Energizing

Spaces

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What is ENERGIZING SPACES?

Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX is a 100% reimbursement grant to support community-based organizations to become more energy efficient while reinvesting dollars saved into programs and services that enhance neighbourhood life in Calgary. Energizing Spaces helps to ensure that community spaces in Calgary can continue to enhance neighbourhoods for many years to come.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for Energizing Spaces funding, you must:

How to Apply

You can apply for up to 100% of cost of your project to a maximum of $10,000 per application. 

1.

Receive board approval

Have a board motion indicating that you have board approval to participate in Engergizing Spaces powered by ENMAX. You will need to submit proof of board approval as part of your application.

2.

Select from 4 streams of funding

Your organization may apply for Install Day, as well as 1 of the other 3 streams of funding per year. You do not need to apply to Install Day to be eligible for the other streams. Due to high demand, please only apply to one of these three streams: appliances, rink and security lighting, or market lighting.

See below for details on each funding stream and how to apply.

NEW
Install Day
We are looking for ONE great community building. ENMAX employees will come in early fall to install energy efficient tools; as well as offer an educational opportunity to your residents. All you need to do is invite your members and open your doors. ENMAX and The Federation will do the rest.


Learn More & Apply
Appliances Application
Apply to replace your old worn-out electrical appliances. Pictures are worth a thousand words… so show us how old and gross they are! Our judges will be looking for how your appliances help support community impact. Let us know about your programs and impact (i.e., food security, child related program, seniors, newcomers, etc.). Applicants can apply for any number of appliances up to a maximum of $10,000. Ensure your quotes are for EnergyStar appliances.
Learn More & Apply
Rink & Security Lighting Application
Apply for up to $10,000 to replace EXISTING rink lighting, parking lot lighting and outdoor security lighting. This year, we will also consider NEW security lighting requests. We will also be finding one contractor to do the installation of the outdoor lights, taking that burden off your plate. (Please let us know the type of bulb(s), how many lights and wattage. Acre Electric will be providing quotes for shortlisted applications.)


Learn More & Apply
NEW
Outdoor Market Lighting Application
Don’t have a large venue? Apply for the plug in outdoor market lighting option ($500) to energize a community space! Our judges will be looking for how this additional lighting will impact your community.
Learn More & Apply

After You Apply

3.

Wait for a response from the Federation

This is a reimbursement grant. Do not purchase your appliances or market lighting until you have received a confirmation letter from the Federation. For lighting applications, you do not need to make any arrangements; we will work with you to coordinate the lighting projects with our contracted service provider.

Typically, you will hear from us one month after applications close.

Check out some Frequently Asked Questions

Energizing Spaces powered by ENMAX is primarily a replacement program for appliances and outdoor lighting. The goal of the program is to replace old appliances and outdoor lighting with new energy efficient models to help save on energy bills.

Appliances over 10 years old will have priority in our funding decisions. Pre-purchased appliances or lighting are not eligible for reimbursement. Appliances or lighting must not be purchased until funds are awarded.

We will accept applications for new security lighting, but replacement projects will be given priority.

No. Any electrical appliance is eligible, whether located in the kitchen, bar or other public area.

No. We leave it up to your community to select based on your specific needs. You can choose any type of appliance (commercial or residential) as long as the appliances being requested are EnergyStar rated.

Visit appliance411.com and put in your appliance’s serial number and other information to find out the age.

For new security lights, we need to understand what the project would require. If you are replacing existing lights, please include the number, type and wattage of the bulbs in the application form. If new, indicate that in your application. We do NOT require a quote from an electrician. Acre Electric will create a quote for all shortlisted projects.

For market lights, they must be the plug-in variety.  This grant can not support solar at this time. 

Federation members are eligible to submit one application every two years, up to $10,000. We will bring all applications to the table following each deadline and funding decisions will be made based on the highest need for that particular deadline date.

A total of $85,000 is available per year. One intake annually, and the deadline is June 30.

Contact us at Energize@calgarycommunities.com with any questions you have.

PAST RECIPIENTS

Our rink is used by a diverse range of Calgarians of varying age, ability and immigration status. Energizing Spaces funded our new rink lights, and now people can safely use the rink, day or night, no matter the season. The new lights increased interest from community groups looking to use the recreation space regularly, and our rink has really become a bustling hub for our community!

Deer Run’s daycare and after school programs support over 100 kids. These programs rely on our freezer to continue these programs, but not only was it disruptively noisy, it constantly needed repairs. Through Energizing Spaces, we were able to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient freezer. Now, we not only save money on energy and food waste costs but can reinvest these savings back into our community.

The rink lighting is a huge part of our outdoor hockey and skating season. After 30 years, the old bulbs were at the end of their life. The lights impact is immediately noticeable when the hours of sunlight decrease, and the outdoor activities continue! We’re also looking forward to the energy savings we will see in upcoming bills. A huge thank you to ENMAX for providing this funding.

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