FORT McMURRAY — Nearly $7.5 million in municipal grant funding has been approved to support local non-profit organizations, community programs and amateur athletes across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
The funding was allocated Dec. 13 by the Community Investment Program Approval Committee following approval of the 2026 Community Investment Program budget during interim budget deliberations earlier this month.
Municipal officials said approving the full year of grant funding alongside the first-quarter operating budget was intended to prevent temporary funding gaps and provide stability for community organizations planning programs, projects and events in 2026.
A total of 44 applications were approved across three major grant streams. Community Sustaining Grants accounted for the largest share, with $5.4 million allocated to support the ongoing operations of established non-profit organizations. Community Impact Grants received $2 million to fund programs and initiatives aimed at addressing identified community needs, while $56,100 was allocated through the Community Capital Grant stream for smaller-scale capital purchases and improvements.
While $7.5 million was approved overall, $3.5 million in unallocated funding was moved into the Community Initiatives Reserve and will be considered as part of the 2027 grant cycle.
In addition, seven recipients were selected under the Games Legacy Grant program, which supports sport and recreation initiatives tied to the municipality’s legacy investments. A total of $6,850 was distributed through that stream following administrative review and scoring of eligible applications.
The Community Investment Program provides annual funding to support social, cultural, recreational and sport initiatives, including assistance for individual athletes or teams competing at provincial, national or international levels.
The Community Investment Program Approval Committee was established by council in 2023 as part of broader policy changes aimed at improving efficiency, reducing duplication and better aligning grant decisions with community priorities. The committee includes nine public members, with representation from the local social profit sector.
A full list of approved grants is expected to be posted online at rmwb.ca/CIP in the coming days.
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