Calgary Flames Foundation grants are some of the best-known sport-related grants in Calgary, and for good reason. The Foundation's Community Grant Program gives away about $500,000 a year to Southern Alberta charities, with grassroots sport, health and wellness, and education as its focus. But it's not the only team-linked funder in YYC. The Stampeders, the Hitmen and several partner programs run through Parks Foundation Calgary also put 50/50 and foundation dollars back into the community.
This guide explains what each one funds, who can apply and when, based on the official pages as of October 2026. Several of these programs publish little detail, so where we couldn't confirm a figure we say so. Check each funder's site before you apply.
What does the Calgary Flames Foundation fund?
The Calgary Flames Foundation describes its mission as "Helping Kids Play and Prosper," with priority on youth sport, movement, activity and play. It funds through several channels:
| Program | What it funds | Key details (per the Foundation's pages) |
|---|---|---|
| Community Grant Program | Charity projects in grassroots sport, health and wellness, and education, with a youth emphasis | About $500,000 a year; requests up to $100,000; average grant around $25,000; applications open March 1 to April 1, decisions by June 1 |
| CSEC Inclusion Program | Inclusion, diversity and equity in sport and recreation | Launched in 2021 as a $2 million commitment; check whether it is currently taking applications |
| Amateur Sport Grant (with Saddledome Foundation and Parks Foundation Calgary) | Sport capital projects and shared equipment in Calgary | Up to $75,000 or 50% of the project budget, whichever is less |
| Calgary Flames Playground and Outdoor Rink awards (through Parks Foundation Calgary) | New playgrounds; new and refurbished outdoor rinks | Applied for through Parks Foundation Calgary |
| Grassroots sports team 50/50 | Teams that sell 50/50 tickets at CSEC home games | Teams share in proceeds from their 50/50 shifts |
The Community Grant Program in detail
This is the program most Calgary charities mean when they talk about Flames Foundation grants. The rules on the Foundation's site:
- Only CRA-registered charities in Southern Alberta can apply. Non-profit societies without charitable status, such as most minor sport associations and community associations, are not eligible on their own. You can check your status in the CRA Charities Listings.
- Your board and finances need to be solid. The Foundation looks for a well-established board and internal management controls.
- It's one-time money. The Foundation asks applicants not to budget on receiving it, and recipients can't reapply for two years.
- There's paperwork tied to AGLC. Because the money comes from 50/50 proceeds under AGLC rules, recipients complete an AGLC form, provide a receipt and submit a final report.
- Some costs are excluded. Operating, salary and administrative costs, debt reduction, religious activities and event sponsorships are not funded.
The Foundation says it receives more than 100 applications a year, so competition is real. Requests over $100,000 go through a separate large gifts and capital campaign process.
How do you apply for a Calgary Flames Foundation grant?
The application window opens March 1 and closes April 1 each year, so the 2027 intake is the next chance. Use the winter to prepare:
- Pick one clear project with a start and end date, a defined group of young people, and costs that aren't operating or salary.
- Tie it to a pillar. Say plainly whether it's grassroots sport, health and wellness, or education, and how it helps kids play and prosper.
- Show need with Calgary data. Neighbourhood income figures, waitlists, or the number of kids in your area who can't afford registration all help. Our post on using data to show community need has sources.
- Build a realistic budget with other confirmed funding. Showing the grant is one piece of a funded project reassures reviewers.
- Plan your outcomes and final report before you apply, so you know what you'll measure.
If you're a non-profit without charitable status, consider partnering with a registered charity that runs the project with you, but only where the charity genuinely directs the work. Our post on charity versus non-profit eligibility explains the limits.
Amateur Sport Grant, playgrounds and outdoor rinks
Clubs and community associations that aren't charities have another route to Flames-linked money. The Amateur Sport Grant, run with Parks Foundation Calgary and the Saddledome Foundation, is open to Calgary-based clubs, leagues, schools and non-profits registered for at least three years. It funds capital projects and shared equipment, not equipment players keep or operating costs. The October 1, 2026 deadline has passed, and Parks Foundation says intake dates will change in 2027. You'll need a Project Support Program account with Parks Foundation, and they recommend talking to their programs team first.
The Flames Playground Award and Outdoor Rink Award are also handled through Parks Foundation Calgary. A community association planning a new boarded rink or a playground replacement should ask Parks Foundation which of its programs fits. Our post on playground grants covers other funders you can stack with them.
Calgary Stampeders Foundation
The Stampeders Foundation is the CFL club's charitable arm, focused on amateur and grassroots football in Calgary and Southern Alberta. Its money comes mainly from the 50/50 draw at Stampeders home games. In recent seasons it has funded high school football programs and run the Grow the Game Fund, which helps introduce football to new players, and a Development Fund. The club reported donating more than $300,000 to local grassroots sport in 2024.
The Foundation doesn't publish a detailed open application, intake dates or grant sizes that we could confirm. If you run a minor football association, high school program or flag football league, contact the Foundation through stampeders.com and ask how requests are reviewed.
A separate fund, the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Charitable Foundation, is administered through the Calgary Foundation and supports minor football in Calgary and area.
Calgary Hitmen Foundation
The Calgary Hitmen Foundation was created in 2001 and says it has donated more than $4 million, mostly from its 50/50 draw and community events. Its stated mission is to support grassroots and amateur sport, health and wellness, and education. It has given honorariums to Southern Alberta grassroots sport groups and has run community restoration grants for rinks and parks in the past. Its page does not describe a current open application, so reach out directly before planning around it.
What about the Calgary Stampede Foundation?
People often mix up the Stampeders with the Stampede. The Calgary Stampede Foundation raises money to fund the Stampede's own youth programs, such as the Calgary Stampede Showband, the Young Canadians School of Performing Arts and Stampede School. It is not an open grant program for outside organizations. If your group serves youth in rural or agricultural programs, look at other rural community grants in Alberta instead.
Why team foundation applications fall short
With more than 100 applications a year for the Flames Foundation's community grants alone, small mistakes cost you. Common problems in applications to sport-linked funders in Calgary:
- Applying without charitable status. It's the first thing checked, and there's no workaround on the form itself.
- Asking for operating costs. Rent, salaries and general admin are excluded. Reframe around a specific project with a clear end.
- Vague reach. "Hundreds of kids" is weaker than "180 children aged 6 to 12 in Penbrooke Meadows and Forest Lawn, 60% of whom receive fee assistance."
- A budget that doesn't add up. If your total project cost is $40,000 and you're asking for $25,000, show where the other $15,000 is coming from.
- Missing the window. A one-month intake goes fast. Draft in January and February so you're not writing on March 31.
Is a team foundation the right fit for your group?
Team foundations work best for projects that are visible, youth-focused and easy to explain. They are a poor fit for core operating costs or salaries. Before you apply, ask:
- Are we a registered charity, or do we need a program like the Amateur Sport Grant instead?
- Is this a one-time project rather than something we'll need money for every year?
- Do we have other funding lined up, such as CFEP, a casino or a Calgary youth sport club funding source?
- Can we report clearly on how many kids took part and what changed?
If you said yes to all four, a team foundation is worth your time. If not, start with the City, Sport Calgary or provincial programs and come back when the project fits. Our list of corporate grants for Alberta non-profits covers other private funders.
From the Saddledome to McMahon, Calgary's teams put real money back into local sport and youth. If you want help finding which team funds fit your group and writing a strong application, Alpine Grants can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you apply for a Calgary Flames Foundation grant?
The Community Grant Program accepts applications from March 1 to April 1 each year, with notification by June 1, according to the Foundation's website.
How much does the Calgary Flames Foundation give?
The Foundation says it distributes about $500,000 a year through the Community Grant Program. Requests can be up to $100,000 and the average grant is around $25,000.
Can non-profits without charitable status apply?
No. The Community Grant Program only accepts CRA-registered charities in Southern Alberta. Non-profit clubs and leagues can look at the Amateur Sport Grant run with Parks Foundation Calgary and the Saddledome Foundation.
Does the Calgary Stampede Foundation give grants to other groups?
The Calgary Stampede Foundation raises money for the Stampede's own youth programs, such as the Showband and the Young Canadians. It is not an open grant program for outside organizations.
Does the Stampeders Foundation fund minor football?
Yes. The Stampeders Foundation focuses on amateur and grassroots football in Calgary and Southern Alberta, funded mainly through its 50/50 draw. Contact the Foundation directly for how requests are reviewed.