Community Recreation Enhancement Grant

The Community Recreation Enhancement Grant (CREG) is a City of Red Deer grant program that provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations delivering recreation initiatives in our community.
Image of a group of runners with information promoting the Community Recreation Enhancement Grant in boxes around the runners

Grant funds are intended to assist organizations to deliver recreation services and programs to Red Deer residents.

For the purpose of this grant, the term “recreation” includes sport, fitness, play, activity and outdoor pursuits.

QA Backgrounder - Community Recreation Enhancement Grant (pdf)

Current Opportunities

The Community Recreation Enhancement Grant accepts applications in two intakes each year.

Here are the dates for 2024:

Spring 2024 

The spring intake closed on April 5, 2024.

Fall 2024

Opens August 19 and closes October 18 at 4 p.m.

Application Process

Before submitting an application, please ensure you have fully reviewed the application guide:

Community Recreation Enhancement Application Grant Guide 2024 (pdf)

Applications for the Community Recreation Enhancement Grant are accepted exclusively via an online form on the SmartSimple platform.

Please do not drop off forms in person.

QA Backgrounder – Using SmartSimple (pdf)

NEW Information Sessions

Prospective applicants can now attend a virtual evening Information Session to learn more about the grant, examples of eligible and ineligible projects and expenses, and what to expect if awarded funding. 

An overview of the application process using SmartSimple will also be provided during this session. 

September 5 at 7 p.m.
RSVP here to receive meeting link

Appeal Process

All applicants are notified several weeks after the deadline.

With numerous submissions and finite funding per intake, not all will be successful. 
The following form outlines the Appeal process applicants can consider if deemed relevant.

Community Recreation Enhancement Grant Appeal Form (pdf)

Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants are required to submit a final project report within six months of receiving funding.

Funded groups will provide a status update 2 months before the report deadline and can either request an extension, if needed, or proceed with the reporting process. 

If they are ready, they will then be given the direct link to submit the report online via SmartSimple.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s included in the grant reporting process: CREG Reporting Requirements Reference Sheet (pdf)

A CREG Grant Expenses Budget Tracking Form is provided to all the funded groups to help them document and submit their final report.

Annual Report

View the annual reports to learn about past CREG projects that received support – it’s a great way to spark ideas for future submissions.  

Visit our Grants web page to see other funding opportunities administered or offered through The City of Red Deer.