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INVESTING IN THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
ERIN invests in organizations and community builders who are helping create a stronger, more connected and more inclusive technology and innovation ecosystem across the Greater Edmonton Region. Community Initiatives funding is guided by ERIN's mission, vision and values and is intended to support initiatives that strengthen the region's innovation ecosystem.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND
The Community Initiatives Fund is a strategic investment in the region’s innovation ecosystem. ERIN supports initiatives that address identified community needs and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and ecosystem participants to connect, learn, collaborate and participate.
Funding supports initiatives, programs and activities—not direct investment in individual startups or businesses.
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FUNDING SUPPORTS
INITIATIVES
PROGRAMS
ACTIVITIES
FUNDING DOES NOT SUPPORT
DIRECT STARTUP INVESTMENT
DIRECT BUSINESS INVESTMENT
WHAT DOES ERIN FUND?
Community Initiatives funding is designed to help new and emerging initiatives gain momentum, build capacity and establish themselves within the innovation ecosystem. Funding is generally intended for initiatives in their early stages rather than to sustain well-established programs with stable sources of funding.
We are interested in initiatives that:
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Connect and collaborate — bringing entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, service providers and other ecosystem participants together.
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Improve access and participation — creating meaningful opportunities to access mentorship, expertise, resources and networks, including for underrepresented founders.
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Build and test — strengthening ecosystem capacity, accelerating early-stage innovation and testing new approaches that could have a broader impact.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Community Initiatives funding is available to ERIN members delivering initiatives in the Greater Edmonton Region.
Applicants may be for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. Initiatives must create meaningful benefits for the broader innovation ecosystem rather than primarily benefiting an individual business or startup.
We encourage applicants to work with relevant ecosystem partners to strengthen the reach and impact of their initiative. Additional requirements apply to for-profit applicants.
Not sure if your initiative is eligible?
Review the Community Initiatives Funding Guide before applying.
FUNDING STREAMS
ERIN offers two Community Initiatives funding streams designed to support initiatives at different stages and scales.
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WHAT MAKES A STRONG APPLICATION?
We are looking for initiatives that can clearly demonstrate:
A REAL NEED
What gap or need in the ecosystem does the initiative address?
MEANINGFUL IMPACT
Who will benefit, and what will be different as a result?
COLLABORATION
How will the initiative connect organizations, entrepreneurs
or other ecosystem participants?
A CLEAR PLAN
Is the initiative realistic, well planned and appropriate
for the funding requested?
VALUE FOR THE ECOSYSTEM
Will the benefits extend beyond a single organization or business?
MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
How will you know whether the initiative was successful?
The full evaluation criteria and requirements are outlined in the
Community Initiatives Funding Guide.
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BEFORE YOU APPLY
Before starting your application, we recommend reviewing the Community Initiatives Funding Guide. It includes the full eligibility requirements, eligible expenses, application criteria, funding conditions, reporting requirements and other important information.
Need help?
Join an upcoming Community Initiatives Information Session to learn more about the fund, what ERIN supports and how to prepare a strong application.
