Activate and Enhance Outdoors Spaces this Winter!
The Embrace the Outdoors Grant Program is now closed. Thank you to all applicants.
Embrace the magic and beauty of winter and apply for funding through our Embrace the Outdoors Grant!
Don’t miss out- We've already funded over $50,000 in amazing projects, but there’s still money left. Use this grant to create free, family-friendly outdoor activities with improvements like lighting (including holiday string lights), seating, and art installations.
We’re also supporting equipment and upgrades for ice rink maintenance, outdoor amenity upgrades, and anything that helps Calgarians enjoy the outdoors this winter.
Apply today or connect with us to see if your ideas to embrace and enhance your community’s space are eligible. Projects must be completed by April 30, 2025. Let’s embrace winter - together this year!
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 this micro-grant will include direct expenses related to place making that activates and enhances outdoor spaces during the winter months:
Equipment and materials: sport equipment, rentals, seating, lighting (including holiday string lights), existing infrastructure/amenity improvements, increased snow/ice control, etc.
Instruction fees may be considered an eligible expense
Community projects should provide activities that community members, 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:
Outdoor gathering space seating
Lighting and shade sails for outdoor rinks
Ice rink mural project
Community rink maintenance equipment
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 to 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 4 weeks 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