Vitality Grants
Application intake for projects are now open. The deadline to submit a completed application is June 29, 2026. Projects are to be completed within the same calendar year.
The Vitality Grant is available to residents who wish to lead neighbourhood projects that are inclusive and engage Chestermere residents in active participation. Vitality Grants have been established to encourage community building and inclusion and strengthen connections in neighbourhoods.
We offer a grant of up to $500.00 to support your idea to help connect and engage residents in their neighbourhood and communities. We believe that the best people to effect change in a community are the ones within it.
Call for Proposals: June 1, 2026
Deadline: June 29, 2026
Notifications: July 8, 2026
Project Period: July 13 – Dec 31, 2026
How it Works
The Vitality Grant is grounded in improving the social well-being of individuals, families, and communities and is achieved through asset-based community development. This practice emphasizes local talents, knowledge, and strengths of diverse perspectives help build community.
The City of Chestermere’s Community Support Services department facilitates an annual call for project proposals. Grants are reviewed and approved by the Grant Adjudication Committee who are made up of appointed, volunteer residents and City Councillors. Project leaders then take the next steps in putting their ideas into action.
The grant is awarded as a reimbursement for eligible expenses AFTER the project has been approved. The applicant is responsible for all costs exceeding the limit, made before or without approval, or ineligible expenses.
Process
Step 1: Download and fill out your proposed project budget (proposals will not be accepted without this form attached)
Step 2: Submit your project online using our proposal form at the bottom of this page.
Step 3: Receive notification on the decision of the Grant Adjudication Committee including Memorandum of Understanding and reporting requirements.
Step 4: Contacted by Grant Facilitator to discuss project and offer assistance as required.
Step 5: Complete your project and retain necessary receipts for final reporting.
Step 6: Complete your final report, including the submission of receipts, for reimbursement via grant funds.
Eligible Applicants
- Individual residents of the City of Chestermere
- Applicants must be over the age of 18
- One application per household
Ineligible Applicants
- Education, government or political institutions;
- Registered Charities
- Not-for Profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Non-Residents of the City of Chestermere
- Not duplicate existing project/program/service/event within the community. Services provided under the program must not: ·a) Provide primarily for the recreation needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals,b) Offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family.
Ineligible Expenses include but are not limited to:
- Any project/program/service/event which furthers a for-profit venture
- Activities related to election campaigning
- Activities that primarily benefit one individual only
- Expenses incurred prior to the notification of the grant
- Alcoholic beverages
- Donations
- Out-of-town activities and travel
- Capital expenditure or projects
Key Principles
- Everyone is invited – Create space for accessibility and inclusion.
- Partnerships – Seek out volunteers and local partners or sponsors to help make your project a success.
- Local leadership – The gifts and talents shared by you and your neighbours are instrumental in making your community a better place.
Project Considerations
- Reporting Matters - Have someone on your project team keep track of your budget. Count how many people were impacted by this work and record how this made a significant change in your community/neighbourhood.
- Accountability – Project leaders will review and agree to roles and responsibilities outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Chestermere.
- Planning, planning, planning – Put time and energy into putting your proposal together. Projects need to be completed in the same year grant is awarded.
- Community development focus – We want to support initiatives that will enhance the quality of life for residents. Grants cannot fund salaries, fundraising events, or ongoing operating expenditures.
Helpful Website For Project Leads
Inquiries
Contact Craig McLeod to talk about your initiative, eligibility, and proposal.
Email: cmcleod@chestermere.ca Phone: 403-207-7050 Ext.7094
2025 Vitality Grant Recipients
The following resident led initiatives were the successful recipients of the grant.
- Bicycle 3R Program
- Chestermere Bench Project
- Community Neighbours Concert
- Harmony in the Neighbourhood, A Community Band Performance
- Kids Summer Fun
- Charity Quilts
- Tree Planting Initiative
- Kids Write, Draw, and Create