Cochrane Community Grants

What's available? 

Community operational grants stream

(Essential services grant & community enhancer grant)

Operational grants provide annual or multi-year funding to organizations that contribute to Cochrane’s well-being.

Applications are evaluated on:

• Strategic alignment with Cochrane Council's priorities
• Financial need and sustainability
• Past performance
• Program impact

Essential Services Grant

Supports organizations that deliver critical services the Town would otherwise be expected to provide.

To qualify, organizations must:

• Fill a service need the municipality would otherwise meet. 
• Align with municipal or legislated responsibilities
• Demonstrate broad community impact and measurable outcomes

Essential service grants provide ongoing funding, as long as recipients:

• Meet reporting and accountability requirements
• Show continued financial need and community alignment 
• Maintain Council's annual budget approval

Once designated, organizations don’t need to reapply every year. Administration reserves the right to periodically review Essential Service designations to ensure they remain aligned with municipal obligations and evolving community needs. 

Community Enhancer Grant

Supports organizations that improve quality of life in areas like arts, culture, heritage, sports or tourism.
Organizations may apply for a multi-year agreement (up to three years) if they can show that:

• Town funding helps secure other grants or matched-funding sources
• Multi-year stability will improves program outcomes or operational sustainability
• They have a strong record of accountability and impact

All multi-year agreements require: 

• Annual budget approval
• Yearly performance reports
• Reassessment after the agreement ends

After three years, Community Enhancer organizations must reapply based on updated priorities and available funding.

Community projects stream

This stream provides funding for community-driven initiatives that improve local spaces, increase access and inclusion, or contribute to environmental sustainability. Projects should offer long-term benefit to Cochrane residents and demonstrate readiness to proceed. 

Matching contributions are required for all categories in this stream, including capital, equity & inclusion, and environmental stewardship projects. Matching may include cash, volunteer time, donated materials, or in-kind services. 

Categories include:

• Small capital projects grant – Up to $3,000 for minor facility upgrades, equipment, or infrastructure improvements (e.g., signage, furnishings, storage)
• Large capital projects grant – Up to $15,000 for substantial projects such as retrofits, accessibility improvements or outdoor enhancements
• Access & participation grant – Up to $2,000 to support projects that reduce barriers, improve accessibility and increase participation in community life
• Environmental stewardship grant – Supports projects focused on sustainability or ecological improvement. Eligible projects include community gardens, riverbank clean-ups, tree planting, school-based environmental education, and citizen science efforts. 

Detailed project plans are required. Timelines and funding levels vary by category.

Community organization support stream

This stream provides accessible, low-barrier financial support to grassroots and emerging community groups contributing to Cochrane's civic life. It includes the following categories: 

• Community insurance support grant – Up to $500 annually to help cover liability insurance costs
• Society start-up support – One-time grant of up to $500 to assist new or unregistered community groups in becoming legal non-profit societies. Applicants must submit a basic business plan and demonstrate alignment with community benefit goals
• Community training & capacity building grant – Up to $500 annually to support training or professional development for volunteers and staff delivering community services, programs or initiatives
• Community visibility & outreach grant – Up to $500 for  communication tools that increase awareness, engagement or accessibility of community-based programs

Grants are available year-round while funds last, with a simplified application and reporting process.

Each organization may receive one grant per category per year. While collaboration is not required, applications demonstrating shared planning, delivery or resource sharing with other eligible community organizations may be prioritized, as partnerships can increase efficiency, broaden impact, and support community resilience. 
 

Youth innovation & engagement stream

Empower Cochrane’s youth to lead and make change in their community. Available grants:

• Youth-led community projects grant – Up to $300 for youth-led initiatives that improve neighbourhoods, promote volunteerism
• Youth leadership development grant – Up to $300 to support workshops, conferences or mentorship programs designed to grow leadership and advocacy skills

Youth applicants must be supported by a sponsoring organization or school. Applications are reviewed by Administration based on available funding.

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.