Family & Community Support Services - Call for Funding Proposals
The City of Calgary is currently accepting funding proposals for the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) for a funding term of up to four years. Funding is available for established non-profit organizations that provide evidence-informed preventive social service programs and initiatives that promote and enhance well-being among individuals, families, and communities. This call for funding proposals focuses on prevention that will provide support for Calgarians at the earliest opportunity.
Applications will be accepted from March 1 to April 10, 2024.
Download the FCSS applicant guide
Download the application checklist
Download the FCSS sample application form
Information sessions
There are no information sessions scheduled at this time.
1. Background
Established in 1966, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) is a unique joint provincial/municipal funding program between the Government of Alberta and participating municipalities or Métis Settlements to support preventive social services.
Provincially, the FCSS Program receives its mandate from the FCSS Act and FCSS Regulation. The Regulation states that to receive funding “Services under a program must be of a preventive nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.” The province developed the FCSS Accountability Framework in 2022 which serves as a guide to both local FCSS programs and to the Ministry that administers the provincial FCSS Grant Program.
The provincial and municipal governments share the cost of the FCSS Program. The Government of Alberta contributes up to 80 per cent of the cost and municipalities cover a minimum of 20 per cent. Calgary City Council has made a commitment to contribute more than the minimum requirement and provides 25 per cent of the program cost.
In Calgary, the FCSS Policy directs the work of FCSS Calgary and its relationship with funded organizations. The FCSS Funding Framework guides FCSS funding to evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.
Over the past few years, the needs of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities have changed, and non-profit organizations have continuously adapted their services to respond. Through this call for funding proposals, The City of Calgary wishes to ensure preventive social services available to Calgarians are tailored to the current issues and challenges affecting them.
2. Application Period
Applications are being accepted through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) until April 10, 2024, at 11:59pm. Late applications will not be accepted unless an extension is requested and approved, 48-hours in advance of the application deadline.
Throughout the application period, questions may be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Responses will be provided within three business days. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section will be updated as needed. FAQs will not include identifying information of the organization or individual.
Information sessions on the eligibility criteria and the application process will be held in March. Registration information and the recording will be available on this page.
3. Fund Description
The City of Calgary allocates FCSS Calgary funding to established, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. Social isolation leads to a wide range of issues, such as family instability, child maltreatment, unemployment, and crime. Social isolation is also linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Investing in programs and initiatives that increase social inclusion advances The City of Calgary’s vision of making Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life and creates opportunities for all Calgarians to fully participate in, contribute to and benefit from all aspects of society.
A total of $41.4 million is available for funding in 2025. There is no set minimum or maximum for funding requests. However, requested amounts must be consistent with the type of program or initiative being proposed and the number of anticipated participants. Applicants are invited to submit the full program costs.
Successful proposals will be recommended for a two-year or four-year funding term starting January 2025. Subsequent funding will depend on the programs and organizations’ impact, ability to meet contractual obligations and availability of funds.
Organizations that currently receive FCSS funding may apply for funding for their current programs, different programs, or both.
4. Objectives
The FCSS Funding Framework provides evidence-informed strategic direction to guide FCSS funding, while also being flexible to incorporate new knowledge in the area of prevention to respond to emerging social issues affecting Calgarians.
The City of Calgary will direct FCSS Calgary funding to existing, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities to create an equitable society. Inequities among Calgarians and neighbourhoods contribute to social isolation, especially for those who experience vulnerabilities, which in turn can lead to negative economic and social outcomes. Investment in prevention enhances social inclusion and removes barriers to full participation in society.
FCSS Calgary’s long-term outcome of increased social inclusion is achieved through three main approaches, each with its own mid-term outcomes:
Approach | Mid-Term Outcomes |
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Preventive programs and services |
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Community development initiatives |
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Policy and systems change initiatives |
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Although everyone can experience vulnerability at some point in their lives, FCSS funding is targeted at programs and initiatives that consider intersectionality and support Calgarians whose multiple identities, such as ability, age, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, Indigeneity, race, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status may lead to multiple vulnerabilities. The City of Calgary encourages applications from established organizations led by and/or working alongside equity-seeking communities experiencing vulnerabilities that deliver prevention social service programs. Funding will be directed to programs and initiatives that work with those who experience vulnerability within the following five population groups:
Priority population | Vulnerability Factors |
---|---|
Children/youth | Individuals who live alone or experience homelessness, live-in families experiencing chronic low-income, live-in families experiencing relationship challenges, experience or have experienced or witness or have witnessed abuse and/or trauma, lack interpersonal and social skills, have cognitive deficits and/or emotional or mental health issues, are not engaged in or succeeding at school, experience low sense of belonging in school or community. |
Families | Those that experience chronic low-income, teen parents, lone parent with low income, few social supports, high household mobility, homelessness, parents with low personal capacity, family challenges, experience/have experienced or witness/have witnessed abuse. |
Indigenous peoples | Individuals and communities that have been affected by the multigenerational impacts of colonialism, such as the effects of residential schools. These effects may include systemic racism and discrimination, resulting in chronic low income, high mobility, loss of culture and other negative social indicators. Indigenous peoples include First Nations (status and non-status), Métis and Inuk (Inuit). |
Newcomers to Canada | Those who have arrived in the last five years, are refugees, face language/cultural barriers, have low income/unable to obtain employment commensurate with credentials, are stay-at-home parents or seniors, belong to ethnocultural communities with few members in Calgary. |
Seniors | Individuals who are 65+, live alone (key risk factor for social isolation, along with 75+), have low income, are single and/or bereaved, are in poor health, experience language/cultural barriers, have transportation difficulties. |
FCSS Calgary has developed research briefs to guide organizations working toward increasing social inclusion in Calgary. The emphasis is on prevention, defined as the conditions or personal attributes that strengthen individuals' and/or communities' healthy development, well-being, and safety across the lifespan. Primary prevention programming avoids the onset of a social issue and addresses the root cause of social issues by promoting protective factors. Secondary prevention programming intervenes at an early stage of a social issue and builds resiliency by reducing the risk factors associated with the issue. Each research brief is linked to a mid-term outcome of the FCSS Funding Framework and provides an overview of the issue and evidence-informed strategies to prevent it from occurring or escalating. Organizations should review the research brief most closely aligned with their program before applying.
- Research Brief 1 - Positive child and youth development (2020)
- Research Brief 2 - Positive parenting and family functioning (2020)
- Research Brief 3 - Individual and family economic self-sufficiency (2020)
- Research Brief 4 - Positive social ties for vulnerable populations (2020)
- Research Brief 5 - Community Development (2020)
- Research Brief 6 - Indigenous brief (2014) (Currently being updated and subject to change)
- Research Brief 7 - Policy and systems change (2021)
- Context and overview for research briefs (2022)
5. Eligibility
Organizational Eligibility
Funding is available to established non-profit organizations registered under the Alberta Companies Act, the Alberta Societies Act, the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the Canada Business Corporations Act, or a Private Act of the Legislature. Eligible organizations must have experience in providing prevention social service programs.
Program and Expense Eligibility
Funding is available for established programs and initiatives with a track record of positive impact. Pilot programs are not eligible. Eligible programs need to be preventive, respond to a clear social need in the community, utilize an evidence-informed approach and have identified positive social outcomes. As stated in the FCSS Regulation, FCSS-funded programs must do one or more of the following:
- Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
- Help people to develop an awareness of social needs;
- Help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people;
- Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them;
- Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community.
FCSS funding cannot be used for the following:
- Capital expenditures: Expenses related to the purchase, construction, renovation, or depreciation of significant capital assets such as:
- Land or buildings
- Construction or renovation of a building
- Motor vehicles
- Land or buildings
- Municipal property taxes and levies.
- Any payments to a member of a board or a committee.
- Fundraising events or campaigns.
- Entertainment and hospitality: Expenses related to organizational entertainment and hospitality, such as meals, alcohol, events, or gifts.
- Fines, penalties, or legal fees.
- Pre-agreement expenses: Expenses incurred before the beginning of the agreement term.
- Organizational sustainment: Any expenses required to sustain an organization that does not relate to direct service delivery under the program.
- Programs and services that
- Provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals;
- Offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing, or shelter, to sustain an individual or family;
- Be primarily rehabilitative in nature;
- Duplicate services that a government or government agency ordinarily provides.
- Provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals;
For more eligibility information, see the Eligible expense guide document.
6. Application Assessment Process
All applications submitted will undergo a fair and consistent review process. City of Calgary Administration will review all funding applications. Other subject matter experts, including other community funders, will be consulted as needed. Organizations, programs, and initiatives will be assessed for efficiency and effectiveness regarding the following:
- Alignment to the FCSS Act, Regulation, as well as the FCSS Calgary Policy;
- The organization’s strategic directions and how the proposed program aligns with the FCSS priority of increasing social inclusion;
- The proposed program’s outcomes’ alignment to the FCSS Funding Framework and mid-term outcomes;
- The proposed program’s strategy is supporting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities in one of the five priority population groups;
- The alignment between the vision, mission, and operations within the organization;
- The organization demonstrates a collaborative approach with other organizations and stakeholders;
- The organization can implement the program and achieve measurable change in increasing social inclusion;
- The organization involves participants in program design, delivery and evaluation when appropriate;
- There is a clear fit between the program or initiative activities and the proposed budget;
- The program is not a duplication of existing programs or initiatives.
As per the FCSS Calgary Policy, funding recommendations will be presented to the Community Development Committee of Council. The Committee reviews the funding recommendations and forwards its decisions to the City Council for approval.
7. Steps to Apply
Prior to applying, organizations are encouraged to review this web page in its entirety, as well as the following documents:
- FCSS Funding Framework
- FCSS research briefs relevant to the proposed program
- Eligible expense guide document
- FCSS application checklist
All eligible organizations must apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). A non-fillable copy of the application form is available to review in advance of completing the application in FIMS.
Organizations that don't have a FIMS account must register before accessing an application. Organizations access FIMS with a myID business account, which is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. To register for a myID business account, organizations should obtain a business id number here, and then register their primary email address here. Finally, set up a myID business account by visiting myid.calgary.ca, using the business ID number and registered email address. Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS, and review the FIMS training modules.
Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes.
In addition to submitting your application through FIMS, the following documents should be uploaded in FIMS by the application deadline:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Organizational bylaws
- List of Board of Directors
- Organization’s most recent annual return
8. After the Application is Submitted
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of December 2024. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.
Successful organizations must comply with the following contractual requirements per the FCSS Funding Agreement. These include, but are not limited to:
- Provide audited and/or unaudited financial statements annually (see reporting section);
- Carry adequate ($2,000,000) commercial general liability insurance, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured;
- Deliver programs with professional oversight and report on program outcomes (see reporting section);
- Conduct business in accordance with provincial and federal statutes (e.g., Labour codes, Privacy legislation, Human rights legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act);
- Publicly acknowledge FCSS funding in communication with the general public, clients, and staff;
- Adhere to Organization Governance, Accountability and Service Delivery Requirements, including police clearance requirements for staff working with children and other vulnerable populations;
- Report changes cumulatively over 10% of the funds;
- Report on and provide notice of material (significant) changes in program outcomes.
Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.
9. Reporting
Successful organizations will be required to report on their FCSS-funded programs in the following ways:
Year-End Reporting
FCSS-funded organizations must submit annual year-end reports. Report types depend on the approach of the funded program or initiative (e.g., Programs and Services, Community Development, or Policy and Systems Change). Year-end reports collect information on outputs, outcomes, clients/participants, contacts, volunteers, and success stories. View the FCSS Calgary Evaluation Reporting Session for a detailed overview of the different reporting components.
FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) Reporting for Social Inclusion programs
Organizations that receive FCSS funding for programs and services must use FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) surveys for pre and post-testing of program participants and report on them regularly. This does not apply to community development, or policy and systems change initiatives. The indicator surveys selected for a program are based on the strategies and rationale identified to achieve the program goal, as described in the approved program.
A list of all the possible indicators to measure social inclusion outcomes used by FCSS is contained in the draft FSII All Surveys list.
Financial Reporting
All organizations that receive FCSS funding are required to submit the following:
- an annual unaudited program financial statement, due March 1st, showing revenues and expenses of program funds in the previous calendar year (January 1 to December 31) signed by two officers of the organization with signing authority; and
- an annual audited organizational financial statement for all organization operations, due three months after its fiscal year-end.
Programs that receive over $250,000 per program annually will also be required to submit the following:
- an audited program financial statement showing revenues and expenses of program funds in the previous calendar year (January 1 to December 31), due three months after its fiscal year-end.
Failure to meet the financial reporting requirements may result in termination of the funding agreement and impact future funding eligibility.
10. Glossary
Terminology | Definition |
---|---|
Annual return | Registered nonprofit organizations must file an annual return to the provincial or federal government, depending on how they have been incorporated. This is not the return that is submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency. Returns verify your organization’s information and maintain its active status as an incorporated body. We use this information to verify organizational details and status. |
Certificate of Incorporation | An organization can be incorporated under federal, provincial, or territorial statutes. Certified means that the documents have an effective date and are stamped or signed by the appropriate incorporating authority. |
Community Development | The practice of building connections and capacity with people so they can work together on common issues and opportunities. |
Equity | The City will strive to provide equitable services. This includes removing barriers to access and inclusion. Equity means conditions are adjusted to meet people’s diverse needs, strengths, and social realities. |
Evidence-informed | Practices that are person-centered, meaning the preferences and experiences of individual clients are considered alongside best practices, as defined by quantitative evidence. |
FCSS Research Briefs | An organization can be incorporated under federal, provincial, or territorial statutes. Certified means that the documents have an effective date and are stamped or signed by the appropriate incorporating authority. |
FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) | Social inclusion indicators are used to measure the impact of FCSS funded programs. Most of these surveys have been drawn from standardized surveys that have been successfully used in other contexts and jurisdictions. |
Funding Information Management System (FIMS) | A secure, online platform for non-profit organizations to manage their organization’s profiles, manage their reporting requirements, and apply for funding for social programs and services. |
Indicator | A specific, observable, and measurable characteristic or change that shows the progress a program is making toward achieving a specified outcome. |
Intersectionality | A framework for conceptualizing a person, group of people, or social problem as affected by several discriminations and disadvantages. An intersectional approach considers the historical, social, and political context and recognizes the unique experience of the individual based on the intersection of all relevant grounds. It considers people’s overlapping identities and experiences to understand the complexity of prejudices they face. |
myID | An online service that provides citizens and business owners access to multiple City of Calgary services using a single account. A myID business account is required to access the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). |
Outcome | The results of program operations or activities; the effects triggered by the program. |
Output | The direct products of program activities; immediate measures of what the program did. |
Policy and Systems Change | The development of new policies or changes to existing ones based on the research, feedback and planned activities of individuals or groups. Systems change is a process that involves addressing the root cause of social problems, which are often complex. It aims to bring about lasting change by altering the underlying structures that make the system operate in a certain way. |
Prevention | The conditions or personal attributes that strengthen the healthy development, wellbeing, and safety of individuals across the lifespan and/or communities. Primary prevention avoids the onset of a social issue and addresses the root cause of social issues by promoting protective factors. Secondary prevention intervenes at an early stage of a social issue and builds resiliency by reducing the risk factors associated with the issue. |
Program | A program is an ongoing activity or service offered by an organization, usually involving clients that benefit from their participation in the service. |
Program Evaluation | The systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and outcomes of programs to make judgments about the program, improve program effectiveness, and/or inform decisions about future program development. |
Private Act of the Legislature | Some non-profit organizations are incorporated under a private Act which has been tailor made for an organization which needs special provincial legislation. |
Social inclusion | The ability to fully participate in, contribute to and benefit from all aspects of society. |
11. Contact Information
If you have any questions during or after this application period, please contact us, and we will respond within three business days. This web page will be updated regularly to address submitted questions but will not include identifying information about the organization or individual.
If you have identified barriers with this Call for Funding Proposals or would like to suggest ideas on making the application process more accessible and equitable, please get in touch with us. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we cannot make the changes.
Email: fundingproposals@calgary.ca
12. Resources
General Information about FCSS
Information Specific to FCSS Calgary
Additional Resources to support this application process
13. Frequently Asked Questions
This section will be updated regularly to address questions that are submitted but will not include identifying information of the organization or individual.
Fund description
- How much funding is available?
A total of $41.4 million is available for funding in 2025.
- Will there be other opportunities to apply for FCSS funding?
This will be the only opportunity to apply for FCSS funding in 2024. Future funding opportunities will be posted on calgary.ca/fundingproposals.
- Is funding only available for two years?
Successful proposals will be recommended for a funding term of up to 48 months (January 2025 to December 2028). Subsequent funding will depend on the programs' and organizations’ impact, ability to meet contractual obligations, and availability of funds.
- How will the $41.4 million be distributed?
There is no pre-determined allocation of funds towards specific mid-term outcome areas or population groups. More funding will likely be directed to Programs and Services, with lesser amounts to Community Development and Policy & Systems Change.
- When an organization that currently receives FCSS funding applies to an existing program, can it request an increase in funding?
Yes, currently funded organizations may request additional funding. Organizations should indicate why the additional funds are required.
- Will successful applicants receive the full amount they request in their application?
Successful applicants might not receive the full amount they request. The amount of funding will depend on various factors, including the alignment between the proposed program and FCSS outcomes and the availability of funds.
- Can applicants combine multiple programs into one application?
No, a separate application is required for each program or initiative.
- Is the $41.4 million in FCSS funding new? Has there been an increase in FCSS funding?
In 2022, City Council increased its contribution to the FCSS Calgary Program, followed by an increase from the Government of Alberta in 2023. The annual budget for the FCSS Calgary Program is now $41.4 million.
- Why is there another FCSS funding call when there are no additional dollars?
Over the past few years, the needs of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities have changed, and non-profit organizations have continuously adapted their services to respond. Through this call for funding proposals, The City of Calgary wishes to ensure preventive social services available to Calgarians are tailored to the current issues and challenges affecting them.
Objectives
- Have FCSS Calgary’s funding priorities changed?
The FCSS Funding Framework introduced in 2020 did not change and will continue to guide FCSS investments.
- How does FCSS Calgary define youth?
Youth are defined as those age 12 to 24. View the research brief for positive child and youth development for more information.
- What is the typical range of funding requests?
There is no minimum or maximum for funding requests. However, requested amounts must be consistent with the type of program or initiative being proposed and the number of anticipated participants.
- Would a start-up or pilot project to address a growing community need be eligible?
No, FCSS funding is for existing, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion.
- Is there funding available to address emerging or pressing needs?
To be eligible for FCSS funding, programs or initiatives must be of a preventive nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.
- There doesn’t seem to be a focus area for seniors. Where do they fit?
While seniors are among our five priority population groups, FCSS funding is directed primarily toward mid-term outcome areas. The outcome areas most relevant to seniors are growth in social capital/social and enhanced economic self-sufficiency. For more information, see research brief 3 - individual and family economic self-sufficiency and research brief 4 - positive social ties for vulnerable populations.
- Our organization serves vulnerable populations but is not among the five priority population groups that are mentioned in your call for funding proposals. Are we eligible to apply?
FCSS funding is for programs and initiatives that consider intersectionality and support Calgarians whose multiple identities may lead to multiple vulnerabilities. Established non-profit organizations providing evidence-informed preventive social service programs that address vulnerabilities in Calgary are eligible to apply for FCSS funding through this call for funding proposals. FCSS funding will be prioritized for the five priority population groups, but other vulnerable populations will be considered as well.
Eligibility
- Do applicants need to be registered as a charitable organization through the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency?
No, charitable status is not required to be eligible for FCSS funding. Funding is available to established non-profit organizations registered under the Alberta Companies Act, the Alberta Societies Act, the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, the Canada Business Corporations Act, or a Private Act of the Legislature.
- Are organizations that currently receive FCSS funding eligible to apply?
Yes, organizations receiving FCSS funding can apply for funding beyond 2024.
- Are organizations that currently receive other funding from The City of Calgary eligible to apply?
The call is open to all registered non-profit organizations that provide evidence-informed preventive social service programs or initiatives that promote and enhance well-being among individuals, families, and communities in Calgary. All organizations and programs that meet the eligibility requirements qualified to apply through this call. An active funding agreement with the City is neither a requirement nor a barrier to eligibility.
- Can organizations apply for the same programs they currently receive FCSS funding?
Yes, organizations may apply for funding for their programs that currently receive FCSS funding. They may also submit applications for different programs.
- How long do organizations need to be in operation to be considered well-established?
There is not a specific amount of time that an organization needs to have been incorporated to be eligible for FCSS funding. However, to be eligible, organizations should be able to demonstrate a track record of positive impact on the population they serve and be able to provide the following documents when applying:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Organizational bylaws
- List of Board of Directors
- Organization’s most recent annual return
- Are organizations without an annual return eligible to apply?
To be eligible for funding, an organization must upload a copy of the most recent annual return in the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Organizations can still apply before this document is uploaded, but it must be provided by April 10, 2024, to be considered for funding.
- Is FCSS funding available to expand or scale up existing programs?
Organizations may apply for funding to expand or scale up existing programs. Applicants will need to demonstrate an increased program need and explain what changes to the program will be made.
- Are administrative costs an eligible expense?
Administrative support for the delivery of a program is eligible. For this funding opportunity, indirect or administrative expenses should not exceed 15% of program funding requested. Funding applications that include requests beyond this threshold may not be approved.
- Are organizations registered in another community in Alberta but have operations in Calgary eligible to apply?
Yes, organizations registered in Alberta and operating in Calgary can apply.
- Are the costs associated with transporting participants to a program an eligible expense?
Yes, FCSS funds may be used to support core programming components, such as transporting individuals to and/or from a program or service. Eligible components include fuel costs, minor maintenance expenses, lease costs and driver expenses.
Yes, organizations registered in Alberta and operating in Calgary can apply.
- Is Food Nutrition or Food Hamper program eligible for FCSS funding?
According to FCSS Regulation, FCSS funding can not be used for programs that the primary focus is providing for basic needs and assistance to sustain an individual or family, including money, food, clothing or shelter. However, components of a service that contribute to preventive social outcomes may be funded by FCSS. Successful applications need to demonstrate strong alignment to at least one of the FCSS mid-term outcomes from the FCSS Funding Framework.
Application Assessment Process
- Are partnerships with other organizations part of the eligibility criteria?
No, organizations are not required to have formalized partnerships with other organizations. However, coordination or collaboration with other organizations is encouraged to avoid duplication of programs and initiatives.
- Should applicants submit letters of support from community partners?
No, letters of support are not required and will not be reviewed as part of the application assessment process.
- Will preference be given to programs that already receive FCSS funding?
Preference will be given to programs that demonstrate the strongest alignment to the FCSS outcomes and impact in the community. Each application will be reviewed using a fair and equitable process.
- Are there going to be funding reductions for the currently FCSS-funded programs?
There’s no guaranteed or pre-determined funding amount for any program. Funding recommendations are made on many factors, including program alignment to the FCSS Funding Framework, demonstration of organizational effectiveness, program impact, and demonstration of measurable change in increasing social inclusion. FCSS funding should be distributed to make the most impact on the community to achieve the long-term goal of increasing social inclusion.
- How are the two-year and four-year funding terms determined?
- Four-year funding will be provided for programs showing clear alignment to the FCSS Act, Regulation, and Framework; have demonstrated that they have consistently served clients or participants currently and in the past; and have demonstrated strong program impact by increasing the social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.
- Two-year funding may be provided to programs with clear alignment to the FCSS Act, Regulation, and Framework but whose demonstration of program implementation and impact are not as strong. These programs may need more time to demonstrate strong program impact.
- Not recommended – for programs that don’t align with the FCSS Act, Regulation, and Framework; have struggled to serve clients or have demonstrated minimum impact.
Steps to Apply
- Is there an opportunity to meet with FCSS Calgary to discuss eligibility or the application process?
Due to the volume of requests, we are not able to meet individually with organizations. Organizations are encouraged to send questions to fundingproposals@calgary.ca and every attempt will be made to respond within three business days.
- How many applications can be submitted from one organization?
There is no limit to how many applications an organization can submit. A separate application is required for each program or initiative.
- Do applicants have to cite the City of Calgary research briefs in their application, or can other research sources be used?
Organizations are encouraged to review the research brief most closely aligned to their program. Other sources of research may also be cited in the application.
- Do organizations need to choose FSII surveys when applying?
Organizations that choose the Preventive programs and services approach will need to choose FSII surveys when completing the application.
- Can organizations add additional lines to the budget form in the application?
Yes, organizations may add as many lines as needed within the budget form.
- Can organizations choose more than one approach to achieving increased social inclusion?
No, organizations must choose one of the following approaches when completing the application:
- Preventive programs and services
- Community development initiatives
- Policy and systems change initiatives
myID & FIMS
- How does an organization access FIMS?
You may log into FIMS using this link. Organizations will access FIMS through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach businesses and organizations use to access City services online.
- How does an organization create a myID business account?
To create a myID business account, your organization must have a business ID number and a primary email address registered with The City. If you have both, visit this link. Once registered, an activation code and link will be emailed to the registered business's primary email address.
- How does an organization get a business ID number?
Organizations can register for a business ID number online at this link or by calling 403-268-5311 to register over the phone. When you register, you will also be asked to provide a primary email address. You will need this primary email address — along with your Business ID number — to create your myID business account.
- How does an organization register its primary email address?
Your primary email address should belong to an authority in the organization that can accept and/or reject business-related requests. You can register your organization’s primary email address online at this link, or by calling 403-268-5311.
- Once an organization has a myID business account, what is the next step in accessing FIMS?
Visit the FIMS website and log in using your myID username and password. Upon your first login, you will be asked to answer questions about your organization and agree to the FIMS terms of use.
- Where can the application be found in FIMS?
There are several tabs on the left-hand side of the FIMS landing page. To start an FCSS application, choose the ‘Available Funding’ tab. Click the ‘Apply for this funding’ button to begin the application. Once you begin filling out an application and hit the save button — the application will be moved to a different section of FIMS. Go to the 'Applications' section to access applications you have saved but haven’t submitted. Go to the ‘Available Funding’ section to start a new application.
Reporting Requirements
- Will past FSII reporting be considered when evaluating applications for current FCSS-funded programs?
FSII results will be one of the many measures to determine if an organization can deliver a program and achieve measurable change in increasing social inclusion.
- Will there be opportunities for successful applicants to report outcome data that is aligned to FCSS outcomes that are not captured by FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) reporting?
Yes, FCSS-funded organizations can always upload program evaluations or other outcome data in the Documents section of FIMS. However, every FCSS-funded program must continue to collect and enter FSII data continuously.
- Are FCSS reporting requirements changing?
FCSS-funded organizations will continue to report on the impact of their programs using FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII), year-end reporting, and financial reporting. FSII surveys and year-end report forms were updated in 2023.
- Are funded organizations required to submit organizational and program financial audits?
All organizations that receive FCSS funding are required to submit:
- an annual unaudited program financial statement, due March 1st, showing revenues and expenses of program funds in the previous calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31) signed by two officers of the organization with signing authority; and
- an annual audited organizational financial statement for all organization operations, due three months after its fiscal year-end.
Programs that receive over $250,000 per program annually will also be required to submit:
- an audited program financial statement showing revenues and expenses of program funds in the previous calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31), due three months after its fiscal year-end.
Failure to meet the financial reporting requirements may result in termination of the funding agreement and impact future funding eligibility.
- What are the unaudited financial statements and audited financial statements required by FCSS Fund?
Unaudited financial statements are prepared by an accountant, includes all program revenue, all eligible expenses, any accrued interest on the grant that have been used for the approved project and are signed by two (2) officers of the organization with signing authority. Audited financial statements are completed and signed by a Chartered Professional Accountant who is independent of the organization.
Other
- Is there potential for additional funds to address emerging and pressing needs?
The Capacity-Building Fund is available on an annual basis for one-time initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness, increase programs' impact, and address emerging issues and trends that are impacting Calgarians.