Outside Agency Operating Grant Program
The Outside Agency Grant Program is available for eligible community groups to assist with offsetting annual operating expenses, specifically staffing and facility operating costs. To be eligible, a St. Albert registered not-for-profit organization must offer community support services in the areas of recreation, culture, or social support, which provides the support needed to help vulnerable residents be successful in the community, including within their housing, recreation, culture, and social environments.
Organizations that provide support services related to basic needs such as food, shelter, water, clothing, and personal safety are eligible to receive a more substantial grant.
Organizations that provide support services related to improving citizens' sense of community connection, social opportunities, and recognition are also eligible for consideration.
Application Intake Details
Annual intake deadline date for applications will be the third Thursday in October.
Applications for 2027 funding will be accepted September 1, 2026 to October 15, 2026
Frequently Ask Questions
No, but typically this grant program is oversubscribed in funding requests. It is important for organizations to seek funding support from several sources to ensure needs are met.
You can submit an application for the staffing expense portion of the grant. You will be required to validate that at least 80% of your clientele are from St. Albert and that your intent is a service for St. Albert residents.
You may be eligible to receive a portion of the staffing expense which is proportionate to the percentage of the St. Albert residents to your entire client base.
No, as the City does not fund duplicate services. We would be pleased to work with both groups to initiate discussions for efficiencies and perhaps explore reuniting into one organization.
No, Outside Agency grant funding is provided in 3 installments. 40% of approved funding in late January, 40% in late July once interim reporting has been submitted and approved, and your final 20% in November (once the second interim reporting has been submitted and approved.
Program Guidelines
View the program guidelines by clicking the dropdowns below, or download the following: Outside Agency Operating Grant Program Guidelines
The Outside Agency Grant program provides a source of funds for eligible community groups in the form of an operating grant to assist with facility operating costs and/or staffing. Applicants are categorized as providing either a Core Community Support Service or Additional Community Support Services. Services provided are in the areas of recreation, culture, or social support and are intended to meet the needs of the vulnerable sector.
- St. Albert based not-for-profit organization registered in good standing either federally or provincially with Corporate Registries for a minimum period of two years.
- A “Core” Community Support Service applicant refers to an applicant that provides support services related to basic needs for survival: food, shelter, water, clothing, or personal safety.
- An “Additional” Community Support Service applicant refers to an applicant that provides the support needed to help vulnerable residents be successful in the community including within their housing, recreation, culture, and social environments.
- Non-City based organizations providing a service within or outside of the city to St. Albert residents may receive funding consideration if a similar service is not offered in St. Albert.
- In order to qualify for funding, at least 80% of the applicant’s clientele and membership must be residents of St. Albert.
- Applicant must be up to date on all required reporting from previously allocated civic grants.
Applications are reviewed to ensure eligibility for both the project and the applicant. Applicants are defined as either provide a “core” community support service or an “additional support service”.
Funding allocations take into consideration total funding requested by all applicants and the total budget for this program. Financial health of the organization is reviewed, as well as rationale for requested assistance. Organizations must provide a fundraising plan to ensure effort is being made towards becoming self-sustaining, and or decreased reliance on the City of St. Albert for funding support.
There are a number of supporting materials which you will need to gather prior to starting the application process. In addition to completing the application you will also need to have the following information close at hand as it will either be requested directly in the application or will be requested as an attachment shortly after you submit your application.
- Copy of multi-year Fundraising Plan
- List of staffing positions being applied for including salary and name of current incumbent
- Position description for each staffing position being applied for
- List of facility expenses being applied for including current annual cost, and name of provider
- Copy of Organization most recent year-end Financial Statement
- Copy of Proposed annual budget for upcoming year
- Minutes from the most recent Annual General Meeting
- Ensure you have contacted the grant administrator to confirm eligibility, provide any clarifications required, and confirm category in which you will be applying for prior to application. Contact the Grant Administrator at civicgrants@stalbert.ca
- Please ensure you have read and understand the above information and Outside Agency Grant Program Guidelines
After you've submitted your application, you will receive an email request to fill out and submit the following agreement to civicgrants@stalbert.ca
Steps for Application
Before you proceed, please ensure you have read and understand the above information and guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact the grant administrator at civicgrants@stalbert.ca
- Prior to applying, please confirm your project eligibility by contacting the grant administrator at civicgrants@stalbert.ca
Returning applicants are encouraged to contact the Grant Administrator with any questions or concerns prior to application. - Gather all additional information required prior to applying. Key pieces of additional information which will be requested once you submit your application may include:
- Detailed Budget
- Financial Statements
- Letters Of Support
- To help you prepare, gather and organize before applying, please review the Civic Granting Preparation Worksheet
- After you've confirmed your eligibility and have all the listed documents ready and saved as pdf’s, you may start your application.
Apply for the Outside Agency Operating Grant
Note: After submitting your online application, you will receive an e-mail response that will provide directions for sending in the additional information noted above. Once you've completed this, your application will be reviewed by staff and additional follow-up will occur if necessary.
Related Pages
Last edited: February 10, 2026