Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP): Eligible Facility Projects

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Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP): Eligible Facility Projects

If you manage or support a community space in Alberta, the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) can help cover the cost of building, upgrading, or repairing it. This provincial program funds capital projects that improve community facilities used by the public. Knowing which CFEP eligible facility projects qualify can save you time and improve your chances of approval.

CFEP is administered by the Government of Alberta and supports thousands of community organizations across the province each year.


What Is the Community Facility Enhancement Program?

The Community Facility Enhancement Program is an Alberta grant program that helps non-profit and community organizations develop and improve facilities that serve the public. The focus is on capital projects, not operating costs or programs.

CFEP is open to organizations across Alberta and is commonly used by:

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Community associations
  • Municipal partners working with eligible non-profits

The program is currently listed as open on the Government of Alberta website. Intake periods and funding streams can change, so always check the latest information.


CFEP Eligible Facility Projects

CFEP funding is for physical facility projects. These must enhance, expand, or preserve spaces used for community, recreational, cultural, or social purposes.

Common Eligible Facility Projects

CFEP eligible facility projects usually include:

  • New construction

    • Community halls
    • Recreation centres
    • Cultural or arts facilities
    • Multi-use community spaces
  • Renovations and upgrades

    • Roof, flooring, or structural repairs
    • HVAC, plumbing, or electrical upgrades
    • Interior renovations to improve usability
  • Accessibility improvements

    • Wheelchair ramps and lifts
    • Automatic doors
    • Accessible washrooms
  • Safety and code compliance

    • Fire suppression systems
    • Emergency exits
    • Building code or safety upgrades
  • Energy efficiency improvements

    • Insulation upgrades
    • Window or door replacements
    • Energy-efficient lighting or heating systems

All funded projects must result in a tangible, physical improvement to a community facility.


Projects That Are Not Eligible

It’s important to know what CFEP does not fund. Ineligible projects usually include:

  • Day-to-day operating expenses
  • Staff wages or volunteer honorariums
  • Programming, events, or festivals
  • Equipment not permanently attached to the facility
  • Routine maintenance without a capital upgrade component

If your project does not improve the long-term value or function of a physical facility, it is unlikely to qualify.


Facility Ownership and Use Requirements

To qualify under CFEP, your facility project must meet use and access expectations:

  • The facility must be open and accessible to the public
  • The organization must have long-term control or ownership of the facility
  • Leased facilities may be eligible if the lease term supports the project lifespan

These requirements help ensure public funds support long-term community benefit.


Funding Amounts and Streams

Funding limits and cost-sharing rules change each year. Check the latest guidelines before applying. The amount you can receive depends on the program stream and intake period.

Because funding rules differ by stream, you can compare CFEP and similar programs by province and organization type. Find more grants for your facility project on GrantHub.


Tips for a Strong CFEP Application

  1. Focus on capital projects
    CFEP does not fund operating costs. Make sure your application describes physical improvements.

  2. Be specific in your project description
    Give clear details about what will be built or upgraded, including timelines and expected outcomes.

  3. Meet public access requirements
    Facilities must be open to the community, not just private members.

  4. Wait for approval before starting work
    Costs paid before you receive approval are often ineligible. Confirm your project’s timeline before you begin.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of facilities qualify under CFEP?
Facilities must serve a community purpose, such as recreation, culture, or social connection. Examples include halls, arenas, and community centres.

Q: Does CFEP fund equipment purchases?
Only equipment that is permanently attached to the facility may be eligible. Portable or movable equipment is usually excluded.

Q: Can municipalities apply directly?
CFEP primarily supports non-profit organizations. Municipal involvement may be allowed when partnering with an eligible organization, depending on program guidelines.

Q: Are CFEP grants taxable?
Tax treatment depends on your organization’s structure. Non-profits should confirm with an accountant or CRA guidance.

Q: How long does the CFEP application process take?
Timelines vary by intake and project complexity. Decisions can take several months after submission.


CFEP eligible facility projects must be well-defined, capital-focused, and built for public benefit. If you’re planning a renovation or construction project, confirming eligibility early can prevent delays.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—including Alberta community facility funding—so you can see which ones match your organization and project type before you apply. You can also compare CFEP with other facility grants to find the best fit for your needs.

For more information on related funding topics:

  • What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
  • How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
  • What business expenses are eligible across Canadian grants and loans?

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