Community grant program
Cochrane's Community Grant Program helps local non-profit and volunteer groups deliver programs, events and projects that benefit residents. The Town does not usually run these programs itself. Instead, we partner with community organizations and provide funding so they can do what they do best.
Is this program for you?
This program may be a good fit if:
- You are a registered non-profit or charity
- Your work benefits people in Cochrane
- You have a specific service, event or project in mind
- You can contribute something to match the Town's funding (money, volunteer hours, donations, etc.)
Review the Community Investment Grant Program Policy (PDF) before applying.
What's available?
Community grants stream overview
| Grant type | What it supports | Key notes | 2026 deadline |
| Essential Service Grant | Organizations delivering services the Town would otherwise be responsible for (e.g., safety, basic needs, emergency support, animal welfare, youth intervention, food security). | Annual or multi-year funding may be considered. Business or operational plan required | February 15, 2026 |
| Community Enhancer Grant | Organizations that enhance quality of life through arts, heritage, tourism, sports, culture, or similar activities | Annual or multi-year funding may be considered. Business or operational plan required | February 15, 2026 |
| Small Scale Events Matching Grant | Smaller community events (fewer than 1,000 attendees). | Event must be public, safe and well-planned | March 15, 2026 |
| Large Scale Festivals & Events Matching Grant | Major public festivals or events (5,000+ attendees). | Event must be public, safe and focused on community celebration | March 15, 2026 |
| Event Transit Support Add-On | Transit or shuttle services to improve accessibility and reduce parking impacts. | Must be attached to an event grant application | Aligned with event application |
| Small Capital Projects Grant | Up to $3,000 | Minor upgrades, equipment or small infrastructure improvements (e.g., signage, furnishings, storage, small facility upgrades) | March 15, 2026 |
| Large Capital Projects Grant | Up to $15,000 | Larger projects with long-term impact (e.g., accessibility retrofits, outdoor enhancements, major upgrades) | March 15, 2026 |
| Access & Participation Grant | Up to $2,000 | Projects that reduce barriers and increase participation (e.g., accessibility improvements, inclusive programs, outreach initiatives) | March 15, 2026 |
| Environmental Stewardship Grant | No fixed maximum | Projects focused on sustainability or ecological improvement (e.g., community gardens, riverbank clean-ups, tree planting, environmental education, citizen science projects) | March 15, 2026 |
| Community Insurance Support Grant | Up to $500 per year | Helps cover liability insurance costs | Year-round |
| Society Start-Up Support | Up to $500 (one-time) | Helps new groups with incorporation costs | Year-round |
| Community Training & Capacity Building Grant | Up to $500 | Supports training, workshops or skills development | Year-round |
| Community Visibility & Outreach Grant | Up to $500 | Supports promotion, outreach, and visibility efforts | Year-round |
| Youth-Led Community Projects Grant | Up to $300 | Youth-designed projects that benefit the community | Year-round |
| Youth Leadership Development Grant | Up to $300 | Opportunities that build youth leadership skills | Year-round |
Apply for Cochrane community grants
Partnership grants
Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and United Way of Calgary and Area partner to provide grant funding for local organizations that support the social well-being of individuals and families.
As part of this work, the FCSS Advisory Board is appointed to identify funding priorities, review applications and make funding recommendations to Council.
Funding eligibility
Nonprofit societies or charitable organizations that work to address local social needs within Cochrane and West Rocky View County areas may be eligible for the grant. Programs or projects must also align with the FCSS and/or the United Way of Calgary and Area mandates.
FCSS supports projects that:
- foster a sense of belonging and promote social inclusion
- promote and encourage active engagement in the community
- develop and maintain healthy relationships
- enhance access to social supports
- develop and strengthen skills that build resilience
- align with the Provincial priorities (homelessness and housing insecurity, mental health and addictions, employment, family and sexual violence and aging well in community)
United Way of Calgary and Area supports projects that:
- support people’s mental health
- improve people’s financial and living situations
- create a sense of belonging and equality for everyone
- encourage positive and supportive relationships
Ineligible projects include:
- programs that are recreational
- projects that duplicate services provided by a government or government agency
Application process
Applications are accepted annually. Check back for availability.
Other available grants
If the above grants are not applicable to you, there may be other grant options available. The Cochrane Foundation, which supports the well-being of Cochrane and area residents, has two grant streams:
- Community Capital Grants are available to local nonprofit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life in the community. The application deadline is January 31, annually.
- The Dr. George McQuitty Memorial Scholarship is available to former Cochrane High School students studying medical sciences at a graduate level. The application deadline is January 31, annually.
If the Cochrane Foundation grants are not applicable, Grant Connect can help you find others. You can access this database of thousands of grant opportunities through your Cochrane Public Library membership.