Council approves additional CIP funding following review panel recommendations

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) Council has approved additional funding through the Community Investment Program (CIP) following recommendations from the CIP review panel.

Council approved an additional $542,775 from the Emerging Issues Reserve to support several local non-profit organizations through the 2026 CIP funding cycle. The funding follows a detailed review of applications that were previously deemed ineligible, denied, or partially funded during the initial adjudication process.  

Initial CIP approvals

In December 2025, the Municipality announced the results of the 2026 CIP funding cycle, with 44 grant applications approved for a total of $7.5 million through several grant streams including Community Impact, Community Sustaining, Community Capital and Games Legacy Grants. 

On February 5, 2026, Council passed a resolution establishing a Community Investment Program Review Panel to review applications from the current funding cycle that were partially funded, denied, or deemed ineligible. The panel included Mayor Sandy Bowman, Councillors Ty Brandt, Luana Bussieres, Kyle Vandecasteyen and Jennifer Vardy, along with Administration and the Chair of the Community Investment Program Approval Committee (CIPAC).  

During the review process, the panel examined 43 applications and confirmed CIPAC’s decisions for the majority of submissions. The panel recommended adjustments for five applications, resulting in additional funding allocations to support community programs and organizations. 

The approved allocations include: 

Community Impact Grants 

• King’s Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries Inc. – $100,000 

• Nigerian Canadian Association of Fort McMurray – $25,000 

• Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron #868 – $47,775 

Community Sustaining Grant 

• Markaz Ul-Islam Congregation of Fort McMurray – $320,000 (addition to an existing grant) 

Community Impact Grant 

• Fort McMurray Golden Years Society – $50,000 (addition to an existing grant) 

The Review Panel’s work is ongoing. As part of the February 5 resolution, the panel will also examine broader improvements to the Community Investment Program, including recommendations identified in the Deloitte program review. This work includes exploring the potential introduction of a new operating grant stream, evaluating program changes, and considering options such as an appeal process for future funding cycles.  

Any proposed changes will be brought forward to Council at a later date for consideration. 

The Community Investment Program provides strategic investment to not for profit organizations that help advance the Municipality’s strategic priorities and enhance quality of life for residents through programs in recreation, arts and culture, social services, community events and sport. 

Residents can learn more about CIP grants and view the full list of funded organizations on rmwb.ca.

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Media inquiries: 

media@rmwb.ca