City opens application window for 2026 microgrants

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 9, 2026.

The application window is now open for the City of Medicine Hat’s Microgrants program in 2026.

The microgrant program offers funding up to $500 in two categories, neighbourhood connections and community arts and culture.

The Neighbourhood Connections category provides funding to projects that build neighbourhoods and foster social connection and inclusion.

The Community Arts and Culture stream provides funding to projects that promote community, arts and heritage and celebrates diverse cultures.

There is a total of $10,000 available for each funding category.

The Community Microgrant program grew in 2025 with a reallocation of funds from the Community Vibrancy Grant.

Forty-four Community Microgrant-supported events were funded by the city last year, for a total of $18,755.

Twenty-three applications received funding in the Neighbourhood Connections category and 21 received funding in the Community Arts and Culture Category.

A total of 4,066 people attended Microgrant-supported events in 2025, with an average of 90 people per event. Post-event feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Alina Cooper, who hosted a Halloween Block Party using microgrant funding, said her event gave neighbours a chance to break the ice and connect.

“With a bit of support, neighbours can create simple gatherings that bring people together in a fun, welcoming way and strengthen community ties,” she said.

Carrie Charlebois, who hosted a Know Your Neighbour Event in Ross Haven using microgrant funding, says her event helped foster a sense of belonging in her neighbourhood.

“We built relationships with neighbours we hadn’t met before – the connection will last far beyond one afternoon.”

Applications will be accepted until the end of the year or until all available funds have been allocated.

Applications are available on the City of Medicine Hat webpage at medicinehat.ca/grants.