FCSS Funding

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a joint municipal and provincial partnership that supports preventative social programs, community development initiatives, and human services that enhance the well-being of local residents.

Funding is available for programs, services, and initiatives that align with FCSS prevention strategies and community needs.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the FCSS Coordinator before applying to confirm eligibility.

Contact:
đź“§ fcss@vermilion.ca
📞 780-581-2413

  • Applicants may be eligible if they are:
  •  An incorporated non-profit society in Alberta
  •  In the process of becoming an incorporated Alberta non-profit
  •  Operating under the administrative jurisdiction of a school division
  •  Operating under a municipality
  •  Delivering a program or project that aligns with FCSS prevention strategies

Applications must clearly identify the specific portion of the program or project that fits FCSS legislation and preventative objectives.

Eligible applicants may include:

  • Registered non-profit organizations
  • Community associations
  • Service clubs
  • Youth organizations
  • Schools / school-based initiatives
  • Municipal-led programs
  • Community coalitions
  • Organizations delivering preventative social programming

Examples may include programs focused on:

  • social inclusion
  • mental wellness
  • family supports
  • youth development
  • senior connection programs
  • accessibility initiatives
  • newcomer support
  • volunteer development
  • community-building initiatives

FCSS funding supports preventative initiatives such as:

  •  Community programs
  •  Community events
  •  Information and referral services
  •  Community development / capacity building initiatives

Examples:

  • parenting workshops
  • seniors social programming
  • youth leadership programs
  • mental wellness initiatives
  • inclusion programming
  • volunteer training
  • educational workshops
  • community support events

Funding is generally not intended for:

  • projects that do not align with FCSS prevention objectives
  • programs focused solely on entertainment without preventative benefit
  • capital purchases / infrastructure projects
  • deficit funding
  • activities without clear community benefit
  • initiatives outside FCSS mandate

Applicants are encouraged to contact FCSS before applying if unsure.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • organization information
  • contact details
  • incorporation/charitable information (if applicable)
  • program description
  • identified community need
  • partnerships
  • proposed budget
  • other funding sources
  • measurable outcomes
  • evaluation/survey reporting
  • year-end reporting requirements

Applications for year-round programs for the next calendar budget year are due September 30.

Other funding requests may be considered after this deadline, depending on available funding.

Applicants should apply well in advance of their project start date.

Successful applicants may be required to:

  • submit participant data
  • track outcomes
  • complete survey reporting
  • provide financial reporting
  • submit a year-end report

Year-end reports are due by January 31 following the funded year

Parks & Recreation Grant

The Town of Vermilion Parks, Recreation and Culture Board is excited to be accepting grant applications for community events or projects!

Represented by the community, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Board advises Town Council on issues related to the provision of our community programs.

The Town of Vermilion Parks, Recreation and Culture Board will accept applications from community groups or members throughout the year. Quarterly reviews of applications will be conducted at Parks, Recreation and Culture Board meetings as scheduled in the months of March, June, September and December of each year.

  • Applicants must submit their requests well in advance of their project start date.
  • There is a limited amount of grant funding available per year.

We look forward to providing an opportunity to support community groups in the Town of Vermilion.

For more information or an application, please contact Community Services or call 780-853-5358.

The Town of Vermilion Parks, Recreation and Culture Board welcomes applications from community groups and community members seeking support for projects, programs, events, or initiatives that enhance quality of life in Vermilion.

To be considered for funding, applicants should demonstrate that their project or initiative:

  • Benefits the Vermilion community
    Projects should provide a clear benefit to residents of Vermilion and/or the surrounding area.
  • Supports parks, recreation, culture, leisure, or community connection
    Eligible initiatives should align with one or more of the Board’s focus areas, including:
  1. Recreation
  2. Culture
  3. Community events
  4. Leisure programming
  5. Social connection opportunities
  • Serves children, youth, adults, seniors, or families
    Projects should create meaningful opportunities for community participation.
  • Encourages healthy, active, or positive lifestyles
    Funding may support initiatives that promote wellness, healthy choices, active living, or social wellbeing.
  • Addresses a community gap or unmet need
    Preference may be given to projects that introduce something new or help fill a gap in existing programs, services, or community opportunities.
  • Encourages volunteerism and community involvement
    Projects with strong volunteer participation, partnerships, or community collaboration are encouraged.
  • Supports skill development and social connection
    Projects that help build interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership, or community engagement are valued.
  • Demonstrates financial need or limited access to other funding sources
    Applicants should identify other funding sources explored and explain why support is needed.
  • Provides a realistic budget
    Applications must include a clear project budget outlining expected revenues and expenses.
  • Is submitted in advance of the project start date
    Applications should be received well before the event or initiative begins to allow time for review.

Eligible applicants may include:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Community groups
  • Service clubs
  • Schools or youth organizations
  • Event organizers
  • Community members leading eligible initiatives

Funding may not be provided for:

  • Retroactive funding (projects already completed)
  • For-profit business ventures
  • Private individual expenses not benefiting the broader community
  • Projects outside Parks, Recreation, Culture, or community wellness objectives
  • Requests with incomplete budgets or insufficient project details

Kidsport Grant

KidSport Vermilion helps children from families facing financial barriers participate in organized sport.

Eligible children may receive up to $300 per calendar year (January 1 to December 31) toward registered sport program fees.

Need equipment to participate? Let us know. KidSport may be able to connect you with a partner agency for assistance.

Please note: Funding applies to registration fees only. Travel and competition expenses are not eligible.

KidSport Alberta uses federal low-income guidelines (plus approximately 30%) to determine eligibility.

Applicants must provide proof of income for each adult in the household.

Accepted documents include:

  • Canada Child Benefit Notice (preferred, pages 1 & 2)
  • CRA Proof of Income Statement
  • Notice of Assessment
  • Income Support documentation
  • Subsidized Housing confirmation
  • Child Health Benefit letter

Not sure if you qualify? Contact vermilion@kidsport.ab.ca

  1. Register your child in a sport program.
  2. Let the organization know you will be applying for KidSport funding.
  3. Complete the KidSport application online here or by paper form.
  4. Submit all required documentation.

Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.

Approved funding is sent directly to the registered sport organization.

Applications are typically processed within 30 days.

Paper applications may be submitted by mail, fax, or email:

KidSport Vermilion
5021 – 49 Avenue
Vermilion, AB T9X 1X1

Phone: 780-853-4910
Email: vermilion@kidsport.ab.ca

Vermilion Wellness Coalition Neighborhood Micro-Grant

Activate Your Neighbourhood is a pilot micro-grant program designed to help Vermilion residents bring neighbours together through small, community-led projects.

The goal is to strengthen neighbourhood connections, encourage community leadership, and create welcoming spaces where residents can connect.

Projects may include:

  • Neighbourhood block parties
  • Skill-sharing events or workshops
  • Arts and cultural activities
  • Physical activity events
  • Winter community activities
  • Other creative neighbourhood ideas

Funding is limited and available on a first-approved basis.

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Live within the Town of Vermilion
  • Complete the required Neighbourhood Block Party Waiver Form
  • Agree to follow Town of Vermilion bylaws
  • Be willing to provide photos and a short project recap after the event

Approved applicants will be connected with a member of the Creating Community Committee for support and guidance.

Applicants may request up to $200 in support for eligible project expenses.

Funding options include:

  • A gift card (up to $200) from a Vermilion business
  • Reimbursement for approved expenses (receipts required)
  • No funding required

Eligible expenses may include:

  • Food and refreshments (non-alcoholic only)
  • Craft supplies
  • Chalk, plants, or activity materials
  • Printing and promotional materials
  • Other approved small project supplies

Please note: Receipts are required for all funded expenses.

Applications must include:

  • A short project title
  • Description of the event or activity
  • Explanation of how the project builds neighbour connections
  • How the event will be welcoming and inclusive for different ages, cultures, and abilities
  • Preferred funding method (if requesting funding)

If advertising your event, recognition of the Rural Mental Health Network is required.

As part of the pilot program, successful applicants agree to:

  • Use funding only for approved purposes
  • Keep and submit receipts
  • Complete the required waiver form
  • Share 2–4 photos after the event (with consent)
  • Provide a short story, quote, or recap about the experience

Applications can be submitted through the online application form.

For questions or support, approved applicants will be connected with a Creating Community Committee member.

For inspiration, visit:

ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca
LifeSchoolHouse.com

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