- Events that are open to the public and are free or low cost (cost recovery only)
- Expenses directly tied to planning, implementation or evaluation of outcomes
- Honorariums for persons or groups where fees are not legally or traditionally required (for example: Indigenous Elders, presenters, non-vendor licensed service providers)
- Honorariums are limited to $200 per person
- Gifts for Indigenous protocol, Knowledge Keepers and Elders
- Consumable expenses such as craft, program and event supplies
- Fees for performers or other service providers
- Non-consumable expenses that are maintained by the group but available for community use at free or low-cost-recovery fees
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages for volunteers or event attendees
- Types of eligible events may include, but are not limited to, block parties, neighbourhood art, social, cultural or recreational-focused events
- Events must serve the geographic neighbourhood or community.
- Event venue rental is an eligible expense if it is not the organization’s regular programming or administrative space.
Funding opportunities to enhance neighbourhood liveability through connection events.
Neighbourhood Connections Grants, between $500 - $2500, are available to support neighbourhood-wide events that build connections and collaborations or partnerships with neighbours and community.
Application Intake
The application intake for 2026 Neighbourhood Connections Grants is open.
Applications will be accepted in 2 batches:
- Intake #1: March 1-April 1
- Intake #2: September 1-October 1
Intake closes at 4:30pm.
Batch Intake #1
For events between January 1 and June 30
March 1
Application intake opens
April 1 (4:30pm)
Grant intake deadline
April 2-25
Review and assess applications
April 28-May 2
Applicants notified whether their grant request will receive funding
May 5-9
Funding letters signed
May 9 and beyond
Payments processed
Batch Intake #2
For events between July 1 and December 31
September 1
Application intake opens
October 1 (4:30pm)
Grant intake deadline
October 2-23
Review and assess applications
October 26-30
Applicants notified whether their grant request will receive funding
November 3-13
Funding letters signed
November 13 and beyond
Payments processed
Program Outcomes
Applications for Neighbourhood Connections Grants will be required to demonstrate the following outcomes:
Outcome #1
An increase in community connections at a neighbourhood level.
Outcome #2
Address at least 1 of the following program outcomes:
- Empowerment and engagement of citizens to become community leaders, and the strengthening of existing community leadership
- Enhancement of community safety
- The increase in community connections and inclusion opportunities
- Celebration of Indigenous culture
- Deepening of multicultural connections
- Creation and promotion of beautiful and clean spaces
- Advancement of the arts in the community
- Animation of City of Edmonton parkland
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered organizations: such as community leagues, condo boards, homeowner associations
- Registered charities
- Businesses and Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s)
Any association/organization applying must have been formally registered within the Province of Alberta for at least a year and should be able to provide at least 1 year's worth of financial statements that follow generally accepted accounting principles.
If you are an event organizer who is partnering with a fiscal agent the application must come from the fiscal agent.
Eligible Projects and Expenses
Ineligible Projects and Expenses
- Events that are private or charge entrance fees to generate revenue, unless it is a cost recovery model
- Events that conflict with the City Plan Intentions, ConnectEdmonton Strategy or do not meet 2 or more Neighbourhood Services Funding Program outcomes
- Capital and Infrastructure projects or expenditures (for example: salaries, operating expenses, facility maintenance)
- Ongoing operating expenses (for example: staff salaries, insurance, legal/accounting fees, facility operating expenses, facility maintenance)
- Payment for preparation of funding application
- Events that are deemed to be a high risk for illegal activity or are illegal by virtue of the planned activities or programming
- Gift cards, gratuities and prizes
- Alcohol, cannabis or associated items
- Non-consumable expenses that are for commercial use, rented out or private property
- Events with a City-wide focus that do not serve a specific geographic neighbourhood/community
- Events with a start date outside the specified date range for the intake period
Funding Conditions
- Events must be completed within a 12-month time frame unless otherwise granted in the funding approval letter.
- The funding amount will not exceed $2500 and is dependent on event scope and criteria.
- Recipients of funds are to acknowledge the City of Edmonton wherever possible and appropriate. The City of Edmonton visual identity standards are available upon request and recognition of funding can be achieved in a variety of ways:
- News release or submitted article to local or regional media
- Social media channels such as X, Facebook and blog postings
- Organization’s website or newsletter
- Signage, either temporary or permanent
The funds received shall not be used for a purpose beyond the objectives outlined by this grant. The applicant must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and manage its finances. Should an applicant make false representations or otherwise fail to meet any of the requirements of the grant to the City’s satisfaction, they may be subject to fund repayment. The applicant may also be ineligible for future funding or other procurement with the City of Edmonton until the outstanding dispute has been resolved.
Application Requirements
It is strongly recommended that you reach out to the Neighbourhood Resource Coordinator (NRC) to ensure alignment and verify eligibility.
- Most recent year-end financial statements
- Bank Statement and Bank Reconciliation: required if your financial statements are internally audited
Note: Financial statements must be signed by 2 Board members. Additionally, financial statements that are not presented either as a notice to reader, a review or an audit must include a bank reconciliation and bank statement at the fiscal year-end.
Submit Your Application
To apply, please register for an account through the Community Investment Grant Portal. If you have an account, log in to see the current funding opportunities.
Log in/Register for a Grant Account
For questions or additional support, please contact grants@edmonton.ca.
Assessment Criteria
Priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate a partnership with at least 1 other organization that extends beyond financial support. A partner contributes to the strategic direction, planning and implementation of the event. A partner has a shared interest in the outcome of the work and invests more than money to help support the event.
The City of Edmonton will also assess the Neighbourhood Connections Grant applications on the following criteria:
- The event aligns to the organization’s mandate
- The leading organization demonstrates a capacity to implement the event
- The event aligns with the Neighbourhood Services Funding Program Outcomes
- Event expenses and activities are reasonable for the scope and scale of the event and expenses are clearly categorized in the budget portion of the application form
- The organization or event planner demonstrates they will engage with individuals and groups beyond direct membership
Submit Your Final Report
All Neighbourhood Connections fund recipients must submit a Final Report within 60 days of the completion of the Event.
Your Final Report will state how the funds were used. Fund recipients must demonstrate how the event met the Neighbourhood Services Funding Program Outcomes.
Note: Fund recipient eligibility for future funding through the City of Edmonton is dependent on a complete Final Report verified as received by the Grants Office.
To prepare for filling out the Final Report, please gather:
- Information on how your event met the goals for your neighbourhood and the Neighbourhood Services Funding Program Outcomes
- Description of how connections, collaborations or partnerships were strengthened or developed
- Examples of your advertising and marketing material and posts that shared your findings or learnings
- Actual expenses for your event based on the budget submitted with your Connections Grant application
- Financial reporting - you may be required to submit receipts for auditing purposes, so applicants are strongly encouraged to keep complete financial records and proof of payment
- Number of event attendees
- Photos (optional) - ensure you have permission to share identifiable photos prior to submission. The Model Release Form must be used for City informational and promotional purposes.