Grants Overview

The MD of Bighorn provides grants to eligible organizations for a variety of purposes:

• Initiatives / causes / purposes of a broader scope, that will benefit the Municipal District
• Organizations sponsoring special activities of benefit to MD residents
• Recognized community associations and other groups seeking funds for recreation, culture, family & community support services and facility-related projects
• Grants are categorized as follows (and see below for grant details and applications):
  • Community Services Grants and Council Discretionary Grants: Policy (PDF)
  • Community Enhancement Program Grants: Policy (PDF)
  • Community Organization Insurance Grants: Policy (PDF)
  • Volunteer / Citizen Recognition Grant: read details below

Creating an Account: Note that to submit an online form (see below) an organization is required to create an account with the MD of Bighorn, if it does not already have one. To create an account, click on the applicable form, then click on the link that says "signing in or creating an account." Next, enter the organization's email address, first and last name (these could be referring to the community association, such as ABCommunity [first name] Association [last name], provide a phone number and create a password (keeping the password available within the association's executive). When an account is created, forms can be saved in-progress and will be stored in the account and available at anytime.

Support: If you have any questions or would like any support with information regarding MD grants or possible grant options external to the MD of Bighorn, please feel welcome to contact Community Services: doug.saul@mdbighorn.ca 

Community Services Grants (CSG)

• Function: Community Services Grants (CSG) are for an eligible  organization's operational and maintenance projects.
• Due Date: The 4th Friday in September for projects to be initiated the following year.
• How to Submit: Complete and submit the Community Services Grant online application
• Timeline and process: Community Services Grants are reviewed by the Community Services Board (CSB) in October of each year. Recommendations from the CSB are then sent to Council for review. Applicants are notified by email after Council's review. Funds, if applicable, are released early the following year.
• Grant Accounting Reports must be submitted by the 3rd Friday of January following the grant-year

Council Discretionary Grant (CDG)

• Function: Operational/maintenance projects after the CSG due date.
• Due Date: Ongoing, after the CSG due date
• How to submit: Complete and submit the Council Discretionary Grant online application form
• Timeline and process: Applications are submitted to Community Services and forwarded to the applicable Ward Councillor and then to Council for review, taking up to three months, after which time applicants are updated by email.
• Grant Accounting Reports must be submitted by the 3rd Friday of January following the grant-year

Community Enhancement Program Grant (CEP)

• Function: For eligible community organizations developing capital projects, i.e. structural projects that will endure for several/many years.
• Due Date: Available year-round
• How to submit: Read the CEP Process (PDF), then submit the CEP online application form
• Timeline and process: Initial discussion of the proposed project is with your Ward Councillor. If they support your project an application is submitted through Community Services for Council's review. Capital projects must be completed within a year.
• Grant Accounting Reports must be submitted by the 3rd Friday of January following the grant-year

Community Organization Insurance Grant (OIG)

• Function: Provides eligible organizations with up annual funding to support the cost of general liability and directors and officers insurance.
• Due date: Applications for the following year's insurance are due September 30
• How to submit: Complete and submit the Insurance Grant online form
• Timeline and process: Applications are reviewed by Council with approved funds available early in the New Year

Community Volunteer / Citizen Recognition Grant

• Function: Supports eligible communities and organizations to recognize and celebrate volunteer / citizen / organization assistance with community projects or programs. These events may be a community-wide BBQ and/or a particular recognition celebration. There are 10 grants of $200.00 available annually with one maximum per organization or community.
• Due date: Available year-round.
• How to submit: Complete and submit the Volunteer / Citizen Recognition online form

Previous Grants, 2023 - 2013

To view previous Community Service Grants, 2023 - 2013, use the link below:

Previous Community Services Grants, 2023 - 2013 (PDF)