Grant Guidelines

Heritage Gathering Grant (HGG) is a flexible, equity-centred grant that provides small-scale financial and in-kind communications support to community-led heritage initiatives in Edmonton that align with Connections & Exchanges: A 10-Year Plan to Transform Arts and Heritage in Edmonton.  

This grant is administered by Edmonton Heritage Council’s grants team and supports heritage gatherings and events within the City of Edmonton. HGG funding is separated from project grant streams and operates under distinct eligibility and approval procedures.  

Who Is Eligible
Eligible applicants include:  
Community-driven cultural heritage groups and organizations based in or primarily serving Edmonton Residents  
Informal collectives and networks working on heritage initiatives  
Non-profit organizations undertaking community-led heritage work  
Individuals acting independently or representing a community group
The applicant must be an individual whose residence is in the Edmonton Corporate Boundary or Urban Reserves

If you have received EHC project funding within the past year for the same initiative, you are not eligible. However, organizations with operational funding may request sponsorship for a distinct project or one-time event that is separate from their core programming.


Please note that heavily relying on AI to write applications can deter from an application’s success due to the highly general content generated. If you utilize AI to support your application, we recommend that you add more specific details and ensure that information is consistent throughout the application.


Requests for funding regularly exceed the dollars available. Not every eligible application will receive funding. Applications will be accepted on a rolling intake basis and will be assessed each month. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  

Eligible Expenses
Any costs associated with planning and undertaking your Heritage Gathering Event, such as:  
Venue rental
Food or catering costs
Printing and reading material design (Posters, brochures, banners, programs, educational resources)
Event insurance  
Costs for event documentation (Videographer or Photographer)
Event host or facilitator fee
Honoraria/ Protocol expenses
Equipment rental (audio/visual, tables, cutlery, glassware)
Marketing and promotion fees dedicated to this specific initiative  
Project coordination fee
Ineligibility  

The following are not eligible for HGG support:  
Organizational history or anniversary events (unless the event has a strong public-facing heritage content beyond the organization itself)  
Internal capacity-building or professional development for heritage organizations (applicants may consider applying to the Career Development Grant instead)
Initiatives whose primary focus is on artistic exhibition without a clear heritage/interpretive component  
Capital projects or purchases (equipment, infrastructure, permanent installations)
Fundraising activities or fundraising costs
Events that have occurred prior to the submission date
Costs related to marketing or promotional campaigns that are not tied to the heritage content of the application  
Educational institutions and government-owned and/or operated facilities are not eligible applicants; employees of these institutions must demonstrate that the gathering/event is unrelated to their employment

Our Commitment
We offer HGG recipients:
In-Kind Communications Support:
Social media promotion and amplification  
Inclusion in EHC newsletters or other digital communications  
Basic graphic design assistance for promotional materials

Your Commitment
In receiving a grant, you commit to:
Keeping the EHC updated on project changes and key dates, including special events, launches, and press and media opportunities
Acknowledging the EHC and including EHC’s logo in all promotional materials  
Submitting a brief final report to EHC when the project is complete and by the deadline in your grant agreement

Application Evaluation

Decision-Making  
The EHC reviews all applications for completeness and program eligibility. EHC staff evaluate all eligible applications and make recommendations for funding.

Assessment Criteria  
EHC staff will assess HGG requests against the following criteria:  
Edmonton Integration & Community Relations: Does the applicant have a connection to heritage work in Edmonton, does the initiative advance heritage goals in Edmonton?
Benefits of Heritage Gathering Event/Initiative: Does the initiative create opportunities for connection and collaboration in Edmonton?
Equity Priority: Does the initiative centre equity-deserving communities and address under-represented voices?  
Community Impact and Need: Is the initiative responsive to community needs? Does the initiative have the potential to reach and engage residents?  

Application Timeline
Applications are reviewed monthly at the end of the month. Notification of funding can take up to Four (4) weeks following the monthly review (e.g. if an application is submitted in mid-April, and the notification would be sent by the end of May). The initiative must be completed within one (1) year of notification of funding.

Grants are Income
EHC is required by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to issue T4A slips to individuals who receive funds in excess of $500.00 per calendar year. If you receive a grant you will need to report this income when you file your personal taxes. For your tax-related questions, contact the Canada Revenue Agency or a qualified financial advisor.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

Would you like to discuss your grant application? We offer support with budgeting, project descriptions, form questions, required materials, and eligibility. Contact us at grants@edmontonheritage.ca  

Find the answer to your question in our Heritage Gathering Grant FAQs