Upcoming Funding Opportunity
Community Impact Grants
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) works with community organizations, donors, partners and residents to respond to local needs and change lives. We fund local organizations that support individuals, families and communities while also contributing to longer-term community change.
United Way is launching an Expression of Interest (EOI) as the first stage of a two-stage process for our 2027 Community Impact Grants. The two-staged approach aims to foster respectful conversation about shared priorities, community strengths, emerging needs, ideas and opportunities for partnership.
The EOI is designed to help both applicants and United Way determine whether there is a strong fit before organizations are invited to the next stage of the process. Submitting an EOI does not guarantee funding or an invitation to continue to the next stage. Only selected organizations will be invited to submit a second-stage application.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
The EOI will be open to:
- Registered Canadian charities
- Eligible incorporated non-profit organizations
- Faith-based organizations, where the proposed work does not include religious activities
- Collaborative initiatives where an eligible organization serves as the lead applicant
- Both current United Way-funded organizations and organizations seeking funding for the first time
Key requirements
- Proposed work must be based in and focused on people living in Calgary.
- Organizations must have had an annual operating budget of at least $200,000 in each of the last two fiscal years.
- Work must address social issues aligned with United Way’s identified Impact Areas.
Our focus
Impact Areas
Applicants will be asked to identify one primary Impact Area that best aligns with their proposed work. Initiatives proposed can reflect a range of stages including existing work, work that is being adapted, work that is expanding or new work.
01
Economic Stability
Empowering people to meet basic needs and build financial resilience. This includes initiatives that help people access essentials such as housing, food, employment, income supports and benefits; manage everyday and unexpected expenses; maintain stable income over time; and recover from financial setbacks without falling into crisis. It may also include collaborative efforts with governments, employers, educational institutions, industry groups and community organizations to address root causes and remove barriers to economic participation.
02
Healthy Kids and Thriving People
Supporting the well-being, resilience, relationships and sense of belonging of children, families and community members. This includes initiatives that help people experiencing trauma, stress, isolation or persistent barriers to maintain or improve mental health, strengthen relationships, build coping skills and stay connected to supports. Examples may include counselling, therapeutic or skill-building supports, peer-based mental health supports, family and caregiver supports, child and youth development programs, social connection initiatives and other approaches that strengthen well-being and resilience over time.
03
Connected Communities
Strengthening the places, relationships and networks that help people access support, build belonging and stay connected before challenges become crises. This includes initiatives that reduce isolation, connect people to trusted supports, improve coordination between organizations or services and strengthen neighbourhood-based and place-based supports that make help easier to access, quicker and better connected.
2027 Community Impact Grants
Apply for a 2027 Community Impact Grant
The EOI application will open October 22, 2026. To apply please follow this link:
2027 Community Impact Grant Expression of Interest
Please consult the Applicant Guide and FAQ’s prior to submitting your application. If you have questions, please contact grantsupport@calgaryunitedway.org
Watch United Way Community Impact Grants Information Session
The deadline for applications is Friday, November 27, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. MT
Beyond this grant
Other Funding Opportunities
United Way provides funding opportunities under a number of different funding streams including: Community Impact Grants; our Akak’stiman Indigenous Strategy; grassroots empowerment, innovation and one-time grants supporting emergent community needs.
United Way of Calgary and Area also leads four Signature Initiatives to improve the short- and long-term social landscape of our community: All In for Youth, Community Hubs, Healthy Aging Alberta and Planet Youth Calgary. United Way strategically invests fundraising revenue to power these initiatives. The vast majority of funding for these initiatives is distributed to agencies in the community, who help drive the social impact and outcomes of the signature initiatives.
Keep in touch
Stay Informed
Organizations eligible for United Way funding are those working in Calgary and area whose work aligns with one of United Way’s three Impact Areas. The amount available each year depends on revenue raised through our community fundraising efforts. New funding opportunities, application materials, timelines and information session details will be posted on this page as they become available.
If you would like to receive updates about future funding opportunities, please sign up for our funding opportunities mailing list below.