Support for Charities

Charity support overview

Are you an Edmonton not-for-profit organization that provides basic needs support for those that need it most? Do you offer programs that focus on food, shelter, mental health, substance abuse and family violence? Do you hold annual fundraising initiatives that may need to be reshaped to reflect COVID-19 parameters?

If so, you might be eligible to apply for support through EPCOR's Heart + Soul Fund to help reshape existing or introduce new fundraising initiatives.

The program provides one-time support of up to $25,000 for not-for-profit organizations in the social services sector. Sponsorship benefits and recognition will be negotiated upon award.

Funding focus

The focus of the EPCOR Heart + Soul Fund is to help charities with fundraising initiatives, rather than support for programs or staff positions. We've heard loud and clear that fundraising has been a struggle, so we've chosen to focus funding on this area in particular. You can apply to us for one of three possible support mechanisms:

Matching campaign funds

EPCOR will support the introduction of a matching element to your fundraising campaign that enables EPCOR to match dollar for dollar donations made to your campaign, up to a maximum of $25,000.

Event sponsorship

EPCOR to be positioned as a sponsor of your fundraising event. EPCOR funds may go toward costs related to transforming an in person event into a virtual one, or bringing a new fundraising initiative to life.

Combo sponsorship and matching funds

The maximum funding of $25,000 can be allocated partially to sponsorship and matching funds. For example: EPCOR is recognized as a sponsor of your event, and also a matching supporter of a fundraising campaign that is launched at the event, or another time.

How to apply

Application timelines and process

Intake for the program will open March 15, 2021 and remain open until December 1 or until the funding is fully allocated, whichever happens first. Based on the response in 2020, we expect applications to come in quickly and exceed the number of initiatives we can support. We encourage you to apply early. Applications will be reviewed in phases, and funding decisions made every one to two months.

As we have a limited budget, not every application that meets the eligibility criteria will receive funding. Applications that best meet the intent of the program and the core criteria will be funded.

If you have more than one program you wish us to consider, please submit multiple applications. A maximum of one grant will be awarded to each organization.

Step 1. Read the eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria

Step 2. Create a user account and log into the online application portal

All applications must be submitted through the online application portal. Once the account has been created, applicants can use their new credentials to log into the online application portal below. If you already have an account, log in using your existing credentials.

Step 3. Complete and submit the online application form

There are several forms available in our system. Please use the form titled: Heart + Soul Fund. You can save your application and return to make edits prior to submission but once submitted, no additional changes can be made.

Apply now

After you apply

The program aims to process applications quickly. After you submit your application, you will receive confirmation of submission from the grant system. Once the team has reviewed your submission, you may be contacted for additional information or discussion on the initiative.

Due to the anticipated number of applications, we kindly request that you wait for us to contact you.

A sponsorship agreement will be negotiated and developed for all successful applications prior to payment being issued. Reporting measurement parameters will be established during this discussion.

Audit and compliance

All funding awards are subject to a potential audit by EPCOR, upon reasonable notice to the recipient.

If an organization was not able to execute the initiative for which the funds were provided, they must submit a request to reallocate the funds to a new initiative.

If the initiative is not able to be delivered, the organization will return the funding to EPCOR.