WHAT WE DO

Northern Lights

This small-grants initiative provides funding to local resident-led community-building projects in northeast Calgary. With grants of up to $600, residents put their ideas into action, creating new connections among neighbours, building trust and relationships, and contributing to the betterment of their communities.  Aside from United Way and the North of McKnight Residents Committee, partners in the initiative include The Calgary Foundation, Calgary Public Library, City of Calgary, North of McKnight Community Resource Centre and Terry Fox School. A committee composed of local residents review and make decisions on project applications. Residents can apply online or in person through the North of McKnight Resource Centre.

More than 15 projects have received support since 2009 including:

  • a drop-in sewing collective
  • a volunteer-led conversational English class
  • a father-son pickup basketball tournament
  • a neighbourhood environmental project
  • a community kitchen