Further to the News Release issued on February 1, 2008 announcing the Community Spirit Donation Grant Program, the program guidelines and application package were launched April 30, 2008 by Premier Ed Stelmach and the Honourable Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. 

 

There are two components to the donor-driven Community Spirit Program – the enhanced charitable tax credit (valued at approximately $80 million per annum) and the new Donation Grant Program (valued at $20 million per annum). 

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Alberta government increased the provincial charitable tax credit on eligible annual donations above $200.  Including the federal tax credit, Albertans now receive a 50-cent tax credit for every dollar donated over the $200 threshold.  This increase gives Alberta one of the highest charitable tax credits in Canada.

 

The Donation Grant Program is available to non-profit organizations and Canada Revenue Agency-registered charities that provide direct services to Albertans and Alberta communities for philanthropic purposes.  The grant from government is calculated on a proportional basis by dividing the $20 million annual budget by the amount of eligible cash donations received by these organizations.  The maximum grant per organization is $25,000 per year, with grants not to exceed $50,000 over three years.  Grants can be used to support an organization’s operations, programs and/or capital projects.

 

The Donation Grant program guidelines and application package are available in print form at MLA offices or by calling (780) 644-8604 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000) or online at www.communityspiritprogram.ca.  The website also contains answers to frequently asked questions.  The annual application deadline is October 1; however, organizations are encouraged to submit their completed applications prior to that date.  Funding calculations will occur following the application deadline, and donation grant cheques will be sent in January 2009.