The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID-19.

Agencies applying for funding are required to complete an application form and submit it to their local FCSS program. All funds must used by March 31, 2021.

Those impacted may include seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, caregivers, families with children at home and individuals with limited access to supports.The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID-19.

Agencies applying for funding are required to complete an application form and submit it to their local FCSS program. All funds must used by March 31, 2021. Those impacted may include seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, caregivers, families with children at home and individuals with limited access to supports.

For more information on program eligibility, please see the Foothills Region Community Social Services Support for COVID-19 Funding Criteria. If you believe your program is eligible, please submit a completed Foothills Region Community Social Services Support for COVID-19 Funding Request Form to Black Diamond FCSS Coordinator, Suzan Nagel at SuzanN@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca 
                                                                            
NOTE: these funds are not for current supports and services provided to the community. They are to provide additional supports and services to seniors and vulnerable families impacted by COVID-19.

Interagency Meetings

The Towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley co-host a bimonthly Interagency Meeting held at the Sheep River Library in Turner Valley. Representatives from agencies, organizations, businesses and interested individuals who provide services to residents of the area are all welcome to attend. Interagency provides an opportunity for service providers to network and discuss important social issues and to develop partnerships and collaborative initiatives. Round table information sharing allows everyone a chance to speak; however, if you wish to make a lengthy presentation, please contact Suzan Nagel at 403-933-4348. Meetings are held from 1:00 to 2:30 on the 3rd Wednesday of every other month except the summer months, starting in January.

Community Grants/Funding

Funding allocation is based on an application process. The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) advisory board reviews all submitted applications and distributes available funds according to eligibility criteria, community need and amount requested as a whole.

Applications

Applications are assessed by the Board at the January and February meetings (2nd Monday of the month) but are accepted as early as October of the year prior. Since the majority of funds will be dispersed before the end of March, it is advisable to submit promptly at the start of the year so that the amount requested can be factored in early and funds received in a timely fashion. The deadline for project completion is December 31 - funds must be used within the same calendar year as the grant was received.

The Municipalities of Black Diamond, Turner Valley, High River, Longview, Okotoks and the MD of Foothills have a common application form for FCSS Community Grants. The information from your first completed application may simply be transferred and tweaked to reflect the specifics relevant to the other communities. Please verify individual application deadlines, as well as any community priorities, where applicable.

• Funding Guidelines / Eligibility Criteria (PDF)
• Instructions for filling out the FCSS Funding Application
• 2021 Funding Application Form (Fillable PDF)

Presentations

There may be a request for your organization to make a short presentation to the advisory board, or you may make the request for a presentation yourself.

Notification & Payment

Once funding decisions have been made by the FCSS Advisory Board, a letter will be sent to the contact person listed on the application. If funding has been approved, the letter will be accompanied by a funding agreement, a signed copy of which must be returned to the FCSS Coordinator. The cheque will go out in the mail as soon as this signed copy has been received.

Application/completion Form

The Annual Project Completion Report Form is now included in the Application Form. Please provide information about your project and return to FCSS within 30 days of the completion of your funded project. FCSS funds must be expended prior to December 31 of the year in which they were granted.