About ActivateYYC
ActivateYYC is a community focused tactical urbanism program offering micro grants, resources, and education for creative uses of roads and right of way projects that make it safer, easier, and more inviting for people to walk, roll, gather, and play in their neighborhoods.
ActivateYYC aims to encourage low-cost, creative experimentation in the public realm to strengthen neighbourhood connection, make public spaces more vibrant and inclusive, and promote mobility.
Launched in 2017 by the Federation of Calgary Communities, ActivateYYC has since supported over 180 projects, reaching every quadrant of the city and establishing a supportive system for Calgarians working to activate public spaces. Along with funding to plan and implement projects, ActivateYYC also has resources, templates, guides, and supportive staff to help navigate project logistics.
Project: Lakeview Paint the Pavement
Lakeview Community Association, 2025
Grant overview
What’s Available: $500 – $5000 grants for creative uses of roads and mobility right of way.
Next Intake: Applications will open March 16, 2026 until funds run out or August 31st, 2026.
Project Requirements: Projects must be open, accessible, and welcoming to the public.
Who Can Apply:
- Community associations (CA’s)
- Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s)
- Nonprofits and charities
- Local businesses working in collaboration with community partner
Grant Guidelines
Please read the grant guidelines before applying.
How to apply
Applications will open March 16, 2026 until funds run out or August 31st, 2026–whichever comes first.
You can submit your application in the format that works best for you: either by downloading the fillable PDF and emailing it to us, or by completing the Google Form. Please note that only one active application per group is allowed.
If you need assistance or require an alternative method to complete and submit your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at activateyyc@calgarycommunities.com.
Applicants can expect to hear back within about 3 weeks of applying. Unfortunately we are not able to fund all the applications we receive.
PAST PROJECTS
Draw inspiration from past ActivateYYC projects.
Project MAP
Click the map below to explore an interactive map that tracks where ActivateYYC projects have taken place. Check out where placemaking has had an impact on our city!
In the news!
Federation members receive 25% off paint and supplies at Cloverdale Paint!
Final report
FINAL REPORT FORM COMING SOON
Awarded grantees will complete this report form after their project concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re happy you’re here! If you haven’t yet, start by reviewing the ActivateYYC Grant Guidelines. After that, you can reach out to us at activateyyc@calgarycommunities.com to chat about your ideas. We’re here to support you in designing and delivering a project in your community.
Once you complete your project, you will be sent a link to complete a final report where you will have the opportunity to add all of your receipts, banking info, and photos of your project. Your reimbursement will be processed at the end of the month in which the Federation receives your final report, and repayment will happen the first week of the following month (i.e. report is submitted mid-June, payment transfer will be sent first week of July).
You do not need matching funds to apply—this grant can fund the entirety of your project. However, we love to see folks leverage this grant to get more funding to contribute to a bigger project!
In order to fairly distribute grants across organizations and communities, we limit every group to one grant per calendar year. There are no restrictions for applying in consecutive years, choosing one project at a time can often help ensure the best quality outcome of a project (i.e. one project per summer).
Many projects do require city permitting for things like traffic calming or installing semi-permanent signage in a park.
When permits are required, the ActivateYYC team will help you through the process and ensure that your timelines can be met when possible.
ActivateYYC cannot submit permits on your group’s behalf, as it is important the city has the project organizer’s contact for project related communication.
We ask that each application be associated with a group/organization/non-for-profit/business that might be able to assist in your projects higher level needs, like liability insurance.
However, if you are an individual with a great idea, but lack a group/organization to make it happen, please reach out! We are more than happy to find you some amazing connections within our network.
ActivateYYC supports community-led projects that bring people together in public spaces, especially by improving how streets and shared right-of-way areas are used. The program encourages creative, small-scale interventions that make it safer, easier, and more inviting for people to walk, roll, gather, and play in their neighbourhood.
Examples of eligible projects include: intersection or pavement murals; semi-permanent parklets or seating areas; block parties or open street events; community art or installations along sidewalks or boulevards; any project that reimagines streets as community spaces.
ActivateYYC can fund events, so long as those events take place on a street, sidewalk, or boulevard (i.e. block parties or bike parades). Reach out to us if you are unsure if your event is eligible for an ActivateYYC.
Please note that ActivateYYC is not able to fund Stampede Breakfasts.