On behalf of the Red Deer & District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), The City of Red Deer is pleased to announce $2.43 million in approved funding for programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across Central Alberta through prevention-focused initiatives. The funded programs will support a range of preventive initiatives across Central Alberta, helping individuals and families build skills, strengthen connections, and access support before challenges escalate.
Funding is provided through a competitive process and supports programs that align with local and provincial priorities, including positive child and youth development, mental well-being, and strong, connected communities. Red Deer & District FCSS is a multi-municipal partnership serving the region, including The City of Red Deer and surrounding municipalities.
For the upcoming funding cycle, the FCSS Board prioritized fairness, transparency, and responsiveness to community needs. Applications were assessed through a two-stage process, beginning with eligibility screening based on Grant Application Process (GAP) guidelines, followed by scoring on program merit, alignment with priorities, organizational capacity, and financial accountability. The Board also considered the overall balance of funded programs, including populations served and geographic distribution.
As part of this process, not all applications were approved. FCSS funding is allocated for a defined term, and past recipients are not guaranteed ongoing funding beyond their approval period. Decisions are based on eligibility requirements and the relative strength of applications.
Funding through Red Deer & District FCSS is provided primarily through multi-year agreements, with additional flexibility to support shorter-term projects that address emerging needs and innovative approaches. Programs are funded on an 80/20 cost-sharing basis, with the Province contributing 80 per cent and municipalities contributing 20 per cent. Organizations may apply for funding covering up to 80 per cent of eligible project costs.
Despite increasing demand, FCSS funding has remained largely unchanged in recent years. This reinforces the importance of a rigorous and balanced allocation process to ensure funding is directed where it can have the greatest preventive impact.
“FCSS funding plays a critical role in supporting early intervention and prevention in our communities,” said Jeff Bourne, Red Deer & District FCSS Board Chair. “By investing in programs that strengthen connections, build resilience, and address needs early, we are helping create a healthier, more connected region.”
The full list of funded programs is available on The City of Red Deer’s website.
Family and Community Support Services is a unique 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and participating municipalities or Métis Settlements. Funding supports preventive social initiatives that enhance the social well-being of individuals, families, and communities.