Activate Outdoors Spaces this Winter!
Back by popular demand, the Embrace the Outdoors program will award grants of up to $5,000 to support capital costs related to activating outdoor spaces during the winter. Examples of projects include outdoor space enhancements, addition of art elements such as murals, and winter equipment purchases that benefit the community. The intent of this program is to support improvements and enhancements that welcome people to enjoy the outdoors during the colder months.
Local non-profit organizations are eligible to apply and have until next winter to use their funds. Projects should aim to provide opportunities for community members to spend time outdoors in their own time.
Any non-profit organization located within City of Calgary municipal boundaries is eligible to apply. Priority will be given to first time applicants.
Qualifying costs for the micro-grant will include direct expenses related to place making that supports people to safely and actively be outdoors:
Equipment and materials: sport equipment, art supplies, craft materials, rentals, seating, lighting, existing infrastructure/amenity improvements, increased snow/ice control, etc.
Instruction fees may be considered an eligible expense
Community projects should provide activities that families and neighbours can enjoy on an ongoing basis and allow people to experience their outdoor spaces in new and different ways. They must also:
Be completed by by April 30, 2025
Be free of charge and open to the general public
Be located within The City of Calgary municipal boundaries
Make every effort to be accessible to people of ALL ages and abilities
Below are some examples of previously successful projects:
Amazing Race Bridgeland – A winter scavenger hunt in community
Indigenous Audio Tours
Outdoor Art Display and Competition
Sports Equipment Rentals/Kits for Families
Birds and Bat House Kits
Paint the Pathways in your community
Eligible projects and activations are not limited to those listed above. Contact us to discuss your project idea and see if it’s a good fit.
Please review the complete set of guidelines below prior to applying.
Please review the program guidelines above prior to submitting an application
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and awarded on a first come first serve basis. Once the funds are exhausted applications will no longer be accepted. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated using the following criteria:
Provides an ongoing and free opportunity to experience the outdoors in a unique way and can be enjoyed by the general public.
Opportunities for ongoing informal participation and enjoyment.
Priority will be given to projects that can be executed quickly and illustrate a high probability of success.
The project must be within the Calgary municipal boundaries and free of charge.
All applications can be electronically submitted to programs@parksfdn.com
Subject line: “Embrace the Outdoors - <ORGANIZATION NAME>”
It will take up to 14 days for your application to be reviewed. If your application is incomplete or requires further clarification this may result in processing delays and impact approval.
Our application form can be found below.
TIP! Download the application onto your computer before you start filling it in.
All applicants agree to the program Terms and Conditions when they submit their application.
The Parks Foundation and The City of Calgary appreciate receiving recognition of support for this grant program. If your organization is eligible and approved to receive an Embrace the Outdoors grant you will be asked to recognize both organizations as administrators and funders of your project. Please use our program logo found below for recognition.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have questions about the grant please contact our Manager of Programs at programs@parksfdn.com
We are accepting donations to help take the Embrace The Outdoors Grant Program even farther click HERE to donate now