FCSS/United Way Grant Funding

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Letter of Intent is due on December 14, 2023

Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) works closely with the United Way to provide funding to non-profit organizations that enhance the social well-being of individuals and families.

Premised on strengthening individuals, families, and the community, FCSS/United Way funded programs build knowledge, skills and healthy behaviours, improving quality of life and building capacity to prevent and deal with crisis situations should they arise. These activities are carried out under the authority of a joint municipal/provincial program regulated by the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Act of Alberta. The Town of Strathmore allocates this funding based on the needs of the community and evaluation criteria. 

Please read through the below to see if your organization/agency or project/program meets the application requirements.

Eligibility

Applicants must be eligible under the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation as well as the United Way Funding Agreement. Preference will be given to not-for-profit organizations registered under the Societies Act that:

  • sustain people as active participants in the community
  • help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis
  • help people to develop an awareness of social needs
  • help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people
  • help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them and or others
  • provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community

Applications for funding will not be given to the following:
  • For-profit organizations
  • Non-registered charities
  • Public health transportation;
  • Direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family;
  • Rehabilitation;
  • Hospitals;
  • Political parties;
  • Religious activities;
  • Capital expenses;
  • Deficit funding;or
  • Duplication of services provided by other government agencies.

Grants cannot be used for services that:
  • provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals
  • offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family 
  • are primarily rehabilitative in nature, or
  • are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency            

What is the application process for Strathmore FCSS? 

The application process has two parts: a Letter of Intent (LOI) and full Application. The purpose of the LOI is to check that your program meets basic FCSS eligibility requirements and allows the Strathmore FCSS team/Advisory Board to discuss any major concerns with you before you submit a full Application. The full Application, usually due about one month after the LOI deadline, includes some components of the LOI (which you may edit and overwrite) and some more indepth questions. Funding assessments are based on the Application.

Can my agency apply for funding for more than one program? 

Yes, your agency may apply for funding for more than one program in a given application period. If you are considering this, Strathmore FCSS recommends you consider the distinct need, goals, strategies, and rationale of each program. In general, a program appears stronger if it focuses on a single goal, target population and strategy, rather than two or more of these elements. Each program must meet the basic eligibility requirements and have a prevention focus.

Does Strathmore FCSS have funding priorities? 

Yes! First, programs must have a prevention focus, by supporting individuals, families, or communities in achieving social well-being and preventing social problems at the earliest opportunity. In addition, Strathmore FCSS focuses its prevention work in three priority areas:

  • Social inclusion for socially vulnerable populations
  • Positive child and youth development, and
  • Capacity to meet needs In the application, you are asked to describe how your program aligns with one of these priority areas and one strategy within that priority area.

Does Strathmore FCSS require us to collect data from our program clients?

Yes, as part of the agreement between the province and municipalities and the United Way of Calgary and Area, Strathmore FCSS must collect and report data from all the programs it funds. The Province and United Way of Calgary and Area are seeking positive change from clients that suggest that the program is achieving its goal to improve the well-being of individuals, families or the community. 
Think you might be eligible for FCSS/United Way Grant Funding? Here's the next steps.

Step #1 (submit a letter of intent): The letter of intent is to help determine eligibility for funding prior to the application process. Upon review of this letter, it will be determined if your organization qualifies or does not qualify. You will be notified either way.
Submit Letter of Intent

Step #2 (submit a funding application): Once your letter of intent is determined to be eligible, you'll receive a formal application to apply for FCSS/United Way Grant Funding.

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