Family & Community Support Services - Call for Funding Proposals

Established in 1966, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) is a unique joint provincial/municipal funding program between the Government of Alberta and participating municipalities or Métis Settlements to support preventive social services.

Provincially, the FCSS Program receives its mandate from the FCSS Act and FCSS Regulation. The Regulation states that to receive funding “Services under a program must be of a preventive nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.”

The provincial and municipal governments share the cost of the FCSS Program. The Government of Alberta contributes up to 80 per cent of the cost and municipalities cover a minimum of 20 per cent. Calgary City Council has made a commitment to contribute more than the minimum requirement and provides 25 per cent of the program cost.

In Calgary, the FCSS Policy directs the work of FCSS Calgary and its relationship with funded organizations. The FCSS Funding Framework​ guides FCSS funding to evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities.

Over the past few years, the needs of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities have changed, and non-profit organizations have continuously adapted their services to respond.  Through this call for funding proposals, The City of Calgary wishes to ensure preventive social services available to Calgarians are tailored to the current issues and challenges affecting them.

Applications are being accepted through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS) until June 2, 2022, at 11:59pm. Due to the expected volume of applications, and the time needed to review them, late applications will not be accepted.

Throughout the application period, questions may be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Responses will be provided within three business days. This web page will be updated with a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to address questions that are submitted. FAQs will not include identifying information of the organization or individual.

The City of Calgary allocates FCSS Calgary funding to established, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities. Social isolation leads to a wide range of issues, such as family instability, child maltreatment, unemployment, and crime. Social isolation is also linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Investing in programs and initiatives that increase social inclusion advances The City of Calgary’s vision of making Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life and creates opportunities for all Calgarians to fully participate in, contribute to and benefit from all aspects of society. 

A total of $30 million is available for funding in 2023. There is not a set minimum or maximum for funding requests. However, requested amounts must be consistent with the type of program or initiative being proposed and the number of anticipated participants. Applicants are invited to submit the full program costs.

Successful proposals will be recommended for an initial funding term of up to 21 months (April 2023 to December 2024). Subsequent funding will depend on the programs and organizations’ impact, ability to meet contractual obligations and availability of funds.

Organizations that currently receive FCSS funding may apply for funding for their current programs, different programs, or both. Organizations that are not successful in receiving funding for programs that are currently FCSS funded may receive bridge funding from January 2023 through March 2023.

The FCSS Funding Framework provides evidence-informed strategic direction to guide FCSS funding, while also being flexible to incorporate new knowledge in the area of prevention to respond to emerging social issues affecting Calgarians.

The City of Calgary will direct FCSS Calgary funding to existing, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion of Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities to create an equitable society.  Inequities among Calgarians and neighbourhoods contribute to social isolation, especially for those who experience vulnerabilities, which in turn can lead to negative economic and social outcomes. Investment in prevention enhances social inclusion and removes barriers to full participation in society.

FCSS Calgary’s long-term outcome of increased social inclusion is achieved through three main approaches, each with its own mid-term outcomes:

Although everyone can experience vulnerability at some point in their lives, FCSS funding is targeted at programs and initiatives that consider intersectionality and support Calgarians whose multiple identities — such as ability, age, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, Indigeneity, race, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status — may lead to multiple vulnerabilities. The City of Calgary encourages applications from well-established organizations that are led by and/or working alongside equity-seeking communities experiencing vulnerabilities that deliver prevention social service programs. Funding will be directed to programs and initiatives that work with those who experience vulnerability within the following five population groups:

FCSS Calgary has developed research briefs to guide organizations working toward increasing social inclusion in Calgary. The emphasis is on prevention, defined as the conditions or personal attributes that strengthen the healthy development, wellbeing, and safety of individuals across the lifespan and/or communities. Primary prevention programming avoids the onset of a social issue and addresses the root cause of social issues by promoting protective factors. Secondary prevention programming intervenes at an early stage of a social issue and builds resiliency by reducing the risk factors associated with the issue.. Each research brief is linked to a mid-term outcome of the FCSS Funding Framework and provides an overview of the issue, as well as evidence-informed strategies to prevent it from occurring or escalating. Organizations should review the research brief that is most closely aligned with their program before applying.

• Research Brief 1 - Positive child and youth development (2020)
• Research Brief 2 - Positive parenting and family functioning (2020)
• Research Brief 3 - Individual and family economic self-sufficiency (2020)​
• Research Brief 4 - Positive social ties for vulnerable populations (2020)
• Research Brief 5 - Community Development (2020)
• Research Brief 6 - Indigenous brief (2014) (Currently being updated and subject to change)
• Research Brief 7 - Policy and systems change (2021)
• Context and overview for research briefs (2014) (Currently being updated and subject to change)

Funding is available to well-established Calgary-based non-profit organizations registered under the Companies Act, RSA 2000, c C-21, the Societies Act, RSA 2000, c S14 or the Business Corporations Act, RSA 2000, c B-9. Eligible organizations must have experience in providing prevention social service programs.

Funding is available for established programs and initiatives with a track record of positive impact. Pilot programs are not eligible. Eligible programs need to be preventive in nature, respond to a clear social need in the community, utilize an evidence-informed approach and have identified positive social outcomes. As stated in the FCSS Regulation, FCSS-funded programs must do one or more of the following:

• Help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
• Help people to develop an awareness of social needs;
• Help people to 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;
• Provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community.

FCSS funding cannot be used for programs and services that:

• Provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals;
• Offer direct assistance, including money, food, clothing, or shelter, to sustain an individual or family;
• Be primarily rehabilitative in nature;
• Duplicate services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.

Ineligible expenses include:

• The purchase of land or buildings;
• The construction or renovation of a building;
• The purchase of motor vehicles;
• Any costs required to sustain an organization that do not relate to direct service delivery under the program;
• Municipal property taxes and levies;
• Any payments to a member of a board or committee

For more information on eligibility, see the Eligible Expense Guidelines document.

All applications submitted will undergo a fair and consistent review process. City of Calgary Administration will review all funding applications. Other subject matter experts, including other community funders, will be consulted, as needed. Funding proposals will be assessed for efficiency and effectiveness:

• Alignment to the FCSS Act, Regulation, as well as the FCSS Calgary Policy;
• The organization’s strategic directions, and how the proposed program aligns with the FCSS priority of increasing social inclusion;
• The proposed program’s outcomes’ alignment to FCSS Funding Framework and mid-term outcomes;
• The proposed program’s strategy is supporting Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities in one of the five priority population groups;
• The alignment between the vision, mission, and operations within the organization;
• The organization’s challenges and emerging issues;
• The organization’s current strategic plan and business plan;
• The organization demonstrates a collaborative approach with other organizations and stakeholders;
• The organization has the ability to implement the program and achieve measurable change in increasing social inclusion;
• There is a clear fit between the program or initiative activities and the proposed budget;
• The program is not a duplication of existing programs or initiatives.

As per the FCSS Calgary Policy, funding recommendations will be presented to the Community Development Committee of Council. The Committee reviews the funding recommendations and forwards its decisions to City Council for approval.

Prior to applying, organizations are encouraged to review this web page in its entirety, as well as the following documents:

• FCSS Funding Framework
• FCSS Research Briefs relevant to the proposed program
• Eligible Expense Guidelines document
• FCSS application checklist

All eligible organizations must apply through the Funding Information Management System (FIMS). A non-fillable copy of the application form is available to review in advance of completing the application in FIMS.

Organizations that don't have a FIMS account must register before accessing an application. Organizations access FIMS with a myID business account, which is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online. To register for a myID business account organizations should obtain a business id number here, and then register their primary email address here. Finally, set up a myID business account by visiting myid.calgary.ca and using the business ID number and registered email address. Learn about how to obtain a myID business account and register for FIMS, and review the FIMS training modules.

Questions about accessing FIMS may be directed to fundingproposals@calgary.ca. Alternate options to submit an application will be provided to organizations that encounter difficulties in accessing FIMS prior to the application deadline. Successful applicants will need to set up a FIMS account for payment and reporting purposes

In addition to submitting your application through FIMS, the following documents should be uploaded in FIMS by the application deadline:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Organizational bylaws
• List of Board of Directors
• Current strategic plan
• Organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Organization chart

All applicants will be notified on the outcome of their application by the end of December 2022. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documents or answer questions to support the review and decision process.  

Successful organizations will be asked to comply with of the following contractual requirements, as per the FCSS Funding Agreement. These include, but are not limited to:

• Provide audited financial statements annually;
• Carry adequate ($2,000,000) commercial general liability insurance, with The City of Calgary as an additional insured;
• Deliver programs with professional oversight, and report on program outcomes (see reporting section);
• Conduct business in accordance with provincial and federal statutes (e.g., Labour codes, Privacy legislation, Human rights legislation, Occupational Health and Safety Act);
• Publicly acknowledge FCSS funding in communication with the general public, clients, and staff;
• Adhere to Organization Governance, Accountability and Service Delivery Requirements, including police clearance requirements for staff working with children and other vulnerable populations;
• Report changes to budget in excess of 10%;
• Report on and provide notice of material (significant) changes of program outcomes.

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback on why the application wasn’t successful and what could be done differently in the future. Requests for feedback should be sent to fundingproposals@calgary.ca.

Successful organizations will be required to report on their FCSS-funded programs in the following ways:

Year-End Reporting: FCSS-funded organizations must submit annual year-end reports. Report types depend on the approach of the funded program or initiative (e.g., Programs and Services, Community Development, or Policy and Systems Change). Year-end reports are used to collect information on outputs, clients, contacts, volunteers, and success stories.

FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) Reporting for Social Inclusion programs: Organizations that receive FCSS funding for programs and services must use FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) surveys for pre- and post-testing of program participants and report on them regularly. This does not apply to community development or policy and systems change initiatives. The indicator surveys selected for a program are based on the strategies and rationale identified to achieve the program goal, as described in the approved program.

A list of all the possible indicators to measure social inclusion outcomes used by FCSS is contained in the draft FSII All Surveys list. Note that these surveys are currently being updated and are subject to change.

Financial Reporting: Organizations will need to submit an audited financial statement for all operations of the organization, including a statement of revenue and expenses for programs or initiatives funded by FCSS.

If you have any questions during or after this application period, please contact us and we will respond within three business days.  This web page will be updated regularly to address questions that are submitted but will not include identifying information of the organization or individual.

If you have identified barriers with this Call for Funding Proposals or would like to suggest ideas on how to make the application process more accessible and equitable, please contact us. We commit to integrating the feedback when possible and providing rationale if we are currently unable to make the changes. 

Email: fundingproposals@calgary.ca

General Information about FCSS

• Government of Alberta FCSS website
• FCSS Act
• FCSS Regulation

Information Specific to FCSS Calgary

• FCSS Calgary Policy
• FCSS Funding Framework
• FCSS Research Briefs

Additional Resources to support this application process

• FCSS call for funding proposals information session
• FCSS application checklist
• Copy of application form (non-fillable)
• Eligible Expense Guidelines document 
• Funding Information Management System (FIMS) training modules

This section will be updated regularly to address questions that are submitted but will not include identifying information of the organization or individual.

1. How much funding is available?

A total of $30 million is available for funding in 2023.

2. Will there be other opportunities to apply for FCSS funding?

This will be the only opportunity to apply for FCSS funding in 2022. Future funding opportunities will be posted on calgary.ca/fundingproposals.

3. Is funding only available for 2 years?

Successful proposals will be recommended for an initial funding term of up to 21 months (April 2023 to December 2024). Subsequent funding will depend on the programs and organizations’ impact, ability to meet contractual obligations and availability of funds.

4. How will the $30 million be distributed?

There is no pre-determined allocation of funds towards specific mid-term outcome areas or population groups. It is likely that more funding will be directed to Programs and Services, with lesser amounts to Community Development and Policy & Systems Change.

5. When an organization that currently receives FCSS funding submits an application for an existing program, can they ask for an increase in funding?
   
   Yes, currently funded organizations may request additional funding. Organizations should indicate why the additional funds are required.
   
   
6. Will successful applicants receive the full amount they request in their application?
   
   

   Successful applicants might not receive the full amount they request. The amount of funding will depend on various factors, including the alignment between the proposed program and FCSS outcomes, as well as the availability of funds.

7. Can applicants combine multiple programs into one application?
   
   No, a separate application is required for each program or initiative.
   
   
8. Will successful proposals receive funding from January 2023 through March 2023?
   
   Funding for programs and initiatives that are successful through this call for funding proposals will begin in April 2023. Only organizations that currently receive FCSS funding will receive bridge funding from January 2023 through March 2023.
   
   
9. Is the $30 million in FCSS funding new? Has there been an increase to FCSS funding?
   
   There has not been a change to the FCSS budget. The $30 million in funding represents the amount that is currently invested in FCSS programs and initiatives provided by Calgary-based non-profit organizations.

10. Have FCSS Calgary’s funding priorities changed? 

The FCSS Funding Framework introduced in 2020 did not change and will continue to guide FCSS investments. 

11. How does FCSS Calgary define youth?

Youth are defined as those age 12 to 24. See the Research Brief for Positive child and youth development for more information.

12. Are there any new funds for the expansion of programs?

Organizations considering program expansions will need to demonstrate the need for the program and the impact of the program. The amount of FCSS funding for 2023 has not increased.

13. What is the typical range of funding requests?
    

There is not minimum or maximum for funding requests. However, requested amounts must be consistent with the type of program or initiative being proposed and the number of anticipated participants.

14. Would a start-up or pilot project to address a growing community need be eligible?

No, FCSS funding is for existing, evidence-informed programs and initiatives that contribute to its long-term outcome of increased social inclusion

15. Is there funding available to address emerging or pressing needs?

To be eligible for FCSS funding, programs or initiatives must be of a preventive nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.

16. There doesn’t seem to be a focus area for seniors. Where do they fit?

While seniors are one of our five priority population groups, FCSS funding is directed primarily towards mid-term outcome areas. The outcome areas most relevant to seniors are adult personal capacity and economic self-sufficiency. See Research Brief 2 - Individual and family economic self-sufficiency and Research Brief 3 - Positive social ties for vulnerable populations for more information.

17. Will consideration be given to populations experiencing multiple risk factors?

FCSS funding is for programs and initiatives that consider intersectionality and support Calgarians whose multiple identities — such as ability, age, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, Indigeneity, race, sexual orientation and socio-economic status — may lead to multiple vulnerabilities. 

18. Do applicants need to be registered as a charitable organization through the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency?

No, charitable status is not required to be eligible for FCSS funding. Funding is available to well-established Calgary-based non-profit organizations registered under the Companies Act, RSA 2000, c C-21, the Societies Act, RSA 2000, c S14 or the Business Corporations Act, RSA 2000, c B-9.

19. Are organizations that currently receive FCSS funding eligible to apply?

Yes, organizations that currently receive FCSS funding are eligible to apply to receive funding beyond 2022.

20.  Are organizations able to apply for the same programs they are currently receiving FCSS funding for?

Yes, organizations may apply for funding for their programs that currently receive FCSS funding. They may also submit applications for different programs.

21. How long does organizations need to be in operation to be considered well-established?

There is not a specific amount of time that an organization needs to have been incorporated to be eligible for FCSS funding. However, to be eligible organizations should be able to demonstrate a track record of positive impact with the population they serve and be able to provide the following documents when applying:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Organizational bylaws
• List of Board of Directors
• Current strategic plan
• Organization’s most recent audited financial statement
• Organizational chart

22. Are organizations without audited financial statements eligible to apply?

To be eligible for funding, an organization must upload a copy of the most recent audited financial statement in Funding Information Management System (FIMS). Organizations can still submit an application before this document is uploaded, but it must be provided by June 2, 2022 to be considered for funding.

23. Is FCSS funding available to expand or scale up existing programs?

Yes, organizations may apply for funding to expand or scale up existing programs. Applicants will need to demonstrate that there is an increased program need and explain what changes to the program will be made.

24. Are organizations that are receiving funding through Change Can’t Wait! for pilot projects eligible to apply?

Yes, organizations may apply for FCSS funding to continue existing pilot projects. However, the program’s outcomes must align to the FCSS Funding Framework and mid-term outcomes, and the program must support Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities in one of the five priority population groups.

25. Are administrative costs an eligible expense?

Administrative support for the delivery of a program is eligible up to 10% of total value of direct program delivery costs.

26. Are financial statements reviewed and signed by Directors or Board members accepted?

Unaudited financial statements will not be accepted. Audited financial statements are those that are completed and signed by a Chartered Professional Accountant who is independent of the organization.

27. Are organizations that are registered in another community in Alberta, but have operations in Calgary, eligible to apply?
    
    
    

    Yes, organizations registered in Alberta and operating in Calgary are eligible to apply.

28. Are organizations that are registered in another community in Alberta, but have operations in Calgary, eligible to apply?
    
    
    Yes, FCSS funds may be used to support components of core programming such as transporting individuals to and/or from a program or service. Eligible components include fuel costs, minor maintenance expenses, lease costs and driver expenses.  

29. Are partnerships with other organizations part of the eligibility criteria?

No, organizations are not required to have formalized partnerships with other organizations. However, coordination or collaboration with other organizations is encouraged to avoid duplication of programs and initiatives.

30. Should applicants submit letters of support from community partners?

No, letters of support are not required and will not be reviewed as part of the application assessment process.

31. Will preference be given to programs that already receive FCSS funding?

Preference will be given to programs that demonstrate the strongest alignment to the FCSS outcomes and impact in the community.  Each application will be reviewed using a fair and equitable process.

32. Is there an opportunity to meet with FCSS Calgary to discuss eligibility or the application process?

Due to the volume of requests, we are not able to meet individually with organizations. Organizations are encouraged to send questions to fundingproposals@calgary.ca and every attempt will be made to respond within 3 business days.

33. How many applications can be submitted from one organization?

There is no limit to how many applications an organization can submit. A separate application is required for each program or initiative.

34. Do applicants have to cite the City of Calgary research briefs in their application or can other sources of research be used?

Organizations are encouraged to review the research brief most closely aligned to their program. Other sources of research may also be cited in the application.

35. Do organizations need to choose FSII surveys when applying?

No, applicants do not need to identify which FSII surveys they intend to use. If successful, organizations will work with members of City Administration to choose which indicators are most closely aligned to program outcomes.

36. The application asks if the organization has a business plan for the proposed program. Is this a requirement
    
    
    Program business plans are optional and are not one of the six required documents that need to be uploaded at the application stage.
    
    
37. The application asks for references for the research that identifies the need and provides the rationale to support the program strategy. Where should these be provided?
    
    
    References should be included in the response to question 19 (Rationale & References) in the application form. However, if there is not enough space organizations may upload references in the Documents section of FIMS
    
    
38. Can organizations add additional lines to the budget form in the application?
    
    
    Yes, organizations may add as many lines as needed within the budget form.
    
    
39. Can organizations choose more than one approach to achieving increased social inclusion?
    
    
    No, organizations must choose one of the following approaches when completing the application:

• Preventive programs and services
• Community development initiatives
• Policy and systems change initiatives

40. What should be included in the first column in the application budget, which is called ‘Current Approved Budget’?
    
    
    This column is intended to capture the existing budget of your entire organization. Enter the most recent budget, approved by the board of directors for the entire organization’s fiscal period. In the Revenue section, include all sources of revenue, with the exception of FCSS funding.

41. How does an organization access FIMS?

You may log into FIMS at the following link. Organizations will access FIMS through a myID business account. A myID business account is a single sign-on approach used by businesses and organizations to access City services online.

42.  How does an organization create a myID business account?

To create a myID business account, your organization will need to have a business ID number and a primary email address registered with The City. If you have both, visit the following link. Once you have registered, an activation code and link will be emailed to the registered business primary email address.

43. How does an organization get a business ID number?

Organizations can register for a business ID number online at the following link, by emailing businessregistry@calgary.ca or by calling 403-268-5311 to register over the phone. When you register, you will also be asked to provide a primary email address. You will need this primary email address – along with your Business ID number – to create your myID business account.

44. How does an organization register its primary email address?

Your primary email address should belong to an authority in the organization that can accept and/or reject business related requests. You can register your organization’s primary email address online at the following link, by emailing businessregistry@calgary.ca or by calling 403-268-5311.

45. Once an organization has a myID business account, what is the next step in accessing FIMS?

Visit the FIMS website and login using your myID username and password. Upon your first login you will be asked to answer some questions about your organization and agree to the FIMS terms of use.

46. Where can the application be found in FIMS?

There are several tabs on the left-hand side of the FIMS landing page. To start a FCSS application, choose the ‘Available Funding’ tab. Click the ‘Apply for this funding’ button to begin the application. Once you begin filling out an application and hit the save button the application will be moved to a different section of FIMS. To access applications you have saved, but haven’t submitted, go to the ‘Applications’ section. To start a new application, go to the ‘Available Funding’ section.

47. Will past FSII reporting be considered when evaluating applications for current FCSS-funded programs?

Yes, FSII results will be one of the many measures taken into consideration to determine if an organization has the ability to deliver a program and achieve measurable change in increasing social inclusion.

48. Will there be opportunities for successful applicants to report outcome data that is aligned to FCSS outcomes, that is not captured by FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII) reporting?

Yes, FCSS-funded organizations can always upload program evaluations or other outcome data in the Documents section of FIMS. However, every FCSS-funded program must continue to collect and enter FSII data on an ongoing basis.

49. Are FCSS reporting requirements changing?

FCSS-funded organizations will continue to report on the impact of their programs using FCSS Social Inclusion Indicators (FSII), year-end reporting, and financial reporting. FSII surveys and year-end report forms are currently under review and subject to change.

50. Are funded organizations required to submit both an organizational financial audit and a program financial audit?

Organizations that receive FCSS funding are required to submit an audited financial statement for all operations of the organization, including a statement of revenue and expenses for programs or initiatives funded by FCSS annually. However, at the application stage organizations only need to upload audited financial statements of the organization.

51. Are funded organizations required to submit both an organizational financial audit and a program financial audit?
    
    
    Organizations that receive FCSS funding are required to submit an audited financial statement for all operations of the organization, including a statement of revenue and expenses for programs or initiatives funded by FCSS annually. However, at the application stage organizations only need to upload audited financial statements of the organization.

52. Is there potential for additional funds to address emerging and pressing needs?

The Capacity-Building Fund is available on an annual basis for one-time initiatives to strengthen  organizational effectiveness, increase  programs impact, and address emerging issues and trends that are impacting Calgarians.