Research Grants

Apply for a grant to support research projects that preserve, promote or interpret Alberta’s history.

Overview

The Alberta Historical Resources Foundation is the principal heritage support agency of the Government of Alberta. The Foundation’s 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 HPPP Guidelines for Heritage Awareness Projects.

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 eligible project value.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

The following applicants can 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
  • members of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation’s Board of Directors

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

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 protocol such as gifting to Elders and knowledge keepers and organizing sharing circles

Ineligible expenses

The following expenses are not eligible for the grant:

  • purchase of books, equipment such as cameras, computers and related hardware
  • fundraising, administration, time spent preparing grant application, 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, honorarium, gifting to Elders and knowledge keepers are eligible)
  • hosting expenses (food and beverages), alcoholic beverages
  • subsistence costs/living expenses

How to apply

Step 1. Review the guidelines

HPPP Guidelines for Heritage Awareness Projects

Step 2. Contact the program coordinator to check eligibility

Email the Program Coordinator at carina.naranjilla@gov.ab.ca or call 780-431-2305.

Step 3. Complete the application form and gather supporting documents

Fill out the Research Grant Application Form (PDF, 241 KB).

The application form consists of the following:

  • research plan
  • project budget
  • quotes/estimates for proposed work
  • other supporting documents listed in the application form

Step 4. Submit your application package

Mail or courier applications to:

Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
Old St. Stephen’s College Building
8820-112 Street
Edmonton, AB T5T 5W2

Application deadlines are the first working day of February and September.

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.

Program staff will assess the applications and provide funding recommendations to the board of the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. The board makes the funding decisions.

Applicants will be notified about the results during the following times:

  • June/July for the February grant cycle
  • December/January for the September grant cycle

How to claim the grant

Grant recipients shall access the grant by submitting full or partial claims. The claim must include proof of expenditures and proof of completed work.

The grant claim will include the following:

  • Record of Cash Expenditures form (PDF, 102 KB)
  • invoices and/or receipts of cash expenditures
  • progress or final report
  • proof of project completion such as copy of the resulting manuscript or report

Reporting and conditions

Grant recipients have 3 years to claim the grant, complete the project and complete reporting requirements.

Grant recipients must publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s financial support. Recognition may be on print, online, through media outlets or event opportunities.

Contact

To contact the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation’s Heritage Preservation Partnership Program:

Phone: 780-431-2305
Email: carina.naranjilla@gov.ab.ca