Small Grants

Overview of the Small Grants program:

The Small Grants Program, offered by the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), is designed to provide timely and responsive support to local charitable organizations. This program focuses on short-term initiatives, pilot projects, capacity-building, and one-time needs that align with an organization’s mission but fall outside the scope of ECF’s larger Community Grants program. The goal is to help Edmonton-based non-profits strengthen their ability to serve the community in innovative or urgent ways without being tied to long timelines or complicated application processes. Funding through Small Grants can be used to test a new program, address an immediate challenge, upgrade equipment, deliver time-sensitive training, or build internal capacity for better long-term outcomes. Small Grants are ideal for projects requiring a quick turnaround or for organizations seeking to explore a creative solution to an emerging issue. The application process is straightforward, with no fixed deadlines—organizations can apply anytime. Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants typically receive a decision within 4–6 weeks. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the project will benefit the community, outline measurable goals, and provide a detailed project budget. Priority is given to projects that serve equity-seeking populations, promote accessibility and inclusion, or strengthen the internal operations of charitable organizations.

Benefits of the Small Grants program:

• Provides quick access to funding for time-sensitive projects
• Encourages innovation through pilot testing and experimentation
• Supports organizational development and internal capacity-building
• Helps cover small equipment purchases, training sessions, and urgent programming needs
• Serves as a potential gateway to larger funding from ECFs Community Grants
• Supports community initiatives that may not qualify for traditional or long-term funding
• Promotes inclusion, accessibility, and support for marginalized communities

Eligibility criteria of the Small Grants program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be a registered Canadian charity (or collaborate with one as a fiscal sponsor)
• Operate primarily in Edmonton or surrounding area
• Submit a clear project proposal and budget
• Demonstrate community impact or organizational benefit
• Request no more than $20,000 per project
• Use funds for a short-term, one-time, or pilot initiative (not for ongoing operations or large-scale projects)
• Ineligible expenses include:
• Ongoing program costs
• Core operational salaries
• Capital campaigns or large construction projects