Grants and Funding

This stream will provide funding for projects that support one or more of the following:

• promote vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm in the community of Medicine Hat
• emphasize the community and celebrate living in Medicine Hat
• promote recreation, leisure, social, arts, cultural or opportunities vital to the well-being and quality of life in Medicine Hat
• promote a sense of belonging in the community
• create increased knowledge of community
• deepen awareness of opportunities and challenges, and the factors that impact change
• increase appreciation for the community
• generate interest for residents to get more actively involved in their community

This stream will provide funding for projects that are larger in scale (i.e.: expect to have an audience of more than 500 residents) and support one or more of the following:

• promote vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm in the community of Medicine Hat
• emphasize the community and celebrate living in Medicine Hat
• promote arts, cultural or community gathering experiences vital to the well-being and quality of life in Medicine Hat
• increase appreciation for the community
• generate interest for residents to get more actively involved in their community

The deadline for applications is Friday, January 31, 2025, by 3 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Only application forms completed in full will be accepted. 

All applicants must submit a completed Community Vibrancy Grant application. Procedures include the following:

• access and complete the application form available at medicinehat.ca/grants
• ensure that you complete the entire application form and attach all relevant documents as noted
• if applicable, ensure that applications have been signed by two people, the person completing the application on behalf of the organization and the Board President or Chair
• ensure that you save a copy of your completed application form and a copy of these guidelines for your records

Please note, no handwritten applications or reports will be accepted.

Please read the following section carefully. Applications for a Community Vibrancy Grant must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Projects must:

• reflect the spirit of City Council’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026
• take place within the City of Medicine Hat limits/boundaries
• support one or more of the objectives outlined above.

 Applications must:

• identify the initiative’s anticipated deliverables and outcomes
• be made by individuals, organizations or groups of individuals and organizations, who live in or around Medicine Hat
• provide a budget statement of projected expenses and revenue, including any projected shortfall of funds
• describe any community partnerships and/or funds secured from other organizations/individuals
• be not-for-profit in nature

Applications must not:

• involve the recruitment of permanent staff
• involve major capital expenditures ($500 maximum)
• involve activities for the purposes of fundraising for other causes

Preference will be given to proposals that:

• clearly describe alignment with the Community Vibrancy Grant’s objectives and Council’s Strategic plan, including anticipated deliverables and outcomes
• have the potential to impact a large number of local residents in a positive, worthwhile and meaningful manner
• allow for active or passive participation at little or no cost to local residents
• provide opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all
• promote volunteerism and build capacity in the community
• include opportunities for partnerships with community organizations and local businesses

• 100% of the amount once approved by City Council

• the application intake process will be managed by the Community Development Department
• grant applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board and one staff member from each of the following:
  • Community Development Department
  • Parks and Recreation Department
• applicants may be asked to make a presentation to the selection committee
• the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board will make recommendations to City Council through Public Services Committee for the distribution of the grant funding
• grant agreements and funding disbursement will be administered by the Community Development Department
• applicants may be asked to make a presentation to the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board about their event after their event has taken place

• use the funds for the purpose for which they were requested
• be responsible for the planning and execution of the proposed project
• if the project cannot be completed as described in the application, the City must be notified as soon as possible to discuss return of funds
• maintain separate accounting for the proposed project
• acknowledge the support of the City of Medicine Hat in the promotion of the approved project
• keep the receipts for all expenses paid for with the grant for seven (7) years as the City of Medicine Hat may ask to see those receipts as evidence of purchase
  • If the City of Medicine Hat asks for those receipts, they are to be provided within 30 days
  • If the grant recipient does not produce the receipts, they may be required to repay the grant dollars to the City of Medicine Hat
• submit a final report evaluation, and a financial statement to the City of Medicine Hat within 60 days of the event/project completion for each year of your grant 
  • the final report documents to be completed are available at www.medicinehat.ca/grants 
  • ensure the final financial summary shows the actual revenue and expenses