NOTE: Thank-you for your interest in the UpStart School Access Subsidy. All funds have been allocated for the Winter/Spring 2012 session. This three-year pilot will end in June 2012. For more information, please contact keely.willment@calgary.ca.
About UpStart
It just became more affordable for groups that offer recreational activities for children and youth to rent school facilities during evenings, weekends and holidays.
United Way's
UpStart recently received funding from the provincial government to establish a two-year pilot project to increase access and decrease fees for renting school gymnasiums. The funding will significantly expand opportunities to engage children and youth in positive after-school recreation activities. What children and youth do during out-of-school hours has an enormous impact on their development and on our community as a whole.
If your organization offers out-of-school recreation programs for children or youth in Calgary and the Rocky View, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a funding subsidy that lowers the cost of renting school facilities.
Who can apply?
Non-profit organizations and community groups that meet the following criteria can apply:
- The program increases the supply of recreational (physical activity, drama, dance, art, music) activities available to children and youth by offering a new program or by enhancing an existing program.
The program has appropriate adult supervision consistent with the activity.
The program helps children and youth develop skills and confidence.
The program responds to the needs and interests of children living in the community.
The service provider identifies participants willing to take part in a survey or interview to evaluate the results of the program.
The service provider meets the City of Calgary's terms and conditions for insurance, deadlines for cancellations, and permit requirements.
How do I apply?
Contact the School Access Coordinator at 403-268-4006, who will explain the subsidy, help groups identify appropriate and available schools spaces, and support groups in filling out forms. Completed forms can be mailed or faxed to the address/number list on the Rental Subsidy Application.
Rental subsidy application form
Application for use of school facilities
Which times are available?
Weekdays - 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Weekends - 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Please note: One evening a week and up to two weeks each term are reserved for "school use" and are not available for bookings; contact the School Access Coordinator (403-268-4006) for up-to-date information on availability.
How much does it cost to rent school facilities?
Each application will be graded based on pre-set criteria (see above - "Who can apply?"). Subsidies are available at a 50%, 70% or 100% level – based on the outcomes of the program, and the needs of the organization.
When is the deadline for application?
Applications are no longer being accepted for this subsidy. The three-year pilot project ends in June 2012. For further information please contact the School Access Coordinator (403-268-4006).
What is the mailing address?
Keely Willment
School Access Coordinator
City of Calgary Recreation
P.O. Box 2100 Stn. M #68
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
What is the goal of this program and subsidy?
This program promises to connect service providers with affordable facilities, to give children and youth things to do and places to go on evenings, weekends and holidays. The outcomes of this project include an increase in opportunities for children and youth to participate in recreational programs which will in turn improve overall health, learning and self esteem, increase exposure to positive role models, and will make better use of school facilities.
