The FCSS Community Program Grant provides funding to support preventive programs and services that build resilient individuals, thriving families, and create welcoming and engaged communities.

Application Intake Closed

Intake is now closed for the 2026-2028 FCSS funding cycle.

Open Applications

The Open Application is for organizations and programs that meet the eligibility requirements.

Program Priorities

Positive Mental Health

Community mental health programs and services that focus on one or more of the following, will be prioritized in funding decisions:

  • Children, youth and older adults
  • Culturally appropriate/responsive support services
  • Solution-focused, short-term or drop-in counselling
  • Support groups and peer support
Poverty Reduction & Homelessness Prevention

Programs that focus on one or more of the following areas will be prioritized in funding decisions:

Poverty Reduction

  • Programs designed to strengthen financial resilience
  • Programs that connect individuals with cost-saving resources
  • Culturally and age-appropriate programs and services

 

Homelessness Prevention

  • Programs/services that are coordinated and integrated within the homeless serving system of care
  • Financial interventions that prevent people from losing their housing
  • Culturally appropriate/responsive support services
  • Eviction prevention
  • Connection to Indigenous Culture
  • Targeted supports for youth that face barriers and families with children

Renewal Requests

The Renewal Request is by invite only for current FCSS-funded programs.

Program Priorities and Outcomes

Healthy Social Emotional Development
  • Children and youth have improved social emotional developmental skills
  • Caregivers have the tools and skills to support healthy social emotional development in their children
Healthy Relationships
  • Participants have improved skills to develop and maintain healthy relationships
  • Participants have improved networks of social support

Application Intake Closed

Applications received will be reviewed between April 24-June 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by July 31, 2025 of the outcome of their application

Community Programs Grants Information Session

Eligible Organizations

  • Be a not-for-profit organization registered for at least one year and in good standing with the incorporating body (Alberta Society, Non-profit Private Company, Non-Profit Public Company, Extra-Provincial Non-profit Company)
  • Have a social services mandate
  • Demonstrate sound board and financial governance practices
  • Demonstrate initiative and success in generating diverse sources of funding
  • Accomplish an adequate level of activity to merit a grant
  • Be in good standing with the City in terms of reporting requirements and outstanding payments

Eligible/Ineligible Expenses

Eligible Expenses

Refer to the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Program Budget Template in the application for specific details.

  • Program salaries and benefits (providing program staff a living wage is encouraged)
  • Administrative salaries
  • Occupancy
  • Travel and training
  • Volunteer
  • Materials and supplies
  • Contracted Services
  • Administration (up to 15%)
Ineligible Expenses

Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Capital and facility upgrades, renovations and construction
  • Debt reduction, financing charges and interest payments on loans
  • Basic living supports such as money, food, clothing or shelter

Required Documents

Open Application

The following required documents must be included with the Application:

Learn how to submit your financial documents correctly 

Renewal Request

The following required documents must be included with the Renewal Request.

Funding Allocation and Priorities

Applicants will be notified by July 31, 2025 of the outcome of their application.

  • Due to limited funds and high demand for FCSS funding, not all requests that meet the established criteria will be approved for funding. Applicants may receive full, reduced or no funding for their initiative. There is no appeal process.
  • Successful applicants may receive funding for up to three years and will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the City of Edmonton.
  • If you do not receive funding, your application may be shared with other City of Edmonton business areas for analysis and potential funding options; and with external funding organizations for potential funding options. 

Reporting Expectation

A condition of Family and Community Support (FCSS) funding includes the following expectations:

  • Audited Financial Statements, including the Auditor’s Management Letter upon request, due March 1 each year
  • A Schedule of Revenue and Expenses using a City template, due at the end of January each year
  • Outcomes Reporting, due at the end of January each year
  • Proof of $2 million liability insurance with the City named as Additionally Insured
  • Copies of governance documents such as Annual Return, Annual Report, and similar
  • Monitoring conversations with City staff
  • Others, as required

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one program?

Yes - you must submit a separate application for each program. The number of program applications you submit may be considered in the assessment process.

Is there a limit for the proportion of FCSS funding that can be allocated to Administrative expenses?

Up to 15 percent of the program’s FCSS allocation may be approved for administrative costs that directly support the program. The intention is to have the majority of funding going to direct service delivery.

Can a program have more than one source of funding?

Yes, Edmonton FCSS recognizes that programs can be made up of different parts that are more appropriately funded by different funders. Having diverse funding sources for the program is important for financial sustainability. However, if a program's activities fall under the mandate of another level of government, the program activities would be ineligible for FCSS funding.

 

If our program is approved for FCSS funding, when will the funding begin?

The funding will be for the 2026-2028 funding cycle - you could receive a 1, 2 or 3-year funding agreement.

  • Funding will become effective January 2026.
  • Edmonton FCSS distributes program funding in 12 monthly payments for the calendar year, January 1-December 31.

Organizations will enter into a funding agreement with the City of Edmonton that outlines the funding expectations and reporting requirements.
 

I have already applied for a City of Edmonton grant. Do I have to submit all of the same required documents again?

Yes. These documents are a requirement of this grant program and are required in order to assess your application eligibility.

My organization is not based in Edmonton. Can we still apply for a grant?

FCSS supports programs for Edmontonians, delivered by non-profit organizations in Edmonton.

 

My organization currently receives funding from the City of Edmonton. Can we still apply for a grant?

Yes, however, other funding or resources an organization receives from the City of Edmonton may be considered as part of the assessment process. 

Contact Us

Contact your FCSS Liaison

Email  FCSS@edmonton.ca

Phone  780-496-4932

Contact Us

Community Grants Office

Email  grants@edmonton.ca

Phone  780-496-4933