Independent School Capital

Important dates

Overview

The Independent School Capital (ISC) program provides capital funding to eligible non-profit independent school authorities. Funding supports infrastructure projects that create new student spaces in Alberta’s K-12 education system.

The program will:

• support the creation of up to 6,000 new student spaces
• prioritize projects in communities facing enrolment pressures
• encourage investment in facilities for students with diverse learning needs
• ensure value for taxpayers through rigorous oversight and accountability

For more information, see the ISC fact sheet.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

The following applicants are eligible to apply:

• accredited funded independent school authorities including Designated Special Education Private Schools (DSEPS)

Ineligible applicants

The following applicants are not eligible to apply:

• accredited non-funded schools
• registered-only schools
• heritage language schools
• independent Early Childhood Services (ECS) operators
• for-profit entities

Eligible projects

The following projects are eligible for funding:

• new school construction
• building expansion that creates new student space
• modular building purchase, assembly, delivery, and installation
• building acquisitions
• leasehold improvements that create new student spaces

Ineligible projects

The following projects are not eligible for funding:

• projects that have been completed or commenced prior to the proposal submission date
• projects that do not result in new student spaces
• projects without long-term viability
• incomplete proposals

Eligible costs

The following costs can be covered by funding:

• construction of new facilities or modulars
• building and site construction (shell, interiors, mechanical, electrical, site work, materials, labor)
• exterior works (servicing, landscaping, parking, play areas)
• fixed equipment (millwork, boards, conduit, etc.)
• furniture and equipment
• professional and permit fees

Ineligible costs

The following costs cannot be covered by funding:

• land purchase
• operational expenses (salaries, utilities, supplies, maintenance)
• marketing, legal, or administrative startup costs 
• costs incurred before the proposal submission date

Funding

The total program budget is $90 million over 3 years.

Matching ratios

Government contributions

Maximum government contribution per applicant is $10 million.

Minimum contribution (matching portion) by applicant must be demonstrated at time of submitting the proposal which can include any of the following:

• ability to meet the minimum cost-sharing requirement at the time of submitting the proposal
• commitments may include secured funding, pledges, or verified fundraising plans

Partial funding

Proposals with partial funding may be considered if a clear and credible plan to secure the full matching portion is provided.

Fund distribution

Funds will be distributed based on milestone achievements as outlined in the grant agreement.

How to apply

Proposal intake

Applications for 2026 are due by May 31, 2026.

Additional application windows are planned for early 2027 and early 2028.

Step 1. Submit a proposal

A completed proposal should include the following:

• the need or opportunity that the project is trying to address
• description of the current situation and, with citations of data used to track and report on the current state 
• an understanding of how addressing the needs aligns with long-term planning and strategic plans
• a clearly identified scope of the work that must be done

Step 2. Gather supporting documents

Applicants must submit a completed proposal with the following applicable supporting documents:

• a completed proposal
• contact information of school representative
• a completed project budget to demonstrate the applicant’s funding eligibilities and the intent to utilize the funding to assist with capital costs associated with the creation of new student spaces
• evidence of financial commitment for the project that represents the applicable matching ratio contribution
• supporting data and evidence such as:
  • utilization rate
  • historical, current and projected enrolments
  • school information such as tuition fees
• the identified facility/land location with a civic address 
  • The applicant must own the property or have a long-term lease (minimum 10-year lease) for the property.
  • If the building is owned, provide a copy of the Land Title for the property. 
  • If the building is leased, provide the executed 10-year lease agreement for the property or landowner to undertake capital development
• site readiness that is in alignment with the municipal, provincial and federal guidelines and regulations where applicable
• other supporting documentation (as applicable), such as:
  • conceptual design, site plans, and zoning information
  • a copy for the permit or approval obtained (for example, zoning, development permit, occupancy permit)
  • community support letters

Step 3. Submit your proposal

Interested applicants can submit their proposals and supporting documents to [email protected]. 

Questions

Contact us if you have any questions.

More information can be found in the ISC fact sheet.

After you apply

Proposals will be assessed using a standardized framework that considers:

• number of new spaces created at lowest cost per space
• demonstrated enrolment pressures
• alignment with education priorities (for example, students with complex needs)
• financial sustainability
• site readiness
• organizational capacity

Grant management

Funds will be released in phases as project milestones are met (for example, site readiness, foundation, build-out, occupancy). Progress reports and financial documentation are required before disbursements.

Projects are expected to be completed within 3 years. Extensions may be considered for reasonable delays.

Accountability measures

All recipients must use grant funds exclusively for the creation of new student spaces. This includes physical infrastructure that supports increased enrolment capacity and enhanced programming. 

The grant agreement will include a clause granting the Government of Alberta a right of first refusal to purchase the funded property at fair market value, minus the government’s contribution, if the facility is sold within a specified period. This clause may be registered on the land title.

Reporting

Applicants will be required to regularly report on their financial status, project milestones, and use of funds. Reports will be reviewed by Alberta Education and Childcare to ensure compliance with terms and to monitor progress. 

In the event of non-compliance or misapplication of funds, the government reserves the right to recover disbursed funds through a reimbursement clause.

Grant term and extensions

The expected duration for ISC funded projects is up to 3 years, allowing time for planning, construction, and reporting. While this timeframe serves as a general guideline, Alberta Education and Childcare recognizes that project timelines may vary depending on individual circumstances. As such, specific grant terms will be confirmed at the time of funding approval.

Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis in response to reasonable delays such as permitting challenges, weather disruptions, or supply chain constraints. 

Any extension request must be supported by a clear justification and revised project schedule and will be subject to review and approval by Alberta Education and Childcare. 

Ongoing communication between the applicant and the Ministry is essential to managing timelines effectively and ensuring the successful delivery of funded projects.

Contact

For inquiries or to submit proposals: 

Email: [email protected]

Address: 
Independent School Capital 
Alberta Education and Childcare – Financial Services and Capital Planning
10155 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 4G8

Related

Building Blocks Capital Grant Program