City accepting Community Microgrant applications for 2026

The 2026 application window is now open for the City of Medicine Hat’s Community Microgrants program. The program promotes the fostering and strengthening of connections in the community through neighbourhood or community gatherings and activities.

The Community Microgrants program offers up to $500 in two categories:

• Neighbourhood Connections – Builds neighbourhoods, fosters social connection and inclusion
• Community Arts and Culture – Promotes community, arts and heritage, and celebrates diverse cultures

There is $10,000 available for each funding category. The 2026 application window will remain open until the end of the year or until all available funds have been allocated.

Applicants must apply online, and are encouraged to review guidelines thoroughly as some qualifications have changed.

A look back at 2025
The Community Microgrant program continued its growth in 2025. After reallocating funding from the Community Vibrancy Grant, the City distributed $11,125 to support 23 events in the Neighbourhood Connections category last year. Meanwhile, 21 applicants received a total of $7,630 in the Community Arts and Culture category. In total, these 44 Microgrant-supported events attracted 4066 total attendees and averaged over 90 people per event.

Most importantly, post-event feedback overwhelmingly indicated a positive experience for attendees, who felt these events brought the community closer together. Among that feedback were comments from Neighbourhood Connections funding recipients for the Halloween Block Party in the Rossland area, and the Know Your Neighbour Event in the Ross Haven area:

The event gave neighbours a chance to connect, and helped break the ice. I even discovered we knew some of the same people. These types of events show how impactful microgrants can be. With a bit of support, neighbours can create simple gatherings that bring people together in a fun, welcoming way and strengthen community ties. Since the event, neighbours are more likely to stop and chat, and there’s a stronger feeling of connection on our street. I’d definitely encourage others in Medicine Hat to take advantage of this opportunity.

— Alina Cooper, Event Host, Halloween Block Party

This microgrant helped turn our gathering into something truly special. More than anything, it created a sense of belonging. We built relationships with neighbours we hadn’t met before — the connection will last far beyond one afternoon.

— Carrie Charlebois, Event Host, Know Your Neighbour Event

Visit medicinehat.ca/grants to learn more about Community Microgrants and other City of Medicine Hat grant programs.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca