It’s inspiring to witness how small ideas become meaningful change through community engagement and grassroots initiatives supported by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC)’s Community Capacity Building Team (CCB). Each year, AHC empowers local groups to transform their visions into tangible projects that create lasting community development and local impact across Edmonton and surrounding areas.
Building Community from the Ground Up
Every successful project begins with a simple connection — perhaps at a community event, a friend’s gathering, or a casual conversation at AHC’s office. From that initial meeting, relationships deepen through dialogue, trust-building, and collaboration. The CCB Team plays a crucial role in nurturing emerging leaders through mentorship, helping them identify community assets and needs, and offering guidance to prepare a strong Seed Grant application.
This process is more than paperwork — it’s capacity building in action. Groups learn how to define their initiatives, outline activities, identify target audiences, and articulate achievable outcomes. Alongside mentorship, they also gain practical skills in project planning and financial management that strengthen their long-term sustainability.
The Seed Grant Journey
The Seed Grant program at AHC is designed to spark innovation and empower grassroots groups to take their first steps toward community change. The application process has two parts.
- Defining the Initiative: Each group works with the CCB Team to clarify the purpose, objectives, and intended results of their project.
- Developing the Budget: Groups create a detailed, realistic budget aligned with their proposed activities and expected outcomes.
Once both components are finalized, applications undergo a thorough review and feedback process before being presented to the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) — a volunteer group that reviews and approves all Seed Grant funding.
Investing in Grassroots Leadership
In Spring 2025, nine groups received Seed Grants ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. These projects represent diverse communities and creative ideas aimed at fostering inclusion, cultural pride, and social innovation.
Looking ahead, eight more groups are preparing for the Fall 2025 CDAC Review, taking place on November 22. Among them are:
- Mi Gente Foundation – Supporting the Spanish-speaking community through cultural programs and social connection.
- Burkina Faso Women – Empowering immigrant women to build confidence, share knowledge, and access resources.
- Lumasha – A youth-led initiative connecting newcomers through language and cultural exchange.
These community-driven projects exemplify how nonprofit funding can transform local energy into collective action.
Continuing Success: Second-Phase Initiatives
Some groups are entering new stages due to the success of their initial projects. The Tajik Society’s Sewing Circle, for example, is now in its second phase after demonstrating remarkable community impact. The group continues to build sewing skills, foster a sense of belonging, and expand empowerment programs for newcomers.
Similarly, Sun Atelier, founded by members of the Senegalese Community of Edmonton, is applying for a second Seed Grant to continue its creative workshops that blend cultural expression with skill development.
These stories show that sustainable community development doesn’t end when the first grant cycle does — it evolves.
Empowering Newcomer Communities and Creating Lasting Impact
For many participants, Seed Grants mark the beginning of a journey toward leadership and collaboration. The CCB Team at AHC finds joy in witnessing these groups not only thrive but also connect with each other and explore new funding opportunities beyond AHC.
The impact extends far beyond individual projects. Together, these grassroots initiatives strengthen Edmonton’s newcomer communities, build social cohesion, and encourage residents to take ownership of the change they wish to see.
When communities come together with purpose, passion, and perseverance, transformation follows. From a single idea to a funded project and, ultimately, to lasting community change — the Seed Grant program proves that small steps can lead to big outcomes.