Community Spirit donation grant deadline December 31, 2011

Province joins generous Albertans to support nonprofit and charitable organizations

Edmonton... With the December 31 deadline fast approaching, eligible nonprofit and charitable organizations are encouraged to submit their applications for a Community Spirit Program donation grant.

The Community Spirit Program is designed to help increase private charitable donations by individual Albertans to Alberta’s nonprofit and charitable organizations. The program is
donor-driven, meaning Albertans decide where they want the funding to go based on where they donate.

Funded through the Alberta Lottery Fund, the grant is available to all eligible nonprofit organizations and Canada Revenue Agency-registered charities incorporated and operating in Alberta for a minimum of one year. Organizations must demonstrate they have received a minimum total of $1,000 in eligible cash donations from individual Albertans before applying for the grant. The maximum grant is $25,000 per year up to a maximum of $50,000 over three years. The grant can be used to support an organization’s operations, programs and/or capital projects.

For 2011, the program budget is $16 million. During the past three years, $52.9 million has been distributed to 5,031 successful applicants. Recipients included library boards, child care groups, arts organizations and recreation leagues, etc.

Two components make up the Community Spirit Program: the donation grant and the charitable tax credit (valued at approximately $80 million). Albertans receive a 50 per cent non-refundable tax credit for every dollar donated over $200.

For more information on the program and how to apply for the donation grant, visit www.communityspiritprogram.ca. If you have questions, contact the Community Spirit Program office at 780-644-8604 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta).

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Beryl Cullum
Communications
Culture and Community Services
780-427-6530
beryl.cullum@gov.ab.ca

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Click here to see the brochure.