Core Grants support the foundational operations of non-profit, social service groups and organizations delivering essential social services. Funding is available for one-, two-, or three-year terms. Core Grant applications are reviewed by the Community Grant Advisory Committee (CGAC) whose recommendations are presented to Council for approval.
Guidelines
Applying for a Core Grant
Core Grant applications will be open from September 1 to October 15, 2026 for the 2027 granting year. Check back on September 1 for a link to our online grant application form.
Frequently asked questions
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When are applications due and when are funding decisions made?
1. When are applications due and when are funding decisions made?
Permanent link to When are applications due and when are funding decisions made?The deadline for Core Grant applications is 12 noon on October 15, 2026. The funding decision will be made in February 2027.
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How are decisions on successful applicants made?
2. How are decisions on successful applicants made?
Permanent link to How are decisions on successful applicants made?When grant applications are received, the FCS Grants Team reviews them to make sure they fit the selected funding stream, that they are complete and that they meet eligibility criteria.
The FCS department provides a package of eligible grant applications to the volunteer Community Grants Advisory Committee.
The Community Grants Advisory Committee evaluates each application against the grant criteria and provides its recommendations to the FCS department.
Grant allocation recommendations are then presented to Council. Council makes the final decision on the allocation of grants.
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Applications are evaluated for their alignment with the purpose of the grant, and with the outcomes outlined in Core Grant Guidelines.
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Can I apply without attending an information session?
4. Can I apply without attending an information session?
Permanent link to Can I apply without attending an information session?Yes, the information session is offered as an additional resource to further describe the granting streams. The Grant Program Team is available at 780-464-4044 or communitygrants@strathcona.ca for questions you may have throughout the grant application process.
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How will we learn about the list of successful grant applicants?
5. How will we learn about the list of successful grant applicants?
Permanent link to How will we learn about the list of successful grant applicants?All grant applicants will receive an email following the Council meeting. You can also watch the Council meeting live or via Strathcona County's webcast link.
A list of successful recipients will be posted on this webpage.
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My organization holds a current multi-year grant agreement. Can I apply for more funding this year?
6. My organization holds a current multi-year grant agreement. Can I apply for more funding this year?
Permanent link to My organization holds a current multi-year grant agreement. Can I apply for more funding this year?Pending formal approval from Strathcona County Council each year, grant dollars are locked in for multi-year grant recipients.
If you have a new initiative, you are eligible to apply for and receive funds through a Community Initiative grant while still holding one Core grant.
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When our Core Grant ends, can we apply again?
7. When our Core Grant ends, can we apply again?
Permanent link to When our Core Grant ends, can we apply again?Yes. Organizations that have held a one, two or three year Core Grant can apply for another Core Grant when their previous grant expires.
If you have been awarded funding in previous funding cycles you must apply and pass through the grant application process for a subsequent grant. Funding is not guaranteed.
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When will funding be distributed to successful applicants?
8. When will funding be distributed to successful applicants?
Permanent link to When will funding be distributed to successful applicants?Successful recipients of Core Grants will sign a granting agreement first, with funding subsequently disbursed in March.
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Who has previously received Core Grant funding?
9. Who has previously received Core Grant funding?
Permanent link to Who has previously received Core Grant funding?You can find information on past grant recipients in our historical Core Grant allocation document.
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My organization currently holds a multi-year grant agreement. Do I need to apply again?
10. My organization currently holds a multi-year grant agreement. Do I need to apply again?
Permanent link to My organization currently holds a multi-year grant agreement. Do I need to apply again?Multi-year funding is approved in principle, pending formal approval from Council each year.
Although you do not need to complete a full application, each year multi-year recipients are required to provide interim financial and outcome reporting on an annual basis.
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Where can I learn more about Strathcona County's Community Grants Policy?
11. Where can I learn more about Strathcona County's Community Grants Policy?
Permanent link to Where can I learn more about Strathcona County's Community Grants Policy?Strathcona County Council approved the new Community Grants Policy on July 8, 2025. The new Community Grants Program has been designed to enhance impact and sustainability, and ensure the program can continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Check out Strathcona County's Community Grants Policy for more details.
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Who has previously received Core Grant funding?
12. Who has previously received Core Grant funding?
Permanent link to Who has previously received Core Grant funding?You can find information on past grant recipients in our historical Core Grant allocation document.
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How much money is allocated each year for the Strathcona County Community Grant Program?
13. How much money is allocated each year for the Strathcona County Community Grant Program?
Permanent link to How much money is allocated each year for the Strathcona County Community Grant Program?Strathcona County allocates $1 million to the Community Grants Program. This includes Core, Community Initiatives and Connection grant streams.
Questions?
780-464-4044
communitygrants@strathcona.ca
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Last updated: Thursday, April 09, 2026
Page ID: 52550