Community Support Fund

Important dates

Overview

The purpose of the Community Support Fund (CSF) is to improve the well-being of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people with the objective of supporting community-based initiatives that address violence and increase safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.

These Indigenous-led projects will enable government to partner with Indigenous communities, organizations, governments and civil society on initiatives that implement the pathways identified in the Alberta MMIWG Roadmap.

Examples of eligible projects include initiatives that:

• support families, survivors and loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people (MMIWG2S+) on their path to healing
• promote public awareness of MMIWG2S+ issues
• develop strategies and initiatives that increase individual and community safety, and address gendered factors related to economic security

View past successful grant recipients:

• Community Support Fund: 2023-24 recipients

Community Support Fund Fact Sheet

Funding

Successful CSF applicants can receive a maximum of $200,000 to support their projects or initiatives that address violence, increase safety, and increase economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people. Multi-year projects or initiatives will be considered.

Funding for successful projects or initiatives is determined by demonstrating that the project or initiative:

• will address needs of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
• is Indigenous-led
• identifies actions and performance measures to show that needs are met

Non-Indigenous entities or communities will be required to demonstrate the initiative is Indigenous-led by declaring the initiative is administered by an Indigenous individual and providing 2 letters of partnership from Indigenous communities or organizations.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• organizational capacity to undertake the project or initiative
• the sustainability of the project or initiative
• how the results of the project or initiative will be shared with Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people

Applicants who have outstanding deliverables for Indigenous Relations grants are ineligible for further funding until the outstanding deliverables are submitted.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants for the CSF include:

• First Nations
• Metis Settlements and Metis Settlements General Council
• Métis Nation of Alberta
• Aseniwuche Winewak Nation
• Other incorporated Indigenous communities and organizations
• Municipal governments and non-Indigenous organizations working in partnership with Indigenous people, organizations and communities where the initiative primarily benefits Indigenous people

Individuals are not eligible for funding under this program.

Eligible projects

The CSF provides financial support for Indigenous-led projects and initiatives that meet the purpose and objectives of the CSF.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project or initiative (1) achieves the CSF outcomes; and (2) addresses at least one of the following funding streams:

• Addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
• Increasing safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
• Increasing economic security for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people

Applicants can submit up to 2 proposals per funding cycle. Project funding must not overlap, and budget line items can only be paid on one project.

Ineligible costs

The following costs are ineligible for funding under the CSF:

• projects or initiatives that:
  • do not meet the CSF’s purpose and objectives
  • primarily benefit non-Indigenous individuals
  • are not Indigenous led
• costs incurred before the program funding was approved
• payments for services that would normally be provided without charge
• existing staff salaries or wages
• corporate/business projects intended to make a profit
• capital expenditures
• out-of-province travel and expenses

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

• Download the Community Support Fund Guidelines.

Step 2. Fill out and sign the application form

• Community Support Fund Application form

Applications must include:

• a date and signature
• a description of proposed activities
• expected outcomes and performance measures
• a detailed timeline of the project activities
• a detailed budget (budget template example – optional)
• letters of partnership and support, if required

The organization must designate one member who is the primary contact for all requirements of the grant.

Step 3. Submit your application package

Submit your application package by email or mail.

Email: [email protected]

Mail:
Community Support Fund
Indigenous Women’s Initiatives
Indigenous Relations
10th Floor, Forestry Building
9920 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2M4

After you apply

Once an application is received, Indigenous Relations will:

• do a preliminary assessment to ensure the application is complete
• ask for more information if the application is incomplete
• do a full assessment of the application to confirm eligibility and suitability for CSF funding
• send written notice of a final decision regarding the application via email or mail

Reporting and deliverables

Once an application is approved, Indigenous Relations will enter into a grant contribution agreement with the successful applicant.

The successful applicant must report on the activities and outcomes of the initiative as detailed in the grant contribution agreement and provide financial statements.

Contact

Indigenous Women’s Initiatives staff are available to discuss proposed projects or initiatives, or to answer questions regarding the CSF program guidelines.

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]

Related

• Increasing safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people