Research Grants

Important updates

Overview

The Heritage Preservation Partnership Program (HPPP) provides matching grants and scholarship funds to support initiatives that preserve and interpret Alberta's heritage.

For more information, read the Guidelines for Heritage Awareness. Publication and Research Grants (PDF, 455 KB).

Funding

Research grants provide matching grants of up $25,000 to support research on Alberta’s heritage.

Applicants are expected to contribute at least 50% of the total eligible project cost.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

The following applicants may apply for the grant:

• individuals that reside in Alberta or have a permanent Alberta address
• registered organizations in Alberta:
  • non-profit organizations
  • corporations
  • municipalities
  • churches
  • schools and other educational institutions
  • First Nations
  • Metis Settlements

Ineligible applicants

The following applicants cannot apply for the grant:

• provincial government departments

Eligible projects

The following projects are available for funding:

• research on Alberta heritage topics
• oral history projects
• building surveys and inventories
• heritage management plans

Ineligible projects

The following projects are not available for funding:

• projects and applicants that are eligible for funding through the Provincial Heritage Organizations that the Alberta government supports (Alberta Museums Association, Archives Society of Alberta, Historical Society of Alberta, Alberta Genealogical Society, Archaeological Society of Alberta, Francophone Historical Society)
• projects seeking debt reduction such as repayment of loans or shortfall on completed projects
• projects that have already been funded by the Alberta government

Eligible expenses

Expenses that are directly associated with research activities are eligible for funding, such as:

• researching; writing and editing of manuscript or report
• researcher’s expenses for non-local travel
• materials/supplies
• costs associated with cultural protocols such as gifting to Elders and knowledge keepers and organizing sharing circles

Ineligible expenses/tasks

The following are not eligible for the grant:

• purchase of books, equipment such as cameras, computers and related hardware
• fundraising, administration, grant application preparation, planning or attending meetings, financial reporting and similar activities
• expenses already incurred at the time the application was submitted
• expenses that are not directly and solely for the project such as cost of utilities, use of office equipment and office space
• expenses associated with volunteer appreciation such as gifts, thank you cards (however, honoraria, gifting to Elders and knowledge keepers are eligible)
• hosting expenses (food and beverages), alcoholic beverages
• subsistence costs/living expenses

In-kind contributions associated with ineligible expenses/tasks are not eligible as well.

How to apply

Step 1. Review the guidelines

• Guidelines for Heritage Awareness, Publication and Research Grants (PDF, 455 KB)

Step 2. Contact the program coordinator for more information

Email the Program Coordinator at [email protected] or call 780-431-2305.

Step 3. Complete the application form and gather supporting documents

Fill out the Heritage Awareness, Publication and Research Grant Application Form (PDF, 365 KB).

When preparing the budget, you may use the template for Cash Costs (XLS, 13 KB) and In-kind Cost (XLS, 13 KB).

The application must include the following:

• research plan
• project budget
• quotes/estimates for major cash costs
• other supporting documents listed in the application form

Step 4. Submit your application package

Drop off, mail, send by courier, or email application to:

Heritage Preservation Partnership Program
Old St. Stephen’s College Building
8820 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2P8
[email protected]

Application deadline is the first working day of February.

After you apply

Grant applications are evaluated using a number of factors, including but not limited to:

• project approach and strategy
• experience/qualifications of the project proponents
• project budget

The level of funding will be further determined by the grant program’s budget, the project’s individual merit and in comparison with the other projects.

Applicants will be notified of the funding decision in April or May.

Grant payments

Successful applicants will receive the full amount of their grant upon initiation of their project.

Reporting and grant conditions

Grants will be administered according to the terms and conditions outlined in the Funding Agreement (part of the application form) and the grant award letter.

Grant recipients have until February 28 of the following year to complete their project and submit reporting requirements. The report will include:

• Record of Project Expenses form (PDF, 149 KB)listing the cash expenses and donated labour, materials, services or equipment for the entire project
• project outcomes
• proof of completion such as a copy of the resulting manuscript or report (will be stated on grant approval letter)
• how the Alberta government’s financial support is publicly acknowledged

Resources

• Conducting historical research

Contact

Connect with the Program Coordinator:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-431-2305
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]