Important dates
- Application period opens: June 8, 2026
- Application deadline: July 20, 2026
- Anticipated grant start date: September 1, 2026
Overview
The Government of Alberta is committed to supporting vulnerable youth by ensuring access to safe, appropriate emergency shelter and services that promote stability, well-being and positive long-term outcomes.
Through an open grant call, Children and Family Service (CFS) is seeking one organization to deliver youth emergency shelter services in Medicine Hat through a single grant agreement.
The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) Program supports the delivery of coordinated services across the shelter continuum, including:
- pre-admission and diversion supports to help prevent unnecessary shelter stays
- in-shelter services that provide safe, short-term accommodation and meet immediate needs
- transition and post-shelter supports to help youth move toward stable housing and reconnect with family or natural supports where appropriate
Programs funded by the grant are expected to provide access to daytime services, recognizing that youth require support beyond overnight accommodation.
The Youth Emergency Shelter Grant Funding Guidelines outline core service expectations, outcomes and reporting requirements to promote consistency, accountability and improved outcomes for youth across Alberta.
For the purposes of this grant program, ‘youth’ refers to individuals aged 14 to 17. In limited circumstances, youth aged 12 to 13 may be served through a documented exception process.
Funding
Funding will be provided through a grant agreement with Children and Family Services.
Through this call for applications, one (1) organization will be selected to deliver youth emergency shelter services in Medicine Hat. The successful applicant will receive up to $550,000 per year (pro-rated over the term of the agreement. The total funding available for the full term is approximately $870,000.
Grant funds must be used only for purposes approved by the Government of Alberta and in alignment with the Youth Emergency Shelter Grant Funding Guidelines.
The term of the grant agreement is expected to be September 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028.
The Alberta government reserves the right to extend or renew the grant agreement under the same or revised terms and conditions.
Eligibility
An eligible organization must meet all of the following criteria:
Type of organization
An organization must be classified as one of the following:
- A non-profit society or non-profit corporation registered under Alberta provincial or federal legislation and in good standing.
- First Nation
- Metis Settlement
Location and service delivery
Youth emergency shelter services must be located in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Length of operations
An organization must be operating in Alberta for a minimum of one full calendar year.
Organizational capacity
Must be able to demonstrate the capacity to deliver youth emergency shelter services consistent with the service expectations in the YES Grant Funding Guidelines.
How to apply
To apply for the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) Program, follow these steps:
Step 1. Review the guiding documents
Review the:
- Youth emergency shelter grant funding guidelines
- Youth emergency shelter grant call and application instructions
Step 2. Complete the application form
Follow all the instructions in the Youth Emergency Shelter Grant Call and Application Instructions and on the Application form. Ensure all sections are fully completed.
Step 3. Submit your application form
Email your completed form to [email protected].
Additional instructions for application submission can be found in the Youth Emergency Shelter Grant Call and Application Instructions.
After you apply
Applicants will be notified of decisions in writing. All decisions on applications are final and appeals will not be considered.
Reporting
Organizations that receive grant funding are required to report on how funding is used and the outcomes achieved.
Recipients will be required to submit reports that align with the Youth Emergency Shelter Grant Funding Guidelines and the terms of the grant agreement.
Reporting requirements may include:
- Interim Reports: Updates on service delivery, outputs and emerging issues.
- Final Reports: Outcomes achieved, service data and financial reporting of expenditures.
- Additional reporting: as required to support program monitoring and accountability.
Contact
Connect with us if you have questions regarding the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) Program:
Email: [email protected].