Read the guidelines before you write

Innovation Canada says many applications are rejected because the organization or the project expenses are not eligible. Before you write, read who can apply, what costs are eligible, any limits, and matching rules. If you still have questions, call a program officer. Do not invent a rule that is not on the page.

This is how to read a live program page — an example, not a promise of funding.

As of November 2026, Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project Grant page said funding can be up to $75,000 for certain community-driven initiatives, programs, and events. The next intake deadline listed there was February 15, 2027. The program is moving to two intakes each year (February 15 and August 15), and review takes about six months. Check the live CIP page; those figures and dates can change.

Eligible applicants were Alberta-based non-profits registered and in good standing under named acts, operational for at least one full year, able to provide a financial statement for that year, and with an Alberta address that an active member monitors. Municipalities, for-profits, individuals, schools (as defined on that page), and organizations with overdue ministry-grant reporting were listed as ineligible.

CIP Project funding is approved only on a matching basis: the applicant must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the amount requested, plus any remaining funds needed. Total Government of Alberta funding cannot exceed 50% of total project costs. Those matching rules are not true for every grant in Canada.

Applications go through the GATE Front Office portal. Registration can take up to 10 business days, so register at least 10 business days before a deadline. Email the form to registration.cg@gov.ab.ca and choose Community Grants as the program area. For in-kind matching, use only the donated-labour rates printed on the live CIP page.