Skip to content Skip to navigation
Part of Multiculturalism initiatives

Ethnocultural grant

Funding for multiculturalism activities and initiatives that build inclusive and welcoming communities across Alberta.

Skip to On this page

Overview

Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program is intended to support community organizations to implement initiatives that build inclusive and welcoming multicultural communities. Additionally, the program will support Indigenous communities to celebrate and build on their rich historical heritage.

Funding under this program is intended to educate about cultural traditions, perspectives and experiences and create welcoming communities in Alberta. The program funds are not designed to address access to affordable housing, job opportunities, or healthcare.

Important dates

Intake opens: October 1, 2026
Intake closes: October 30, 2026, at 5 pm 
Notifications: March 31, 2027

Funding streams

  • The program supports initiatives that support ethnocultural activities through 2 funding streams.
  • Eligible organizations may only submit one application per intake.
  • Funding will be provided for one project per organization.

  • Stream 1

    • Successful projects under this stream will create opportunities for intercultural connections with ethnocultural and Indigenous groups. Examples include cultural exchanges, cooperative work between communities, community dialogues, creative projects, roundtables, conferences and more.
    • Applicants can apply for a maximum of $50,000 for projects.

  • Stream 2

    • Successful projects under this stream will create opportunities to celebrate Alberta’s many cultures. Examples of eligible projects include events such as festivals, cultural showcases, and performances that introduce cultural worldviews, expressions, creativity and innovation.
    • Applicants can apply for a maximum of:
      • $8,000 for a single-day event
      • $15,000 for a multi-day event

Program outcomes

Projects submitted for funding must meet one or more of the following program outcomes:

  • Stream 1

    • Albertans have increased their cross-cultural or intercultural connections, and/ or
    • Albertans have a better understanding of and value for people from other cultures and their cultural differences.

  • Stream 2

    • Albertans from ethnocultural and Indigenous backgrounds feel increasingly understood and appreciated.
    • Different cultural backgrounds are celebrated, helping create welcoming communities across Alberta.

Eligible organizations

  • Eligible organizations that are legal entities, incorporated or registered, for at least one year, have an Alberta-based address, and are operating in Alberta. Organizations must be in good standing under one of the following Acts:
    • Provincial Acts:
      • Agricultural Societies Act
      • Alberta’s Business Corporations Act (Part 21, Extra-Provincial Corporations)
      • Alberta’s Companies Act (Part 9, Non-profit Companies)
      • Libraries Act
      • Alberta’s Societies Act
      • Métis Settlements Act
      • a Special Act of the Alberta Legislature
    • Federal Acts:
      • Income Tax Act (Charity status)
      • Indian Act
      • a Special Act of the Parliament of Canada
  • The following organizations may apply as the primary applicant in partnership with an eligible Indigenous and/or ethnocultural organization:
    • A University, college, or institute, as defined under Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act; and
    • Municipal or municipal district affiliated organizations (for example, libraries).

Ineligible organizations

The following organizations are not eligible for program funding.

  • Organizations with overdue or incomplete accounting/reporting relating to any grant previously awarded by Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
  • Municipal or municipal district affiliated organizations (for example, libraries), except in the case of partnership noted above.
  • For profit organizations/corporations.
  • Public sector entities (for example, public post-secondary institutions schools, school boards, hospitals, health authorities, etc.), except in the case of partnerships noted above.
  • Federal and provincial crown corporations.
  • Federal, provincial, or municipal governments.
  • Political parties.
  • Individuals.

Before you apply

Below are resources that will help in your application.

Resources

Video

How to apply

  • Step 1. Watch the video and review the program guidelines

    Watch the video above and review these resources before starting your application:

  • Step 2. Create an Alberta.ca account

    If you do not have an Alberta.ca Account for Organizations, sign up at the link below.

    If you have an existing account, use the application portal link below.

  • Step 3. Compile the following documents required to submit an application

    A complete application package consists of the following: 

    1. completed online grant application form (an authorized representative must digitally sign the online grant application form)
    2. completed budget template
    3. supporting documents to be uploaded and saved to the online application:
      • most recent financial statement (audited or unaudited), or Band Council Resolution signed by authorized representative(s)
      • Application for Electronic Payment Form (mandatory)
      • void cheque or Direct Deposit information issued within 3 months of application submission (mandatory)
        • Note: A void cheque may be submitted; however, handwritten information will not be accepted. The address and account number must match those provided on the Application for Electronic Payment Form.
      • a partnership letter (if applicable) from a partnering organization demonstrating project viability
      • optional - one (or 2 maximum) support letter(s) or email(s) speaking to the organization's knowledge and experience regarding the proposed project

  • Step 4. Submit your application online

    Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

After you apply

  • Applications are reviewed against program guidelines.
  • Applicants will receive written notification of the results of their application.
  • Decisions are final and no appeals will be considered.

Reporting

When the project is complete, grant recipients must submit a final report within 60 days using the application portal.

Grant recipients

Successful applicants will be notified and listed on the Grant payments disclosure table.

Contact

Connect with the Ethnocultural Grant Program:
Email: [email protected]

Next Premier’s Summit on Fairness for Newcomers