FCSS Funding

The County’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program provides funding to non-profit organizations that enhance the social well-being of individuals and families.

The program currently funds child and youth programs, family life enrichment courses, senior’s programs, information and referral programs, and other preventive social support programs.

Available Funding

There are two funding opportunities available:

• General FCSS Funding
  • This funding is for larger programs that address local needs through established programming and proven outcomes.
  • Must be submitted by the application deadline approved by the FCSS Board for programs starting January 1 or later of the subsequent year. This will typically be August 30, but may occur earlier or later as determined by the FCSS Board.
• Special Project Funding
  • This type of funding is generally for one time, short term, or pilot projects that are $7,500 or less.
  • Special Project funding applications are submitted by the application deadline approved by the FCSS Board for programs starting January 1 or later of the subsequent year. This will typically be September 1, but may occur earlier or later as determined by the FCSS Board. Special Project applications are also accepted until May of the year the project may be operating depending upon availability of funds.
  • No applications are accepted once all funding has been allocated.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must be a registered non-profit that serves Rocky View County residents. Individuals or for-profit groups and businesses cannot apply for funding.

Funding cannot be used for:

• recreation;
• public health transportation;
• direct assistance, including money, food, clothing or shelter, to sustain an individual or family;
• rehabilitation; or
• duplication of services provided by other government agencies.

Application Requirements

Applications must fall within one or more of the following criteria:

• help people develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
• help people to develop an awareness of social needs;
• help people develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people;
• help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them;
• promote, encourage and facilitate the involvement of volunteers.
• provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community.

Application Forms

• 2023 General Funding Application (DOCX)
• 2023 Special Project Funding Application (DOCX)

Application Review Process and Timeline

• End of June: Application deadline set by FCSS Board
• Application is submitted: According to the deadline outlined on the annual application form
• September/October: Application is reviewed by the FCSS Coordinator for completeness and eligibility.  Any additional information is collected from the applicant.
• October/November: As outlined in the County’s FCSS Bylaw C-7387-2014 (PDF) the FCSS Board reviews all applications in accordance with the Rocky View County FCSS Strategy Screen to ensure they:
  1. Meet FCSS Act and Regulation including prevention;
  2. Align with our vision/mission/values;
  3. Consider the impact on our stakeholders, partners, and the overall social well- being of the County;
  4. Bring people together and builds social capital;
  5. Use research based best practises;
  6. Are evidence based;
  7. Are consistent with past successes;
  8. Position us well for the future.
• December: The FCSS Board decisions are communicated to applicants.
• January: A Memorandum of Understanding is signed and first quarterly payment is issued to successful applicants. Quarterly payments are then made in April, July, and October.
• February 28 of the following year: A project evaluation is required if an application is successful based on a Program Logic Model.

The process for Special Project applications is similar; however, the timelines are dependent on when the application is received. Only one cheque for the total amount is issued.

Program Logic Model (PLM)

A PLM is a continuous improvement model that looks at the impact a program or service is having on a client’s knowledge, behaviour, or skills. The FCSS General Funding application uses this format to ensure our outcomes for residents lead to an improvement in their lives.