Community Investment Program changes to support efforts of local organizations

Applicants for the Community Investment Program (CIP) should be aware of new requirements as well as the creation of a Council review panel as changes to the program come into effect for the 2027 funding cycle.

CIP grants sustain and support the efforts of local social profits and organizations in Wood Buffalo.

Council approved these revisions to the CIP Policy at the June 23 meeting, as well as the release of the 2025 Impact Report, which details how CIP grants sustain and celebrate the efforts of local social profits and partnering organizations in Wood Buffalo.

The changes include new financial reporting requirements that will affect applicants for the 2027 funding cycle, as well as clearer expectations for financial reporting and new expectations for governance training among social profit Boards applying for CIP.

CIP 2025 impact report released

The CIP 2025 impact report is now available. Report highlights include that 53 organizations were funded in 2025 through CIP grants, with more than 46,000 residents taking part in funded initiatives.

Testimonials from people who received access to support services and increased social participation through CIP-funded programs in 2025 include the following:

·         A youth returning to school after getting much-needed access to a safe place and supportive relationships through the Dugout at the Justin Slade Youth Foundation.

·         A young single mom finding connection and support through Early Parenting Supports at the Hub Family Resource Centre.

·         A widowed grandfather in a rural community receiving emergency food hamper support for his family through the Mobile Pantry Program run by Wood Buffalo Food Bank, after missing the order deadline.

CIP review panel created

All CIP Approval Committee (CIPAC) allocations will be reviewed by a new CIP Review Panel composed of the committee chair and appointed RMWB Council members. Following the review panel process, all grant decisions are final.

CIPAC plays a crucial role in allocating Community Investment Program grants to local social profits and organizations in Wood Buffalo, including the Community Sustaining Grant, Community Capital Grant, and Community Impact Grants. 

The committee reviews applications submitted through the Community Investment Program, selects successful applicants and determines grant funding amounts (based on budget and eligibility criteria). Recruitment of new members for 2027 will begin shortly.

The 2027 grant cycle will open on Sept. 2 for applications. The application period closes on Sept. 30. Learn more about the program and how to apply for grants at rmwb.ca/cip . Municipal staff are also available to assist and answer questions. Call Pulse for more information.