Granting
Overview
Calgary Learns is proud to steward the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) grant on behalf of Alberta Advanced Education. We are the CALP granting council for Calgary.
Adult education empowers individuals with new skills and knowledge, supporting personal growth, building confidence, and opening doors to achieve personal goals in life, learning and work. Most importantly, investing in adult education strengthens communities by contributing to a more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable society.
Current Calls &
Upcoming Deadlines
General Stream:
Deadlines:
Optional Application Preview – December 4, 2025
Application – January 15, 2026
Indigenous Stream:
Deadlines:
Optional Application Preview – January 16, 2026
Application – February 12, 2026
What We Fund
We provide CALP funding to local nonprofit organizations to deliver part-time, foundational learning programs for adults in Calgary who face financial barriers.
Grant Term: July 1 – June 30 annually
Programs must be:
- Based in Calgary
- Part-time
- Focused on adult foundational learning (for example: literacy, numeracy, digital skills)
Funding Areas
Literacy and Foundational Learning (LFL)
Top priority
Programs for adults (18+) that focus on building skills in:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Basic digital skills
- Skills for learning
- English language learning
Community Capacity Building (CCB)
Secondary priority
Programs that support adults (18+) with additional foundational learning needs, such as:
- Job readiness
- High school equivalency preparation
- Social and emotional development
Grant Streams
In an effort to ensure no one is left behind due to unmet learning needs, Calgary Learns offers two parallel streams:
- General – for foundational programs/initiatives that benefit all adult learners
- Indigenous – for programs/initiatives intentionally designed in culturally appropriate ways to meet the foundational learning needs of Indigenous adults
Types of Grants
- Program Grants / Indigenous Program Grants – to local part-time programs focused on delivering adult foundational literacy and learning content that is intentionally designed to meet the learning needs of the adults they serve.
- Initiative Grants / Indigenous Initiative Grants – one-time grants (up to $25,000) that provide an opportunity to nonprofit organizations to innovate and/or strengthen their ability to meet adult foundational learning needs they serve (for example: designing or piloting a new program).
Eligibility
To apply for a Calgary Learns grant, your organization must:
- Be a registered nonprofit for at least two years
- Operate within Calgary city limits
- Serve adults (18+)
- Provide free or low-cost learning programs at a foundational level (up to Grade 9 or CLB 6 for English language learners)
How to Apply
Review Eligibility & Connect With Us
Review the eligibility requirements, then contact us at (403) 266-6444 ext 2 or grants@calgarylearns.com to arrange a time to discuss your program idea.
Before providing an application, we want to ensure your proposed program aligns with CALP funding.
Prepare Your Application
Use the Application Guide, budget template and other resources to build a strong application.
Connect with us if you have questions while preparing your application.
Request an Application Preview
Our team will review your application and provide suggestions to strengthen your proposal.
Optional application previews are available for submissions received by specified deadline.
Submit Your Application
Complete your package which includes the application (submitted in Word format), the budget and any other supporting documents.
Submit by the posted deadline.
Reviews and Decisions
External experts review the submissions and provide funding recommendations. Calgary Learns then prepares the grant slate for approval by our Board and the Ministry.
Applicants who are not selected for funding will receive declination letters.
Ongoing
Support
If your program is funded, our team will support you throughout your grant term.
We offer professional development opportunities and community connections.
Learn more about the Application Process:
Do you need more help?
We are available to review and provide feedback on application packages—or answer any questions you may have.
Contact Us:
(403) 266-6444 ext 2
grants@calgarylearns.com
Resources
As a partner in adult foundational learning programming, Calgary Learns has staff available to support organizations throughout the granting cycle. We have also gathered some resources below to have at your fingertips. Feel free to contact the Grant Liaison at grants@calgarylearns.com should you have any questions.