AIFY Grant Eligibility

Project Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for AIFY funding, your project must:

• Be led by youth aged 15–30 based in Alberta.
• Focus on community engagement, youth empowerment, or cultural learning.
• Be completed within the specific project funding period:
• Include a clear plan, budget, and impact goals.
• Benefit the community and align with ZCUSA's mission and values.
• Have all goods and services sourced within Canada.
• Submit a community reference who can vouch for your character and accountability.
• Commit to providing a final report and spending receipts.

Eligible Expenses

You may use AIFY grant funds for the following items (within allowable percentage limits):

• Materials & Supplies (up to 50%)

• E.g., art supplies, technology tools, sports equipment, printing materials.

• Venue Rentals & Light Refreshments (up to 25%)

• For hosting community sessions, workshops, or events.

• Professional Services (up to 50%)

• Facilitators, artists, coaches, translators, etc.

• Communications & Promotions (up to 50%)

• Website hosting, social media ads, design software, flyers, etc.

• Equipment Rental or Purchase (up to 50%)

• Cameras, audio-visual tools, projectors, tents, etc.

• Honoraria & Participant Prizes (up to 5%)

• Small recognition payments (max $100/person) or prizes (max $25/person).

• Local Travel Costs (up to 25%)

• Bus tickets, mileage, or transport for project-related activities within Alberta.

Ineligible Expenses

Grant funds cannot be used for:

• Paying yourself, project volunteers, or hiring a project coordinator/manager

• Vendors or purchases outside of Canada

• Expenses incurred before signing the agreement or after the project deadline

• Fundraising or sponsorship events

• Activities outside Alberta that don't directly benefit youth in Alberta

• Events that are primarily social (e.g. birthday parties, general celebrations)

• Political, religious, or harmful/inappropriate content
  Unreasonable or excessive costs