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 celebrations: Support cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that activate Chinatown and draw people into the neighbourhood.
  • 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.
  • Cleanliness and Safety: Support initiatives that contribute to a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for Chinatown through community stewardship and neighbourhood engagement.
  • Hands-on learning: Promote skill-building to pass down cultural heritage through experiential learning.
  • 2027 Lunar New Year Events: Support events and activities that celebrate Lunar New Year traditions, foster cultural connection, and activate Chinatown.

50 events were supported by the microgrant in 2025. See the full list here.

Funding available

Applicants may receive up to two Chinatown Activation Microgrants per calendar year. Applicants who have already received two grants in 2026 may still apply for funding for a 2027 Lunar New Year event. Any approved Lunar New Year event will count toward the applicant's 2027 microgrant limit.

The application deadline for all 2026 initiatives and 2027 Lunar New Year events is Nov. 22, 2026.

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!

Apply for a microgrant

Upcoming supported events

  • Chinatown Community Garden Project

    April 20 to Nov. 30

    By: Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens' Association

    Location: 111 Riverfront Ave. S.W.

    The Chinatown Community Garden Program aims to create a shared green space that promotes gardening knowledge, cultural exchange and community connection.

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?