As pandemic restrictions start to ease and we begin to gather together again, we’re excited to resume our Built Together healthy communities grant program! The popular grant program promotes wellness, community and active living across the province through infrastructure funding. The program was suspended last year due to the pandemic so that we could focus our community investments on higher priority community needs, but we know the demand for accessible, free, health-focused infrastructure is ongoing. We’re excited to re-launch the program this year.
Built Together provides funds up to $50,000 to healthy living infrastructure projects across Alberta. Community leagues, school councils, municipalities and other non-profits are invited to apply. Some examples of funded projects include outdoor adult gyms, cycling paths, new or replacement playgrounds, skate parks, walking paths and outdoor rinks. Recipients receive a one-time $50,000 grant for eligible projects. This year, four grants will be disbursed: one in an Indigenous community, one in a rural community and two between Edmonton, Calgary and secondary cities.
How to apply
Community organizations can find more information and apply online at ab.bluecross.ca/aboutus/built-together.php.
We are accepting applications until September 30, 2021.
Check out past grant recipients
Over the last eight years, this program has supported more than 30 initiatives across the province. Since the program started in 2013, it has provided $1.6 million in funding to Alberta’s communities. The 2019 recipients included the following.
- Edmonton: St. Elizabeth Parent Advisory Board—playground replacement.
- Calgary: Riverbend Elementary School—inclusive playground development.
- Secondary cities: Christina Gordon Public School, Fort McMurray—accessible and inclusive playground enhancement.
- Rural communities: Alder Flats Elementary School fundraising society—playground redevelopment.
- Indigenous communities: Enoch Cree Nation—Maskekosihk community playground project.
- Special merit: Medicine Hat Early Childhood Coalition—natural playground.
Check out a complete list of previously funded projects here.
Built Together impact
This program has a big impact on communities because the communities themselves are leading the way. We’re proud to contribute and play our part in creating accessible wellness for all Albertans. Hear from some past program recipients.
Built Together supported the build of a new playground in Red Deer.
“Fundraising can be such a lonely and daunting task, especially when your community has done everything it can for you. Finding out we were receiving funds through the Healthy Communities Grant Program was like winning the lottery—it alleviated the anxiety and doubt that we wouldn’t complete our playground. It was like Alberta Blue Cross® really saw us, our community and our kids.”—Carrie Keylock, project committee co-chair.
Built Together funding helped St. Paul create a new community skatepark.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been worth every bit of it. Youth at this age need an outlet to express themselves and do an activity that promotes both mental health and physical health. They get to be outdoors, interact with peers and built their confidence. This is a great addition to our community.” —Daniel Reid.
