COVID-19 FAQs (Also Available in PDF Form)
The Edmonton Heritage Council (EHC) continues to receive inquiries related to the status of grants that have been awarded and changes to the Heritage Community Investment Program (HCIP) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary goal is to ensure that our funding is reaching heritage organizations and practitioners, so that they can continue to do meaningful work safely during these uncertain times.
Please visit the HCIP section of EHC’s website for the latest updates regarding program changes.
Q: I have received an HCIP Project or Project Accelerator grant. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I may need to postpone, cancel, or significantly alter my project. Will I be required to give the grant back?
We will not ask any grant recipients to pay back non-refundable expenses that have already been incurred. If you are reimbursed for expenses or do not use the full amount of the grant, we may request that you return a portion of your grant.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are experiencing challenges in executing your project. First and foremost, we want to see your work move forward, even if it is not precisely as described in your initial application. Please reach out to EHC Grants Staff (grants@edmontonheritage.ca) to discuss an extension or a change of project scope. Should you decide that it is no longer feasible to undertake the project, you will be asked to return any unspent funds. Please note that extensions approved on any HCIP funding make you ineligible to apply for other HCIP grants until a final report for the current grant is submitted and accepted as complete.
Q: I have received an HCIP Travel Grant, but am unable to complete my trip as planned. Will I be asked to return the grant?
Your health and safety is paramount. Please reach out to EHC Grants Staff (grants@edmontonheritage.ca) to discuss an extension to your grant or additional expenses that you have incurred as a result of canceled plans. You may be able to reallocate funding towards unanticipated eligible expenses, including cancellation fees for flights and accommodations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplements to grants to assist with these extra costs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Should you decide not to pursue the travel opportunity at a later date, you will be asked to return any unused funds to the EHC. Please note that extensions approved on any HCIP funding make you ineligible to apply for other HCIP grants until a final report for the current grant is submitted and accepted as complete.
Q: I was planning to apply for a Travel Grant, but I can’t find information on the next intake.
EHC has permanently suspended the Travel Grant stream. However, activities and costs previously covered by the Travel Grant are now eligible under new streams. If the purpose for your travel is to attend a professional development opportunity (ex. conference, course, seminar, workshop), please apply to the Career Development Grant. If the purpose of your travel is for research, these costs can be included as part of a Research & Planning Grant application.
Q: I represent an organization receiving HCIP Operational funding. The COVID-19 pandemic is requiring significant change in our activities and operations. Will this impact my funding?
EHC has made it a priority to reach out to all current Operational recipients to discuss challenges and concerns during this difficult time. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, EHC Grants Staff is examining the 2022 Operational Grant eligibility criteria and requirements to ensure that recipients receive a reasonable level of support for the upcoming year. Details about changes to this grant stream will be made available in June 2021.
Heritage organizations are also encouraged to access our Change Capital Project Grant, which provides funding for organizations to develop internal capacity and new strategies to build resilience within the heritage sector. Projects may include new program development or other new ways of working through the pandemic. Staff and volunteers of heritage organizations are also encouraged to apply to our Career Development Grant, which provides funding for professional development opportunities. We are accepting applications to both of these grant streams by rolling intake throughout 2021.
Q: As an organization, are there other resources I can access for support during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations has created an online portal with information for non-profits specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit them here to share your concerns and get updates on their advocacy efforts with regards to the non-profit sector.
The Alberta Museums Association continues to compile resources to support museums in responding to the pandemic. We encourage you to check their website for updates as the situation progresses.
Q: I am an independent contractor working within the heritage sector an COVID-19 has affected my ability to work. Who should I reach out to for support?
Provincial and Federal levels of government are providing financial support for those encountering job loss as a result of COVID-19. These include initiatives to support those who are self-employed:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx#supports
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/covid19-emergency-benefits.html
Q: What changes have been made to the HCIP to support the heritage sector in 2021?
EHC has introduced several new grant streams and processes to support heritage work through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to ongoing funding for small projects through our Project Accelerator Grant, our new Research & Planning Grant provides support (up to $5,000) for individuals or organizations to conduct preliminary research and planning activities towards a larger heritage project. Upcoming deadlines for this grant are June 4 and October 1, 2021.
Our Career Development Grant – a combination of previous Travel and Online Learning Grants – provides funding assistance (up to $4,000) to individual heritage practitioners to participate in opportunities that will result in gaining new skills and knowledge to support the development of Edmonton’s heritage sector, including attending conferences, courses, or workshops. Applications are accepted through rolling intake during 2021, so that funding can be accessed as opportunities emerge.
The Change Capital Project Grant provides funding (up to $20,000) for organizations to develop internal capacity and new strategies to build resilience within the heritage sector. Applications to this grant stream are also accepted by rolling intake throughout 2021.
HCIP grants continue to be evaluated by community peer juries, although the process has adjusted to virtual platforms. We remain committed to quick turnaround between application submission and notification of results to applicants. We continue to work towards equitable outcomes in our granting processes, as outlined in our Equity Policy.
Further changes to the HCIP are being considered for 2022 to support heritage practitioners and organizations to adapt and recover from the challenges of the previous years.
Q: How can I contact Edmonton Heritage Council grants staff at this time?
Many EHC staff have adopted flexible work-from-home arrangements. We encourage you to reach out to EHC Grants Staff by e-mail at grants@edmontonheritage.ca for the fastest response. If you would like to discuss your questions or concerns in more detail, we would be happy to arrange a phone or video call.