Chinatown Activation Microgrant

Supporting initiatives that energize Chinatown and celebrate its heritage.

Chinatown Activation Microgrant

Funding is available to individuals, community groups, businesses, nonprofits and cultural or social groups to activate Chinatown through cultural activity.

Initiatives must fall under one or more of the following categories:

  • Cultural education: Preserve, celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Chinatown.
  • Child/Youth engagement: Foster cultural connections across generations, focusing on inspiring younger audiences.
  • Hands-on learning: Promote skill-building to pass down cultural heritage through experiential learning.
  • Cultural celebrations: Support cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that activate Chinatown and draw people into the neighbourhood.

Funding available

The Chinatown Activation Microgrant supports small initiatives in Chinatown only by covering up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $3,000.

Applicants may receive up to two Chinatown Activation Microgrants per year.

The 2026 Chinatown Activation Microgrant is now accepting applications. Intake is ongoing for initiatives until the funding is fully subscribed.

Initiative ideas

  • Workshops on traditional Chinese art forms
  • Classic Chinese movie nights
  • Intergenerational storytelling and family programs
  • Asian cultural celebrations
  • Pan-Asian cooking classes
  • Language classes from different regions
  • Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Chinese Chess tournaments
  • Youth-led programs to foster leadership
  • Your idea here!

Upcoming supported events

Series of Lectures: Stories of Ancient Chinese Coins

March 7 to April 25

By: Canada-China Cultural Collection Association

Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Public lecture series on Chinese ancient coinage.

Chinese Health Qigong Class

April 15

By: Chinese Freemasons Society of Calgary

Location: 2nd floor – 116 3rd Ave. S.E.

Vital Energy: Chinese Health Qigong is a 12-session course meeting once weekly over three months.

Youth Lion Dance & Drumming Experience Class

April 15

By: Calgary Hung Mon Athletic Club

Location: Calgary Hung Mon Athletic Club

In the heart of Chinatown, the "Little Lions" program introduces children aged five and up to the thrilling art of lion dance.

Way of the Chi – Traditional Taichi Instruction Class

April 15

By: Dat Coon Club of Calgary

Location: 2nd floor – 116 3rd Ave. S.E.

A 12-session introductory Tai Chi course designed to introduce the university community to the fundamentals of this ancient Chinese martial art.

Mini Peking Opera Headdress DIY

May to August

By: Heritage Arts Club

Location: Chinatown Calgary

Learn the art of making a traditional Chinese Peking opera–style headdress pendant.

Golden Voices of Chinatown: Choral Heritage & Seniors Vocal Wellness

May to August

By: Happy 50+ Association

Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Society

A cultural activation program designed to energize Calgary Chinatown through choral art.

Hong Kong Journey of Time – Dai Pai Dong Cultural Festival

May 9 to 10

By: HongKongers Association of Calgary

Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre and Daqing Square

A free, two-day immersive carnival at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre.

Chinese Movie Week

May 16 to 23

By: Shanghai Cultural Society of Calgary

Location: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Experience the richness of Chinese storytelling, history and contemporary life through film.

Peking Opera Appreciation Workshop

May 31

By: Multicultural Theatre Association

Location: Sien Lok Park

Explore the beauty and depth of Peking Opera in an interactive, welcoming outdoor setting.

Apply for a microgrant

2025 Microgrant highlights

I have attended these free classes for the past few months as a solution to managing my PTSD, as was recommended by my mental health therapist. I then experienced a server motor vehicle accident coming up 5 years this August, which resulted in a zero quality of life. Since attending this class, I immediately felt welcomed by the members in this community. Attending this class has given my quality of life back, the instructors always greet me with a smile and are so kind and gentle and encouraging to be patient in my healing as this class is helping in my healing.

Free Tai Chi classes participant

We really enjoyed this event. We appreciate the organizers' dedicated efforts in promoting cultural programs, the attention to detail in the venue setup, the delicious food, and the reasonable prices. The free souvenirs were a wonderful touch, making the experience feel perfect. We look forward to their next event.

Hong Kong Journey of Time attendees

We were able to successfully host two cooking workshops for the community to participate in cultural exchange by learning how to make baked coconut sticky rice cakes. We had some amazing conversations with some of the participants, who shared some recipes that they liked to make themselves. We collected some of the simple recipes to create a mini dessert recipe collection. We will share the recipes with the community members who come out to the Cultural Centre and with our summer camp children.

Culinary Cultures: Cooking and Connecting Workshop organizer

Other funding and resources

Do you have questions about the microgrant?