Community Grants

Community Investment Grants

Community Investment Grants support art, culture, heritage in Cochrane. They provide financial assistance towards projects, events or capital expenditures that enhance and enrich the community. The Community Investment Grants Program is guided by the following principles: 

  • community-driven public benefit
  • transparency
  • equity
  • accountability
  • flexibility
  • simplicity

For a complete overview of the Community Investment Grants Program, please review the program policy. 

Community Investment Grant Program Policy 

Community Association Support Grants

The Community Association Support Grant provides up to $500 annually towards the operating expenses of a local community association. Associations may apply once a year. 

Community Association Support Grant application form

Small and Large-Scale Matching Grants 

Project and Event Matching Grants support initiatives from locally based, registered not-for-profit organizations. Grant funding goes towards projects, events or other capital expenditures that enrich our community. 

Applications can be for up to 50 per cent funding, to a maximum of: 

  • $2,500 per project, event or capital expenditure for small-scale grants
  • $15,000 per event for large-scale grants 

Application requirements include: 

  • a detailed project description
  • a budget (see our budget template)
  • a matching contribution (i.e., in-kind donations, volunteer hours, available funding, sponsorship funds) 
  • a current list of board of directors with names, positions and contact information

Within 12 months of the application deadline, you must complete or purchase the project, event or capital expenditure (or phase of the project/event being applied for). New applications that meet the grant criteria will be given equal consideration as repeat applications. 

For more information, or email comgrant@cochrane.ca.

Application submissions must be received by May 1st, 2024.



Small-Scale Project and Event Application Form   

Large-Scale Event Application Form

Cochrane Family & Community Support Services and Cochrane and Area United Way Partnership Grants

Each year, Cochrane partners with Family & Child Support Services (FCSS) and United Way of Calgary and Area to provide grant funding for organizations that support the social well-being of individuals and families. 

As part of this work, the Town appoints a FCSS Advisory Board to identify funding priorities, review applications and make funding recommendations to Council. 

Funding eligibility

Organizations that work to address local social needs within Cochrane and neighbouring areas may be eligible for the grant. Programs or projects must also align with the FCSS mandate and/or the United Way of Calgary and Area mandate. 

Cochrane FCSS supports projects that: 

  • are preventative in nature
  • encourage and support volunteerism and collaboration or partnerships
  • address identified community needs 

United Way of Calgary and Area supports projects that:

  • keep residents safe from abuse 
  • assist vulnerable populations in developing skills to create healthy futures 
  • develop capacity in the community for programs to become sustainable 

Ineligible projects include: 

  • programs that are recreational 
  • projects that duplicate services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency

Application process

Note: Applications for 2024 funding closed on September 22, 2023. Check this page for updates on when applications for 2025 will open.

As part of the application, you are required to answer a question related to the FCSS Measures Bank. This helps determine if the activities, programs and/or services fit into the funding criteria. Please refer to the following to answer that question: 

If your application is successful, you will be notified by December 31 of the year prior to the funding period for which you applied (e.g., December 31, 2023 for 2024 funding). Successful applicants are required to complete a final report by January of the year following your funding period.

Learn More about the FCSS & United Way of Calgary and Area Partnership

Other available grants

If the above grants are not applicable to you, there may be other grant options available. The Cochrane Foundation supports the well-being of Cochrane and area residents. They have two grant streams: 

  • Community Capital Grants are available to local non-profit organizations that aim to improve quality of life in the community; the application deadline is January 31, annually. 
  • The Dr. George McQuitty Memorial Scholarship is available to former Cochrane high school students studying medical sciences at a graduate level; the application deadline is January 31, annually. 

If the Cochrane Foundation grants are not applicable to you, Grant Connect can help you find others available. Grant Connect is a database of thousands of grant opportunities, and is available through the Cochrane Public Library with a valid membership.