The Stella Conceptual Drawing Grants program is intended to provide seed money for the development of a concept to re-envision Calgary’s parks, pathways and natural areas. The program supports projects that provide significant benefit to the continuation and enrichment to Calgary’s parks and pathways. This program was made possible by a generous donation from Mario Stella. A local businessman, philanthropist, and Rotarian who passed away in early 2013.
The Stella Conceptual Drawing Grant program must be used to hire a landscape architect to provide a professional drawing that reflects the innovative vision a group would like to create. Up to $5,000.00 can be awarded to any non-profit organization, education institution, or group that wishes to apply. The landscape drawing should also be accompanied by a preliminary cost estimate for the project, and a visual aid to show donors, stakeholders, and city representatives during the first stages of approvals.
Playground designs are not eligible for a Stella Conceptual Drawing Grant.
eligibility criteria
Applications are reviewed and evaluated by Parks Foundation staff and approved by our Board of Governors using the following criteria:
Project has a clear vision and showcases the community need as it relates to park development and community use
Project idea is complex and innovative. Ensure a local contractor/supplier cannot produce the same work without a concept design. Ex. Traditional playgrounds, rink improvements
Project has considered the benefit and flexible use of the park space and considers how a variety of demographics will use it
The project must be within the Calgary municipal boundaries
For the complete program guidelines, please view the file listed below.
If you have questions about the grant please contact our Program Coordinator at programs@parksfdn.com
Our application form, and privacy policy can be found below.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be submitted in electronic format to programs@parksfdn.com
Grant applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and approved by our Board of Governors.
The Stella Conceptual Drawing Grant Program can award up to 10 grants each year.
Projects with highly complex and innovative design ideas will receive higher priority.
If desired, hard-copy applications can be mailed to:
Stella Conceptual Drawing Grant Program
Parks Foundation Calgary
225-13th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2R 1N8
WHO WAS MARIO STELLA?
Mario Stella was a passionate philanthropist and found many ways to give back to his community. Born in Blairmore, Alberta he later moved to Calgary at the age of 18. After graduating from SAIT he worked long 16 hour days for the Galleli group of companies. After Mario met and married the love of his life, Rosetta, he struck out on his own, buying the Riverside grocery store. Later in 1967, he started a development business, Stella Holdings Ltd., and successfully developed numerous properties.
His generosity and donation to Parks Foundation Calgary will provide a lasting impact through the Conceptual Drawing Grant Program for many years to come. It will encourage the forward thinking and innovative vision of many communities designing spaces for their communities.