The City of Red Deer, on behalf of the Red Deer and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Board, invites eligible organizations to submit proposals for prevention based social programs through the FCSS 2027-2029 Grant Application Process.
This funding opportunity provides three-year funding for projects that support preventive social initiatives and enhance the social well being of individuals, families and communities across the Red Deer and District FCSS region.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations, school boards and municipalities delivering prevention focused services are encouraged to apply.
“Prevention based programs play a critical role in strengthening our communities before challenges escalate,” said Bobby-Jo Stannard, Safe & Healthy Communities Manager. “We encourage organizations with innovative, community focused ideas to apply and help us continue building strong social supports across the region.”
The intake period opens March 4 and closes March 31, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SmartSimple Portal and will be accepted until 4:00:59 p.m. MST on March 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
FCSS funded programs must be preventive in nature and support early intervention strategies that strengthen social wellbeing. Programs must support one or more of the following outcomes:
- Helping individuals develop independence, strengthen coping skills, and become more resistant to crisis
- Increasing awareness of social needs
- Strengthening interpersonal and group skills
- Supporting people and communities to take responsibility for decisions and actions that affect them
- Sustaining people as active participants in their community
FCSS funding cannot be used for services that are primarily recreational, provide direct assistance such as food or shelter, are rehabilitative in nature, or duplicate services typically delivered by government or government agencies.
To support applicants, two optional information sessions will be hosted:
- March 5, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Red Deer City Hall, Second Floor, Crimson Star Room
- March 12, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Red Deer City Hall, Second Floor, Crimson Star Room
Pre-registration is not required. A Microsoft Teams link will be posted on The City’s website for those who wish to attend remotely.
Information sessions will provide an overview of the funding process and application requirements. Questions related to the SmartSimple Portal are welcome.
Full application details, eligibility requirements and supporting documents are available at reddeer.ca/fcss.
For questions related to the grant application process, email fcss@reddeer.ca.
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.