Downtown in Motion Grant
Downtown in Motion Grant
Creating long-lasting community impact in the greater downtown area.
Downtown in Motion Grant
The Downtown in Motion Grant supports registered non-profits and charities, Community Associations and Business Improvement Areas in creating vibrant, inclusive and financially sustainable arts, culture and sports initiatives in Calgary’s greater downtown.
Whether it’s a live performance, creative placekeeping, art installation or community event, this grant helps turn public spaces into places of connection and creativity — enhancing our city’s cultural scene, improving access for all and contributing to a safer, more dynamic downtown.
Funding available
With total funding of $1 million, this grant supports medium and large-scale initiatives.
- Maximum of $50,000 available per initiative.
- The City will contribute up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, excluding in-kind contributions.
- Applicants must contribute at least 25 percent in cash or sponsorship.
- Your organization may receive only one Downtown in Motion Grant per intake.
Initiative ideas
- Pop-up cultural pavilion
- Performance stage series
- Night market hub
- Multi-site interactive programming
- Weekly physical wellness session
- Sports league
- Shared maker space
- Reimagined parking space
Apply for a grant
- Complete the final report form.
- Submit a financial statement and one to three photos of your initiative to microgrants@calgary.ca. You may use this financial statement template or provide the information in a format that works best for you.
Note: Projects receiving our Arts and Culture Microgrant are not eligible for the Downtown in Motion Grant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for more than one initiative?
Due to the limited funding pool, each organization may submit one application per intake. However, your initiative can involve multiple locations, partners, sessions or program components.
Are capital expenses or operational costs eligible?
No. This grant does not support capital expenses (e.g., construction, permanent equipment) or ongoing operational costs (e.g., rent, staff salaries, utilities). Only direct costs related to initiative delivery are eligible.
What makes an initiative "publicly accessible"? Does my event need to be free?
Events should be open to the general public and take place in visible, inclusive locations—ideally outdoors or in community-oriented indoor spaces. Invite-only or members-only events are not eligible. We encourage free or low-barrier access. If your event has a fee, you must clearly explain how it remains accessible to the public (e.g., sliding scale, pay-what-you-can, free for underrepresented groups).
Do I need to complete both the Expression of Interest and the Full Application?
No. Only selected applicants from the Expression of Interest stage will be invited to submit a Full Application. All interested organizations must complete the EOI first.
How are applications evaluated?
The Expressions of Interest are reviewed by a review group, formed by internal City Staff, based on:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Alignment with program goals (activation, safety, inclusion) | 50% |
| Creativity, uniqueness, and contributions to the Greater Downtown Culture | 20% |
| Public accessibility | 25% |
| Initiative scale & visibility | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
Applications in the Full Application stage are reviewed by a review committee, formed by internal City staff and key partners in the greater downtown, based on:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Community benefit, engagement and impact | 25% |
| Accessibility, inclusion and equity | 20% |
| Financial sustainability and budget soundness | 15% |
| Collaboration and partnerships | 10% |
| Feasibility and logistics | 10% |
| Marketing and outreach plan | 5% |
| Risk management and safety planning | 5% |
| Score from Expression of Interest stage | 10% |
| Total | 100% |