Government Funding Options for Alberta Non-Profit Websites

Securing funding is essential to get your non-profit website off the ground.

Once your non-profit website is up and running, you also need consistent funding to do things like maintain your programs, raise awareness, support your staff, and achieve your long-term goals. However, running a non-profit organization in Alberta can present some unique financial challenges. 

Spark & Pony Creative has worked with numerous Alberta non-profits, helping them build a strong foundation and get online through our strategic branding and website development services. We've also helped non-profits develop content strategies to increase their advocacy and brand awareness on social media. 

Our clients have often already secured funding when they start working with us. However, in some cases, they might still be seeking financial support so they can invest in a high level of branding and website design.

Fortunately, some specific funding options are available for Alberta non-profits looking for an elevated level of branding and web design support. 

This blog post will explore some of the most popular options our clients have used to secure additional funding for their marketing efforts, including grants specifically designed to enhance your non-profit's digital presence.

Have questions about our services or how we can help? Contact us here. 

Provincial Government Grants

The Government of Alberta offers numerous grants to support non-profits across several sectors, from arts and culture to community services and environmental initiatives (Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), Community Initiatives Program (CIP), Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA), etc.). 

There are also specific grant options that support non-profit investments in things like branding, website development, and their overall digital strategy:

• Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP): This federal program offers small businesses a grant of up to $15,000 to adopt new digital technologies, including website upgrades, digital marketing, and branding efforts. You may also be eligible for zero-interest loans to cover costs further.
• Alberta Innovates – Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE): This program is geared toward innovative digital projects in energy. Still, it can sometimes support branding and website development if they tie into a larger digital innovation project. It’s worth exploring if your project has an innovative angle.
• Community Futures Alberta: For small businesses in rural Alberta, Community Futures offices may offer grants, loans, and training to help with business growth and digital presence improvements.
• Digital Transformation Grant: While typically available in other provinces, Alberta-specific digital transformation grants may be periodically available through provincial initiatives or local Chambers of Commerce. Checking with your local business support organizations can uncover these opportunities.

Our client recently used the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to create a robust social media campaign, including new photography, social media assets and quarterly newsletters to promote their Edmonton Food Truck. 

We provided a detailed quote they could use to apply for the grant and have funding approved. This is just one example of how Alberta businesses and non-profits use digital-specific grants to support their marketing needs. 

These grants can change frequently, so we recommend keeping an eye on funding platforms or signing up for newsletters from organizations such as Alberta Innovates to stay updated on new funding opportunities. 

You can also use tools like Pocketed to find grants specific to your industry (and even hire professional grant writers to help you apply and be successful). 

Federal Government Grants

The Canadian federal government also offers grants and funding programs that non-profits in Alberta can tap into. 

• Canada Cultural Investment Fund: This fund supports non-profit arts and cultural organizations by offering operational funding, making it easier to sustain programs and retain staff.
• New Horizons for Seniors Program: For organizations working with seniors, this program funds initiatives that improve the lives of older Canadians, offering support for programs promoting active living and community involvement.
• Canadian Heritage Grants: From multicultural programs to youth engagement, the Canadian Heritage Department offers a range of funding programs supporting projects that celebrate Canada’s diversity and heritage.

While these federal government grants are not specifically labelled for branding or website development, if your non-profit’s mission is in alignment with the grant you choose to apply for, in some cases, the funds could be used to support your marketing needs. 

Foundations and Charitable Trusts

Foundations and charitable trusts also provide grants to Alberta-based non-profits.

Many of these foundations have grant programs or community initiatives focused on improving social well-being, community development, and other charitable purposes. 

Some examples include:

• Calgary Foundation: This foundation supports various causes, from health and wellness to education and poverty alleviation. It offers grants, including Major and Signature Grants for high-impact projects and Community Grants for smaller initiatives.
• Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF): The ECF offers Community Grants and Vital Signs grants, supporting non-profits that address community issues in Edmonton and surrounding areas. ECF focuses on initiatives that contribute to a more vibrant, healthy community.
• Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF): AREF provides funding for projects strengthening Alberta's communities for non-profits working in land stewardship, housing, and community planning.‍
• United Way of the Alberta Capital Region: United Way focuses on tackling poverty and social issues in Edmonton and the surrounding area. They offer funding through grants and partnership programs to non-profits that align with their goals of poverty reduction, social inclusion, and supporting vulnerable populations.‍
• Alberta EcoTrust Foundation: Alberta EcoTrust funds environmental projects across Alberta, including Edmonton-based initiatives. They support non-profits working on environmental conservation, climate action, and sustainability efforts.

Our Tips for a Successful Funding Strategy

Navigating the funding landscape as a non-profit can be tricky, especially when you're on the hunt for funds to support your marketing endeavours.

It takes time to find the right resources and even more time to apply once you do. 

Here are some tips to make things easier:

• Use Technology: You can use platforms like GrantStation, Pocketed, or Instrumentl to access vast databases of grants. Filter grants by location, mission, funding amount, or eligibility criteria to find your best matches.
• Invest in Learning: Attend webinars, courses, or workshops hosted by platforms like Pocketed to learn industry tips on when to search for grants, how to write applications, and more. 
• Get Support From Pros: Lean on people who specialize in helping non-profits and businesses like yours get the funding it needs. Let the pros help you find and write grants so you can focus on other things. 

One thing we've also seen pay dividends for our non-profit clients is when they invest in their relationships in the community.

Whether that means attending networking events, partnering with other local non-profits or simply attending grant information sessions offered by organizations in your industry, connecting with others will open the doors to new funding opportunities. 

Need Non-Profit Website Design?

For non-profits just getting started, securing funding for a website development is essential. How much funding you need will depend on several factors, including the website platform and level of customization you need, your timeline, and other considerations. 

Sometimes, it helps to speak directly with a creative agency first to get an idea of what things cost and how much funding you might need.

Looking for a creative agency to support your Alberta non-profit?

Spark and Pony Creative have a combined 34 years of experience elevating organizations’ branding and websites to raise more money, develop their services and programs, and reach their goals sooner. 

Some of the reasons why our clients love working with us:

• We Add Value: Delivering a high-end finished product is part of it.  Equally important is the support we give you through education and encouragement so you feel empowered to use your new products in a way that makes sense and will help you succeed. 
• We Care: When you work with us, we like to think of it as working with a trusted colleague. That means answering emails quickly, being honest, giving clear timelines, and simplifying the process. 
• We Love Branding: Strategic branding is the secret sauce behind all successful nonprofits and businesses.  We like to work collaboratively with your team to ensure your goals are aligned with your brand and that everything that comes out of your non-profit feels right.
• We’ve Perfected Our Process: Working with us is both positive and empowering. Everything from our project management style to onboarding tools and beyond works together to ensure you are cared for at every step.

Check out some of our non-profit website design and branding work here. Get to know more about us here. Or, sign up for our newsletter here for more helpful tips for your non-profit.