Major Community Facilities Program - FAQs
General information
Grant eligibility
Grant transparency
MCFP compared to other lottery-funded programs
The application process
General information
What is the goal of this new program?
The Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP) is intended to assist municipalities, local not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities to plan, upgrade and develop large regional community-use facilities and places in order to enhance community life and citizen well-being.
MCFP will be responsive to local and regional needs and will encourage overall facility cost savings and improved facility utilization through innovative capital development and upgrading projects.
What is the program funding for MCFP?
Program funding is $140 million per year for fiscal 2007-08 and 2008-09.
Where is the money coming from?
Funding comes from the Alberta Lottery Fund.
Is there a possibility that MCFP will continue after 2009?
The current financial commitment is for two years only. MCFP will be evaluated following the 2008-09 fiscal year.
Grant eligibility
Who can apply for a MCFP grant?
- Community non-profit groups
- Municipalities
- First Nations and Métis Settlements
What types of projects are considered to be 'major community facilities'?
Sports, recreational, cultural or other related family and community wellness facilities. Core infrastructure such as roads, sewers, schools and hospitals will not be eligible for the program.
What is the maximum funding request allowed under MCFP?
Maximum funding request for MCFP is $10 million for a specific project.
Is there a requirement for an applicant to match funds?
MCFP funding requests of $500,000 or less will require equal or greater matching dollars from the applicant. Grant requests of $500,000 or less cannot have more than half (1/2) in total provincial funding.
MCFP funding requests of more than $500,000 must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding two-thirds (2/3) of project costs. There cannot be more than one-third (1/3) in total provincial funding for requests more than $500,000. Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding is not required to be included in the provincial funding calculation.
How are the dollars distributed throughout the province?
| region | percentage |
|---|---|
| Edmonton | 25 % |
| Calgary | 25 % |
| Other cities | 25 % |
| Rural areas | 25 % |
Grant transparency
How will projects be chosen to receive funds?
MCFP administration will make recommendations based on criteria laid out in the program guidelines and application package.
How will Albertans know which projects are receiving grants?
All MCFP grants will be available on the Alberta Lottery Fund's searchable database once they are approved.
MCFP compared to other lottery-funded programs
What is the difference between MCFP and the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP)?
MCFP will address major facilities, while CFEP deals with smaller, local community facility projects.
Why not just increase funding to CFEP?
Different guidelines are required to accommodate the funding and scheduling realities of larger capital projects.
Will the new program reduce funding available for CFEP?
No. CFEP maintains its annual budget of $38.5 million.
Can an applicant receive funding from more than one lottery-funded program?
Yes. Separate applications must be made and will be considered within the context of the criteria and demand for each program.
The application process
Where can the MCFP applications be found?
- on this website and at www.albertalotteryfund.ca
- from MCFP administrators
What will the MCFP application require?
See the application for specific requirements. A business case will be required.
How does the applicant account for this large amount of dollars?
The department and applicant will enter into a formal agreement prior to funding being released.
Upon grant approval, monies must be deposited into an account where the funding and accrued interest can be tracked.
Interim accounting is required annually and an audited statement is required at the end of the project.
How long is the approval process?
Grants are processed on an ongoing basis.
The Major Community Facilities Program is funded by the Alberta Lottery Fund. More information on lottery-funded programs is available at www.albertalotteryfund.ca.
