**The 2024 Application Period runs from February 1, 2024 — March 1, 2024**

As Albertans, we enjoy the spaces that bring us together. The Community Spaces program helps protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada with an ongoing commitment to invest in the communities we serve — offering project funding up to $150,000.

The Co-op Community Spaces Program was established to improve community health and well-being by building places for Canadians to come together, build social connections and enable community development.

Community Spaces applicants can apply for between $25,000 and $150,000 in capital funding. There is no specified amount that an organization must raise to apply. Projects must align with one of these three funding categories:

RECREATION: Providing enhanced recreation spaces in the community (for example: recreation centres, playgrounds, etc.)
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: Preservation of natural spaces in the community (for example: green spaces, interpretive centres, etc.)
URBAN AGRICULTURE: Small-scale community agriculture initiatives in both rural and urban spaces (for example: community gardens, food education facilities, etc.)
Other project eligibility requirements include: your project must be accessible and available for the community to use to learn, play, grow and share, must be completed within two years, and provide the opportunity for permanent signage.

Your organization is eligible to apply if it is a:

• Registered charities under the Canada Revenue Agency with valid registration numbers
• Registered non-profit organizations under their provincial government with proof of registration (e.g. letters of incorporation)
• Non-profit organizations partnered with their municipal government who will accept funding and issue receipts on their behalf
• Community service co-operative

In your application, you will be asked to provide relevant documents such as detailed project budgets, non-profit certificate of incorporation, project drawings/schematics, contractor quotes, and proof of land acquisition agreements. To prepare for the application, we ask that you gather letters of support, secure quotes, create site plans/drawings, etc.

Lakeland Co-op encourages organizations to consider Community Spaces funding for their capital project! Visit Community Spaces for full details, a sample application, and to apply between February 1, 2024 — March 1, 2024. Direct inquiries can be made at: communityspaces@fcl.crs

For local inquiries and details on the putting together a stellar application, please contact Sue Wojcik, Marketing and Member Specialist, at 780-826-3349 or marketing@lakeland.crs