Since 2005/2006, $18.1 million has been provided to 496 community projects related to the prevention of family violence and bullying through Children and Youth Services’ Community Incentive Fund (CIF) grant program.  While the CIF funding will not be available as of 2010/2011, communities can apply for grant funding to address family violence and bullying through other provincial government programs that support such initiatives.

The Safe Communities Initiative was established in 2007 and is administered through the ministry of Justice.  A grant program that provides funding to local projects to enhance community safety, including family violence and bullying prevention, has been established under Safe Communities, called the Safe Communities Innovation Fund (SCIF).

Children and Youth Services is working with Justice to co-ordinate the grant process in the area of family violence and bullying through SCIF.  SCIF is an investment of $60 million and provides funding for up to three years to successful applicants.  It is anticipated that, at minimum, $3 million will be made available for community-based family violence and bullying prevention projects that qualify under SCIF.  The next call for SCIF applications will be announced later this spring, with an expected fall deadline for applications. 

In addition to SCIF, the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program, funded by Children and Youth Services and administered by local municipalities, funds initiatives, including family violence and bullying projects. 

Questions regarding the Community Incentive Fund can be directed to Children and Youth Services’ Prevention of Family Violence and Bullying Division at 780-422-3362 (toll-free in Alberta by first dialing 310-0000).

The Family Violence Info Line 310-1818 helps Albertans reach out to individuals and families affected by family violence. Help is available anytime, toll-free provincewide, in more than 170 languages.