Community Services

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)

What is FCSS?

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a unique 80/20 funding partnership between the Government of Alberta and participating municipalities or Metis Settlements.  Provincially the FCSS Program receives it mandate from the Family and Community Support Services Act and Regulation.

The Regulation sets out the service requirements that a municipality or Metis Settlement must meet to be eligible for funding.  Section 2.1 (1)(a) of the FCSS Regulation states: "Services under a program must be of a preventative nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity".  Section 2.1 (2)(b) states: "Services under a program must do one or more of the following:

  • help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
  • help people to develop an awareness of social needs;
  • help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people; 
  • help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them;
  • provide supports that help sustain people as active participants in the community

Through a partnership with the Province of Alberta, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) offers programs and services that allow residents to develop their interest and to contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.  The County's FCSS Department works closely with affiliated FCSS offices in the City of Lloydminster, Town of Vermilion, Village of Kitscoty, Village of Marwayne and Village of Paradise Valley.

Limited funding is available to help implement preventative programs and/or programs designed to improve the quality of life in communities within the County.

To learn more about Family and Community Support Services in Alberta visit FCSSAA's website. 

FCSS Application

2024 FCSS FUNDING APPLICATION- Applications Closed 

Complete the shaded areas in your 2023 FCSS Funding Application - Due January 31, 2024

Resources

FCSS Handbook (2010)

FCSS Basic Guide to Outcome Measurement

FCSS Measures Bank with Provincial Priority Measures and Instructions

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED WITH FCSS!

 

External Grant Opportunities

Clean Energy Community FundATCO is committed to meeting the needs of a new and exciting energy future, which is why we have established the Clean Energy Community Fund to help municipalities, schools, not-for-profits, and registered charities pursue solutions, opportunities, and supporting education towards a more sustainable, net zero future.  We will be giving a total of $150,000 in 2023 to organizations and programs within the ATCO Gas or ATCO Electric service area in Alberta. If your organization is eligible, you can apply to receive single-year funding of up to $15,000 to help with your projects or programs, large and small.  Application Deadline: September 30, 2023

Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Return to Play Grant: Designed to provide financial support to organizations that will facilitate Alberta's youth (18 and under), families and individuals with disabilities' return to being physically active in their communities.

Civil Society Fund: Organizations can apply for a one-time grant to support an effective and sustainable recovery of the civil society sector.  

Alberta Blue Cross Built Together healthy communities grant program was created to help Albertans build spaces for active living in their community.  Recipients receive a one time $50,000 grant to fund an infrastructure project in their community.

Makadiff Sport Participation "RESTART" Grant Program The RESTART Program will offer targeted financial support totalling $300,000 to eligible grassroots sport organizations to assist in their recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and in their preparations for a safe and proper 2021 recommencement of community sport during and post-pandemic. 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a community-based charitable program that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sport and recreation.

KidSport Alberta Chapter Provincial Funding  KidSport Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under.

Communities ChooseWell Healthy Community Grant Every year, Communities ChooseWell offers a Healthy Community Grant to help support our ChooseWell Champions in developing an environment where healthy choices are easier, accessible to everyone and sustainable.

Co-op Community Spaces Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada.

UFA Rural Communities Foundation The foundation is committed to giving $500,000 over five years to rural Alberta to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta.  Communities are encouraged to apply for projects that enrich education, recreation and culture.

Peavey Industries Community Agriculture Grant Funds are awarded to projects dedicated to innovative community-building and/or agriculturally focused initiatives that will help strengthen local areas, towns or cities.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

Cornerstone Co-op Spirit of Youth Scholarships

The Cornerstone Co-op is offering scholarships to high school students that reside in their trading area. 

Federation of Alberta Gas Co-op Achievement Award

The Federation of Alberta Gas Co-operatives has an annual scholarship for students entering first year diploma or apprenticeship programs at specific institutions across Alberta. Deadline to apply is OCT 1click here for more info

Women in STEM Scholarship

Women studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and working to advance gender equality in their field can apply.  

Deadline to submit application through GATE is before 11:59 pm on Monday, December 18, 2023.  - click here for more information 

GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA

Active Communities Initiative  The Active Communities Initiative is open to eligible community groups, non-profit organizations, and societies, and First Nations and Métis Settlements, that wish to build or enhance active spaces that support sport and recreation in their communities. The grant is intended for small and mid-sized projects, including indoor and outdoor skating rinks, community pools, indoor turf centres, pickle ball courts, sports fields and courts, and other sport and recreational facilities.  

Community Facility Enhancement Programs (CFEP) The Community Facility Enhancement Program provides financial assistance for the expansion and upgrading of Alberta's extensive network of community-use facilities.  The program provides matching grants to Indian Bands, Metis Settlements, and registered community non-profit groups to build, purchase, repair, renovate, or otherwise improve related family and community wellness facilities.

Community Initiatives Program (CIP) The Community Initiatives Program supports project-based initiatives in areas such as community services, seniors' services, libraries, arts and culture, sports, education, and health and recreation.  The maximum grant is $75,000 per project per year and applications can be submitted at any time.  CIP funding is approved on a matching grant basis.  The matching requirement may be met in the form of any contribution of money, volunteer labour, services, or donated materials or equipment for the project.

Cemetery Improvement Fund

The Cemetery Improvement Fund distributes funds towards local cemetery improvement projects.  Projects may be for upgrades, improvements and major equipment purchases that are outside the normal operating expenses or for annual operational assistance.  

Annual operating assistance of up to $250/year is available for each cemetery and capital projects are considered on an individual basis.

2024 Cemetery Improvement Fund Application - Due May 17, 2024

2023 Cemetery Improvement Fund Year End Report - Due March 31, 2024

Click on the map to view all cemeteries in County of Vermilion River.

Cemetery Information

The County maintains a registry of the cemeteries that exist in the County of Vermilion River.  The majority of these cemeteries are owned and operated by non-profit societies that also maintain the cemetery records.  For information on cemeteries within the County, please contact the Administration Office.

2023 Cemetery Funding Recipients

Operational Funding
Auburndale Cemetery Association  $250.00
Dewberry Community Cemetery Association  $250.00
Islay Cemetery  $250.00
Marwayne Cemetery  $250.00
McLaughlin Church Cemetery  $250.00
North Park Pioneer Cemetery  $250.00 
Oxville Community Cemetery   $250.00
Rusylvia Cemetery  $250.00
Ruthenian Greek Catholic Cemetery  $250.00
Vermilion Catholic Cemetery  $250.00
St. Olga Cemetery   $250.00
Vermilion Public Cemetery  $250.00
Tring Cemetery  $250.00
Village of Kitscoty Cemetery  $250.00
Capital Funding
Auburndale Cemetery Association $1,175.00
Rusylvia Cemetery $1,175.00
Saint Columba Catholic Cemetery $1,175.00
Tring Cemetery $1,175.00

 

 

 

Community Enhancement Funding

CVR has numerous grants available to community groups operating facilities and programs that support recreation and community enhancement.

Before Applying for a 2023 Grant, you are required to complete your Year End Report for the 2022 funds you received last year.  

Application Forms

COMMUNITY HALLS                              

Submit by October 13, 2023

FACILITIES

Submit by October 13, 2023

EVENTS GRANT (fill out the form below)

Submit by April 26, 2024 or October 13, 2024

SPECIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS

Contact the Community Development Coordinator for more information

Year End Reports

ANNUAL OPERATING YEAR END REPORT 

 Submit by October 13, 2023

PROGRAMS & EVENTS GRANT YEAR END REPORT 

 Submit by October 11, 2024

 

2023 Community Enhancement Funding Year In Review

The County of Vermilion River is pleased to be able to support local organizations and facilities that provide recreation, arts and culture opportunities, enhance community spirit, encourage active participation along with community enhancement projects.  For a complete listing of community enhancement funding, view the Community Enhancement Funding 2023 Year in Review media release.

The County of Vermilion River offers a broad range of grants and funding opportunities each year.  The information provided in the above links is intended to connect individuals and non-profit organizations to these grants.  To learn more about a specific grant or municipal funding click on the links above or contact Community Development at the County Office.