Groups helping Albertans in rural and remote areas deal with family violence have until June 24 to seek a share of $6 million in project funding.
Designed to address family violence through projects informed by evidence and trauma, the grant program targets prevention, the rebuilding of lives, and early and crisis intervention.
Along with rural and remote communities, the provincial program puts special emphasis on other populations considered at increased risk. These include 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, youths, newcomers, people with disabilities, and Indigenous women, children and others. Funding for one year starts Sept. 1, with each grant worth from $50,000 to $500,000. Applicants are allowed to seek dollars for more than one project under the program, called Taking Action on Family Violence.
The grants will prioritize survivor-focused strategies that promote healthy relationships, along with programs that target men and boys struggling with their own abusive behaviour, says an Alberta government news release.
Aligned with a recently completed Alberta strategy to end gender-based violence, the grants will fund “timely, direct services” to families, says the release.
“Every Albertan deserves to be free from violence and abuse,” the release quotes Searle Turton, the minister of children and family services, as saying.
The program “will empower local organizations to deliver early, culturally appropriate support to those affected by family violence,” said Turton, the UCP member representing Spruce Grove-Stony Plain. “By working together, we can help individuals and families find safety, stability and hope.”
The grants are open to non-profits, charities, entities that exist through legislation, and Indigenous organizations like bands, councils and Métis groups. Ineligible are for-profits, municipalities and school boards.
In mid-May, the province released Building on our Strengths: Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence. It calls for teamwork between government programs, services and departments, community groups, survivors and stakeholders.
The grants are included in more than $188 million earmarked in 2025 across government to align with the strategy.
In the news release, Tanya Fir, the status of women minister, calls the grant program “a powerful example” of the government’s commitment to preventing gender-based violence at the community level.
Community programs work towards making gender-based violence “a rarity in Alberta, not a norm,” said Fir, the UCP member representing Calgary-Peigan.
Visit alberta.ca/family-violence-find-supports for information on dealing with family violence.
The website alberta.ca/taking-action-on-family-violence-grant-program links to everything organizations need to know and do to apply for the grant.
