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Part of Indigenous funding resources

Community Support Fund

Supporting Indigenous-led projects that address violence and the safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.

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Indigenous funding resources

Important dates

The 2025-26 application intake is now open and will close July 6, 2025.

Information sessions

We will be hosting information sessions throughout May 2025. In the sessions, we will provide an overview of the Community Support Fund program, walk through the application process and answer questions applicants may have. If you are interested in attending the upcoming sessions, email us at: [email protected].

Overview

The purpose of the Community Support Fund (CSF) is to improve social and economic outcomes of Indigenous women, girls and 2-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual plus (2S+) people by supporting community-based initiatives that address violence and increase safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people.

Funding

Successful applicants can receive a maximum of $200,000 to support projects or initiatives. Multi-year projects or initiatives will also be considered.

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

  • will address violence, increase safety or economic security of 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 or support 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

Some applications may not receive the full funding requested, because funding is dependent on the:

  • overall program budget
  • number of applications received by the department

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 funding for Indigenous-led projects and initiatives that meet the purpose and objectives of the program.

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

    • addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
    • increasing safety of Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
    • increasing economic security of 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 or both
    • corporate or business projects intended to make a profit
    • capital expenditures including fixed assets, such as land, buildings and equipment
    • out-of-province travel and expenses

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

Step 2. Fill out and sign the application form

Applications must be completed in the prescribed form and 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)
    • You may provide your own budget or use this budget template.
  • letters of partnership and support from an Indigenous community or organization (if required)

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

Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.

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 a financial statement.

Alberta signature

Successful grant recipients may use the Alberta signature (logo) to recognize Alberta’s funding contribution. The Alberta signature should be clearly displayed in a way that indicates the Government of Alberta is a sponsor – and not a partner that is running the event, program initiative or involved with the organization.

To request permission and for further information, contact: [email protected].

Past recipients

View past successful grant recipients:

Contact

Indigenous Women’s Initiatives staff are available to discuss proposed projects or initiatives and 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]

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