The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Award — a single $35,000 grant to support charities and non-profit organizations with bold, new or significantly expanded projects in Medicine Hat and the broader Southeastern Alberta region.
Eligible registered charities, qualified non-profits, municipalities and school divisions serving Medicine Hat and surrounding communities (including Redcliff, Cypress County and the County of Forty Mile No. 8) can submit proposals through the foundation’s online grant portal. Applications are open now; the CFSEA lists the application deadline as February 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT. (Applications opened January 5, 2026.) The award was increased from $25,000 in recent years to $35,000 to help organizations manage rising costs and support projects addressing priority issues such as housing, mental health and other needs identified in the region’s Vital Signs reporting.
CFSEA is seeking “game-changing” projects that demonstrate creativity, leadership and measurable community impact. Medicine Hat News reported that the Neighbourhood Associations of Medicine Hat and Area were recent recipients of the Community Impact Award; CFSEA records also show earlier recipients that include local search-and-rescue organizations. Applicants can review CFSEA’s Community Impact Award guidelines and resources on the foundation’s website for full eligibility and assessment criteria.
After applications close, submissions will be reviewed by a CFSEA committee (including board members and community volunteers). Up to four finalists may be invited to provide additional information and deliver presentations before final selections are made. The award is also listed in ALIGN Association of Community Services’ 2026 Grants & Awards directory as an available funding opportunity for Alberta charities and non-profits.
For full details, application instructions, and supports for applicants (including technical assistance and accessibility accommodations), see CFSEA’s Community Impact Award page or contact the foundation at grants@cfsea.ca.
