Community Grants

The Community Grant is one of two funding streams within the Civic Grant Program (the other being Microgrants).

Community Grants provide funding to local organizations that deliver projects, events, or services that enhance residents’ quality of life and contribute to the overall well‑being of Spruce Grove.

Funding is available to eligible organizations that deliver programming or services in at least one of six key areas:

• Social
• Sport and Recreation
• Arts, Culture, and Heritage
• Economic
• Environmental
• Multicultural

Community Grants do not have a predetermined funding cap because City Council wants to understand the full range of opportunities available. By allowing organizations to request the funding they need, Council can assess the potential impact of projects and allocate funding accordingly. Setting a limit could disqualify funding for innovative or large-scale initiatives that might otherwise benefit the community.

Yes, organizations are required to provide a minimum 25% matching contribution, which may include a combination of cash, materials, volunteer labour, and/or fundraising directly related to the proposed project or service. Cash contributions must be supported by current financial information.

All submitted applications are reviewed by City Administration and assessed for alignment with the grant’s funding priorities. Administration evaluates applications and brings funding recommendations to the Community Services Advisory Committee (CSAC).

CSAC reviews the recommendations and determines which applications are forwarded to City Council. Final funding decisions are made by City Council.

No, presentations are optional. Organizations may choose to present their project to provide additional context, but it does not impact the evaluation of the application.

Refer to the "Important dates" chart at the top of this page.

Yes, collaboration with other organizations is encouraged if it strengthens the proposed initiative’s impact. However, only one organization can apply for funding and must serve as the primary agreement holder for the Community Grant. If partnering with others, please outline the roles and responsibilities of each partner and explain how the collaboration will contribute to the initiative’s success.

Yes, organizations that have previously received funding and maintained good standing with the City may be eligible to apply for multi-year funding. New applicants must first apply for short-term or one-year funding. Multi-year funding requests are considered at the City’s discretion and should demonstrate alignment with the grant’s primary focus areas. Organizations interested in multi-year funding are encouraged to outline their long-term plans and objectives within their application.

Yes, organizations may apply for grant funding for multiple projects, but separate applications must be submitted for each project, and each must meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, organizations are welcome to request additional funding. While approval of the additional amount is not guaranteed, your request will be reviewed alongside all other applications. To assist the review committee, please provide a detailed explanation in your application outlining how the additional funds would enhance your program’s impact on the community.

When answering this question, explain how your project promotes inclusion and accessibility by considering diverse perspectives, removing barriers (e.g., cultural, physical, or language-related), and ensuring broad benefits. Highlight steps taken to address challenges such as language accessibility, mobility limitations, affordability, or technological barriers. Even if your project does not directly engage participants, describe how its outcomes support a diverse range of individuals or groups. Provide specific examples, such as multilingual resources, accessible venues, or community engagement efforts.

Yes, all organizations that receive grant funding must submit an annual report detailing how the funds were used, the outcomes achieved, and how the initiative benefited the community. More information is available in the Community Grant Guide.

If an organization is unable to meet the goals outlined in the grant agreement or cannot use the funds as planned, they must notify the City as soon as possible via email at civicgrants@sprucegrove.org . Adjustments to the initiative or the budget may be considered, but failure to comply with the terms of the agreement may result in the withholding of future funding, or the requirement to return unspent funds.