The Community Development Unit at AHC supports grassroots organizations through a range of capacity-building services, including project planning, grant writing, and Fiscal Agency Support. As the community development sector continues to evolve, Fiscal Agency Support has become an increasingly vital resource for grassroots and emerging groups seeking equitable access to funding opportunities.
AHC has been designated by the City of Edmonton to serve as a fiscal agent, providing financial oversight, accountability, and fund disbursement on behalf of non-registered or newly registered organizations. This role helps remove common structural barriers that often prevent grassroots groups from securing and managing grant funding.
Many funding programs require applicants to submit at least one full year of financial statements—a requirement that can be difficult for newer organizations to meet. In these situations, partnering with an established organization like AHC as a fiscal agent becomes essential. Through this support, AHC enables grassroots groups to move forward with grant applications while simultaneously strengthening their financial, administrative, and governance capacity.
AHC approaches Fiscal Agency Support as an experiential learning and mentorship opportunity, working collaboratively with community partners throughout the funding lifecycle. The long-term goal is to build organizational capacity, so groups are equipped to independently manage funding and operations without the need for a fiscal agent in the future.
In October 2025, during the City of Edmonton’s Anti-Racism Grant intake, 17 projects across four funding streams were approved with AHC serving as the fiscal agent. This milestone reflects the growing demand for Fiscal Agency Support and underscores its meaningful impact in advancing community-led, equity-focused initiatives.