July 21, 2025
The City of Edmonton is pleased to announce the launch of the Beyond Belonging Grant to support community-led initiatives that create safer, more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents.
This new funding program aligns with the 2SLGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces Action Plan 2025 – What We Heard Report and responds to City Council direction from July 4, 2023 and April 3, 2024. It reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to advancing equity and addressing systemic barriers, and fostering belonging for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
A total of $750,000 will be awarded through one-time community grants. Projects can receive between $10,000 and $100,000, with exceptions considered. All funded projects must be completed within one year of receiving approval.
- Create or enhance safe, inclusive spaces, events and services for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, with priority given to initiatives that take an intersectional approach.
- Strengthen efforts to address hate and discrimination, including reporting, response and restorative justice practices.
- Deliver public or professional education that challenges bias and promotes inclusion—especially for businesses and frontline services.
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Edmontonians feel safer, included and supported in public life.
- Access to safe, affirming and responsive services improves.
- Businesses and frontline services are better equipped to support and include 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Hate is prevented and addressed through effective processes that support survivors.
Grant Timelines:
Application Opens: July 21, 2025
Application Deadline: Sept. 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (no late applications will be accepted.)
Application Review: Sept. 11, 2025 - Oct. 5, 2025
Notifications Sent: Nov. 2025
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- A non-profit organization registered for at least one year and in good standing (e.g. Alberta Society, non-profit company, or extra-provincial non-profit).
- The organization or fiscal agent must be based in Edmonton and serve Edmontonians, with at least 75 per cent of participants living in Edmonton.
- A grassroots group working with a fiscal agent that meets the above criteria. The fiscal agent must agree to sign the funding agreement and manage funds and reporting on the applicant’s behalf.
- Applicants must also be in good standing with any existing City of Edmonton funding, with no overdue final reports.
Information Sessions
Two virtual information sessions will be held on July 25 and August 7 to provide more details about the grant and the application process. Each session includes a Q&A. Participants are encouraged to complete the registration form to receive the meeting link. Recordings will be available for those unable to attend.
