Foundation Directed Initiatives

Edmonton Community Foundation has developed a process for helping to meet the needs of Edmonton’s charitable sector.  The innovative Foundation Directed Initiatives (FDIs) support both new and existing long-term, high priority charitable projects in our community by offering multi-year funding to selected agencies.

Each of the organizations receiving funds under the FDI initiative has a reputation of exemplary program delivery.  FDI funding ensures they can focus on the work at hand, freeing their staff from the cycle of annual grant applications.

“With FDIs we are reaching out to the community and saying we acknowledge the value of these programs and want to invest in them.”
- Martin Garber-Conrad, Executive Director, Edmonton Community Foundation

FDIs, chosen through a rigorous process internal to the Foundation, complement Edmonton Community Foundation’s two regular granting programs. Agencies cannot apply for FDI funding; rather, Foundation staff assist the Board to identify appropriate recipient organizations.

The current list of FDI funded programs are offered through the following organizations:


  • University of Alberta
  • Families First Edmonton
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • United Way
  • Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
  • Community Theatre (Northern Lights Theatre, Workshop West, and Theatre Network)

  • The Support Network
  • Edmonton Social Planning Council
  • Edmonton Arts Council
  • Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
  • Bissell Centre
  • Terra Association
  • Edmonton Community Legal Centre