Question 1

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Accepted Answer

Impact Stream Applicant must:Be an ERIN member in good standingHost the initiative in full or in part within the Edmonton Metropolitan RegionDemonstrate ecosystem benefit beyond their own organizationDemonstrate meaningful collaboration with at least one partner organization through confirmed cash or in-kind contributions (beyond letters of support), ensuring ERIN is not the sole contributor; initiatives with multiple collaborators will be prioritizedAlign with ERIN’s mission, values, and commitment to fostering connection, collaboration, and measurable impact within the ecosystemSubmit a budget outlining how ERIN funding will be used, including identification of all other in-kind and monetary contributors to the initiativeAgree to and sign ERIN’s Community Initiatives Funding Agreement as a condition of funding⚠️ Note:  If an application is declined, the same initiative may not be resubmitted within the same fiscal year; however, applicants may submit a different initiative for consideration within that same fiscal year.If an application is approved during the first intake, applicants may submit a new application during the second intake, provided that the first initiative has been completed and the required post-initiative report has been submitted.

Question 2

MANDATORY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)

Accepted Answer

All applicants must include the following core key performance indicators (KPIs):Total number of attendees/participantsSectors representedDemographic information, including the participation of underrepresented groupsBreakdown of ecosystem participants (e.g., SMEs, startups, post-secondary institutions, etc.)Applicants will also be asked to:List all stakeholders involved in the initiative and outline their rolesDescribe how the initiative fostered community building and created opportunities for collaboration among participantsIdentify the anticipated short-term and long-term benefits to Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem resulting from the initiativeProvide post-initiative impact indicators, such as:Number of follow-up collaborations initiatedNumber of resource referrals madeNumber of new connections madeNumber of follow-up meetings generatedParticipant satisfaction score/NPS/participant belonging & inclusionTestimonials demonstrating ecosystem impactIn addition, applicants must provide 2–4 additional custom KPIs relevant to their initiative. These may include: Job creation outcomesRevenue growth opportunities createdInvestment readiness milestones achievedResource access improvementsNumber of mentors or experts engagedKnowledge acquisition metricsParticipant progression along the entrepreneurial journeyKPIs must:Be specific and measurableInclude a defined tracking methodologyDemonstrate ecosystem benefit beyond organizational gain

Question 3

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Accepted Answer

The following list provides an  overview of the costs that are eligible for coverage under the Community Initiatives Stream. These guidelines are designed to ensure that funding supports initiatives aligned with ERIN's objectives and delivers measurable community benefits.Applicants should review the list carefully to understand which expenses qualify for funding consideration.LabourNo more than 25% of total funding requested allocated to salary (excluding benefits) for individuals whose time can be attributed to program activityReasonable professional training & development that is deemed integral to the successful implementation of the programMaterialsReasonable material costs, such as the design and production of hard copy collateral or learning materials for attendeesMarketing and PromotionPaid social media promotion where the value exceeds the costCapital Assets and SoftwareSoftware required for capturing and reporting data, implementing the initiative, or improving the information-sharing architecture with ERINTravelTravel costs for founders/entrepreneurs to attend conferences, events, or meetings that directly support business development, commercialization, or program outcomesSub-ContractorsLicence for existing programs or curriculaFood and Venue CostsVenue fees*Food/Beverage expenses shall not exceed an average cost of $35 per person, per dayOtherCosts that are pre-approved by ERIN in writing*Applicants are required to submit quotes from the selected venue as part of their application and provide a clear rationale for choosing that specific venue. Wherever possible, applicants should prioritize cost-effective options, such as venues offering discounts for community or non-profit initiatives, subsidized spaces, or municipal facilities. The rationale should explain how the venue aligns with the initiative’s objectives, including accessibility, capacity, and location. This ensures transparency and alignment with the fund's commitment to responsible spending.

Question 4

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Accepted Answer

The following list provides an overview of the costs that are ineligible for coverage under the Impact Stream. These guidelines are designed to ensure that funding supports initiatives aligned with ERIN's objectives and delivers measurable community benefits.Applicants should review the list carefully to understand which expenses qualify for funding consideration.LabourMulti-level marketing that is sales-drivenMarketing and PromotionMulti-level marketing that is sales-drivenCapital Assets and SoftwareAcquisitions of land or buildingsThe undepreciated value of eligible  capital costs which extends beyond the  project timeframeCost of licensing contentTravelMileage, airfare or transportation, accommodation, and meals for initiative organizers, guest speakers, or general attendeesPassport or immigration feesReimbursement for airfareCommuting costs between place of  residence and place of employmentSub-ContractorsCost associated with the use of Sub-Contractors to develop a new program or curriculum, among other thingsFood and Venue CostsExpenses related to alcohol and tobacco/cannabis**OtherExpenses for projects or activities  outside the approved ProjectEntertainment, hospitality and gifts**An exception to the eligibility of tobacco and gifts is permitted in cases where there is a recognized cultural or religious custom that includes the presentation of these items as part of established traditions or practices.

Question 5

POST INITIATIVE REPORT

Accepted Answer

Post-Initiative Report must be completed and submitted within 30 days of initiative completion.To access the Impact Stream Post Initiative Report, follow this link.

Question 6

RESOURCES

Accepted Answer

Budget TemplateLetter of Support Template

IMPACT STREAM

FOR COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES UP TO $10,000

IMPACT STREAM - FALL 2026

IMPACT STREAM DETAILS

To access application forms, follow the links below.
Note: Each stream has a different application form!

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

MANDATORY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

POST INITIATIVE REPORT

RESOURCES

IMPACT STREAM

POST INITIATIVE REPORT

IMPACT STREAM

FOR COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES UP TO $10,000

IMPACT STREAM - FALL 2026

IMPACT STREAM DETAILS

To access application forms, follow the links below. Note: Each stream has a different application form!

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

MANDATORY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

POST INITIATIVE REPORT

RESOURCES

IMPACT STREAM

POST INITIATIVE REPORT

To access application forms, follow the links below.
Note: Each stream has a different application form!