ECALA Funding
The Government of Alberta provides funding to granting councils and agencies across Alberta to support the delivery of part-time, non-formal adult learning opportunities. The Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA) is the granting council for Edmonton’s urban centre. ECALA distributes over $2.4 million dollars annually to non-profit organizations to provide Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) opportunities for adult Edmontonians who face social and financial barriers to learning.
ECALA funds foundational learning opportunities from July 1st to June 30th every year. In order to receive CALP funding from ECALA, agencies must be a legal entity incorporated for a minimum of two years under one of the following Alberta Statutes: The Societies Act, Part 9 of the Companies Act, the Libraries Act, the Métis Settlements Act, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act. In cases where the Service Organization is not a legal entity, a Legal Host approved by the department may receive the grant on behalf of the service organization. Agencies must also operate as effective not-for-profit service organizations with sound practices in governance, and in the planning and management of programs, finances, and personnel.
As part of our ongoing Engaging Indigenous Learners initiative, our Call for Applications includes Indigenous Learning Opportunities. Based on the teachings from our initiative, our Indigenous Working Group recommended that we adopt an Indigenous funding process which includes the option of an oral application and presentation.
2027-2030 Call for Applications
We are pleased to announce ECALA’s Call for Applications.
Review the 2027-2030 ECALA Application & Funding Guidelines (Oct 20) before starting.
See PDF versions of the application documents below, for your reference.
1.2027-2030 ECALA Agency Application (Oct20)
2. 2027-2030 Category Application
3. 2027-2030 OME (For information only)
4. 2027-2030 Financial Template
6. 2027-2030 Declaration and Authorization
To apply:
- Currently funded agencies: Your SharePoint folders will be populated with application documents before Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
- New applicants: Email grants@ecala.org to request a short 15-minute screening call. If agencies are eligible to apply, we will set up a SharePoint folder with application documents.
Important Dates:
- The Call for Applications will close Friday, December 11, 2026.
2027-2030 Indigenous Call for Applications
Indigenous programs will use the same forms, and meet with Elders for an oral presentation.
Stay tuned for more details.
2027-2030 Application Info Session
If you are interested in applying for ECALA funding you can attend our ECALA Application Info Session on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, register here!
