within The City of Calgary municipal boundaries
NOTE: Due to limited grant funds and high volume of applications not all eligible projects will be approved for funding and projects that are approved may receive less than their requested amounts.
For our complete guidelines, please click the link listed below.
Building Communities Guidelines
Are you looking for more information on how to support your project? Check out our community resources page below
You must complete our Project Support Program application first, in order to be considered for this grant. Applicants who do not apply to the Project Support Program will not be considered for BC funding. The Project Support Program accepts applications on an on-going basis.
If you have questions about the grant please contact our Program Coordinator by calling 403.974.0751 or emailing programs@parksfdn.com
Application deadlines are:
February 1st
May 1st
October 1st (intake for BOTH the Building Communities Grant and the Calgary Flames Playground Award)
Parks Foundation will review project applications 3 times per year using the evaluation criteria above. The Calgary Flames Playground Award will be reviewed and awarded at the final deadline each year. The review process may take up to 12 weeks to complete.
Please review the grant program guidelines and document checklist located in the application, to ensure your application is complete prior to submission.
Two copies of your application are required upon submission, one completed electronic application and one hard-copy application.
Electronic applications should be emailed to:
programs@parksfdn.com Subject Line “Building Communities Grant - <PROJECT NAME>”.
If your application file is too large please consider using a Google Drive or a Dropbox link.
All application submissions must include all application documents and be compiled into one merged .pdf. Please do not submit your application as multiple emails, files, or as a zip.
Hard copy applications can be dropped off or mailed to:
Building Communities Grant Program
Parks Foundation Calgary
225-13th Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2R 1N8
Our application form can be found below.
* Please do not use commas in budget section of the application *
RECOGNITION
The Parks Foundation Calgary and our Building Communities Partners appreciate receiving recognition of support for your organization’s initiative.
We ask that you contact the Manager of Programs to discuss recognition prior to producing any items.
By building playgrounds, Parks Foundation Calgary is also building communities. To realize this objective, the Foundation also relies on a broad range of donors and supporters for matching funds and contribution of time and supplies. Interested corporate groups can contact programs@parksfdn.com, for information about volunteer opportunities that help community projects become a reality.
