On Tuesday, July 8 Strathcona County Council approved changes to the County’s Social Framework Community Grants program and the four granting streams within it: Core, Collaboration, Change and Connection. 

Changes to the program have been designed to enhance its impact and sustainability, in addition to ensuring the program can continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. These changes will go into effect for the 2027/2028 grant year.  

• Read the new Strathcona County Community Grants Policy

Policy alignment and renaming  

• The program name will shift from the Social Framework Community Grants program to the Strathcona County Community Grants program. 

• The program will focus on building resilient individuals and families, and fostering connected, engaged communities through proactive prevention and early intervention social supports.  

Grant stream restructuring  

• The program will include three streams: Core, Community Initiative and Connection. This change will simplify the application process, reduce overlap between streams and better align funding opportunities with the needs of the community.  

• Collaboration with other organizations will continue to be emphasized within the funding streams. 

Core

• Core funding will continue to support the foundational operations of organizations delivering essential social services. 

• Funding will be available for one, two or three years terms. 

Community Initiative

• Community Initiative funding will combine elements of the former Collaboration and Change grant streams – focusing on innovative, time-bound projects and partnerships that address emerging community needs or test new approaches.  

• Community Initiative funding will provide grants up to $2000 for individuals but also offer scaled up funding up to $25,000 for organizations

• Funding will be available for a one year term.

• Funding will be open for applications in the fall of 2026.

Connection 

• Connection funding will continue to support events that foster social inclusion, community engagement and a sense of belonging.  

Annual inflation adjustment 

• The program will now see a 2% annual increase to the total grant budget to offset inflationary impacts.  

Strathcona County will work closely with current grant recipients to help them navigate the new grants program and answer any questions. More information and details to come.