The transition in Alberta's energy future will involve reducing our energy demands and lowering GHG emissions, in part, through the implementation of new energy transition technology and solutions that will help serve our communities.
ATCO is committed to meeting the needs of a new and exciting energy future, which is why we have established the Clean Energy Community Fund to help municipalities, schools, not-for-profits, and registered charities pursue solutions, opportunities, and supporting education towards a more sustainable, net zero future.
We will be giving a total of $150,000 in 2023 to organizations and programs within the ATCO Gas or ATCO Electric service area in Alberta. If your organization is eligible, you can apply to receive single-year funding of up to $15,000 to help with your projects or programs, large and small.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Projects or programs that could receive funding from ATCO’s Clean Energy Community Fund include:
- Energy audits to identify energy efficiency improvements
- Energy efficiency upgrades for community facilities
- Education programs or student clubs supporting renewable gas, clean technologies, or renewable solutions education
- Lower-emitting options for public or community transportation
- Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for clean energy projects
- Renewable energy solutions and/or clean technologies
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Organizations/groups must reside or operate programming within the ATCO Gas or ATCO Electric service area. Those eligible to apply for funding are:
- Municipalities
- Non-profit organizations
- Registered charities
- Public schools
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications for the Clean Energy Community Fund will close September 30, 2023, and the Fund’s Review Committee will be reviewing applications in October.
How To Apply
The Clean Energy Community Fund is specific to Alberta communities served by ATCO Gas and/or ATCO Electric. The Fund will prioritize applications that clearly define how your organization, school, or community supports your journey to a net zero future and demonstrates the positive impact that will be achieved through your actions.
Step 1: Review all the eligibility requirements, ensuring your organization, group, or program is in an Alberta community served by ATCO Gas and/or ATCO Electric.
Step 2: Gather the information required to complete the application:
- The organization Tax ID or Canada Revenue Agency Number
- Contact information
- Detailed information about the organization
- Detailed information about the program or project you are requesting funding for
- Financial information related to the organization and the project you are requesting funding for
Step 3: Click the Apply Now button to sign up or sign in and begin your application.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS & ACTIVITIES
The following organizations are NOT eligible to receive funding:
- For-profit organizations
- Advocacy or lobbying organizations
- Religious organizations (except where they represent non-denominational community and social support services)
- Community/Family Foundations, Trusts or Funds
- Private clubs funded through membership fees
- Individuals, and individual pursuits
The following activities are NOT eligible to receive funding:
- Advertising or promotional initiatives
- General operating costs
- Churches or religious organizations, unless offering broad, non-denominational
- Community services
- Conferences, seminars, workshops and conventions
- Contingency or deficit funds
- Health and welfare organizations already supported through our ATCO Employee Participating in Communities (EPIC) program
- Individual/team applicants and/or programs
- Political or partisan organizations or events
- Programs delivered outside ATCO’s operating communities
- Retroactive funding for program expenses incurred prior to ATCO’s funding decision
- Travel for individuals or groups
- Utility rebates
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PROGRAM GOVERNANCE
The Clean Energy Community Fund is made possible by shareowner dollars which are not recovered by customer electricity or gas rates. The allocation of these funds is intended to support Alberta communities that ATCO Gas and ATCO Electric operate in.
All applications will be reviewed by an ATCO selection committee comprised of:
- Executive sponsor
- Two representatives from our Customer Experience & Initiatives teams
- Two representatives from our regional operational teams and
- Two members of our Community Relations Marketing & Communications team.
These program guidelines are subject to change without notice. In all questions of interpretation of these program guidelines, the Fund’s interpretation shall prevail. All committee decisions are final.
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EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Clean Energy Community Fund Selection Committee has exclusive responsibility for all funding decisions. The committee members will evaluate and weigh submissions individually, then meet to discuss the applications as a group.
The Clean Energy Community Fund will prioritize submissions that clearly define how your organization, school or community supports your journey to a net zero future and demonstrates the positive impact that will be achieved through your actions. This includes reducing energy demands and lowering GHG emissions through carbon capture utilization and storage, electrification, energy efficiency, or hydrogen production and utilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2023. They must be completed through our online portal and submitted with all required attachments. We do not accept paper applications.
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What is the application review process?
Applications will be reviewed by the Clean Energy Community Fund Review Committee in October.
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What funding amount can I expect & when does the funding need to be spent?
The maximum funding one project can expect is $15,000, however financial support from the Clean Energy Community Fund can vary in scale in relation to our presence in the community, the yearly budget available, the number of eligible applications received, and the environmental impact your project will have within your community.
If your organization is successful in receiving funding, you will have two years upon the time you receive the money to spend it on your project or initiative. Organizations can only receive funding once per project.
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When and how will I be notified?
Most of our communications will be through the application portal. We will communicate our funding decision after the Review Committee has evaluated all the applications and have met to discuss the annual allocation.
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My application was rejected. Why can’t you fund my project/organization?
We only have $150,000 to allocate to projects for this year, so unable to support all the applications we receive. It's also possible that your application didn't meet the criteria for funding from this program. If you have questions, please email us at community@atco.com
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If I have questions or require assistance, who can I contact?
Send an email to community@atco.com