Community Development Funding

Ready to submit your application?

We accept applications any time of the year; however, we only make our funding decisions at certain times. We'll inform you of our funding decision eight to ten weeks after the relevant deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Each of our nine member councils evaluates applications and distributes funding for their specific area of the province. Our member representatives have deep roots in their communities and, with their local perspective, they support initiatives and organizations that’ll have the biggest impact to members and their communities.

If you’re looking to apply for funding, step one is to find out your member council and the next is to apply.

Our funding priorities

We’re committed to building a better world by investing our resources in bettering our communities, strengthening our economy and improving quality of life for individuals and families. We focus on distributing funding to local programs and initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

Eligibility

You're eligible to apply for funding if:

you're a not-for-profit, community-based voluntary organization, or community service or not-for-profit co-operative.
you're a municipal, Indigenous or local educational institution/entity.
your organization or initiative is located in and/or benefits the communities and individuals within the district.

Application deadline

Apply Now

If you have any questions, please contact us at cdfunding@affinitycu.ca or call or Contact Centre at 1.866.863.6237.

Before you get started on your application, you may want to take a look at the funding guidelines for your district and reference the district map.

Learn more about your district's funding guidelines

Expand all

East District
Application deadline: May 1
The East District represents members living in the geographical district which includes but isn't limited to the communities of Hudson Bay, Kamsack, Lintlaw, Norquay, Pelly, Porcupine Plain and Togo.
Historically, funding allocations typically range between $1,000 to $10,000 per approved request however there are occasional requests that are approved for up to $25,000 as funding allows.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
- empowering youth and supporting seniors in the community.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- have limited access to other sources of funding and demonstrate a high need for Affinity support, and where Affinity support can help leverage other funds.
- produce broad benefits for many residents in the community.
- have wide-spread community support and a strong track record.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider:
- capital requests for facilities construction, improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items.
- program funding and one-time project funding requests.
Typically, we don't consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
- team sponsorships.
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
- municipal infrastructure projects (such as water and sewage).
- museum facilities and initiatives.
Indigenous District
Application deadline: May 1
Our Indigenous Member Council represents First Nations communities and bands across the province. Current members include Beardy's & Okemasis, Cowessess, Kahkewistahaw, The Key, Kinistin Saulteaux, Little Pine, Lucky Man, Muskeg Lake, Red Pheasant Cree, Whapeton Dakota and Whitecap Dakota.
Funding is available to:
- First Nations bands in Saskatchewan.
- non-profit organizations that are operated by or serve indigenous communities and individuals.
- other Indigenous organizations (such as FSIN).
We support a broad range of initiatives benefiting Indigenous communities and individuals including:
- programs that support youth development, including education and sports, as well as those serving disadvantaged youth.
- cultural events/pow-wows and other community-embraced celebrations.
- community economic development activities and Indigenous advocacy programs.
- arts and cultural enterprises.
- health programs.
- initiatives supporting seniors and elders.
- environmental initiatives.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities construction, improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items
- program funding and one-time project funding requests.
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
North District
Application deadline: May 1
The North District represents members living in the geographical district, which includes but isn’t limited to the communities of Borden, Dalmeny, Hague, Hepburn, Laird, Langham, Martensville, Osler, Rosthern, Waldheim and Warman.
We're specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- have limited access to other sources of funding and demonstrate a high need for Affinity support, and/or can leverage Affinity support to access other funds
- produce broad benefits for many residents in the community
- have wide-spread community support and a strong track record.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities/building construction or improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items
- program funding and one-time project funding requests.
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
- team requests.
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
North East District
Application deadline: May 1
The North East District represents members living in the geographical district, which includes but isn’t limited to the communities of Aberdeen, Englefeld, Gronlid, Humbolt, Kinistino, Lake Lenore, Melfort, Muenster, Naicam, Spalding, Star City, St. Brieux, Watson and Weldon.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- address a compelling community need or priority and demonstrate strong community support and partnerships.
- demonstrate potential to achieve positive outcomes in our funding priority areas.
- demonstrate the capacity to successfully carry out the proposed program or project (including securing other funds or in-kind resources if applicable)
- demonstrate the potential to be sustainable in the future (this includes capital projects such as buildings, renovations and equipment purchases).
- are seeking funding for one-time initiatives rather than ongoing operational costs.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities/building purchase, construction or improvement.
- capital requests for equipment, furnishings or other capital items.
- program funding (including planning or development support) and one-time project funding requests (rather than ongoing operational costs)
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding (short-term retroactive funding for capital initiatives may be considered).
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
- third-party fundraising for a registered charity.
North West District
Application deadline: May 1
The North West District represents members living in the geographical district, which includes but isn’t limited to the communities of Bellevue, Birch Hills, Candle Lake, Canwood, Christopher Lake, Leask, Marcelin, Paddockwood, Prince Albert, Shellbrook and St. Louis.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- address a compelling community need or priority and demonstrate strong community support and partnerships.
- demonstrate potential to achieve positive outcomes in our funding priority areas
- demonstrate the capacity to successfully carry out the proposed program or project (including securing other funds or in-kind resources if applicable)
- demonstrate the potential to be sustainable in the future (this includes capital projects such as buildings, renovations, and equipment purchases).
- produce broad benefits for many residents in the community.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities construction, improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items
- program funding and one-time project funding requests (rather than ongoing operational costs).
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding (short-term retroactive funding for capital initiatives may be considered).
Saskatoon District
Application deadline: May 1
The Saskatoon District encompasses the business area historically or traditionally served by advice centres in the trading area of Saskatoon.
Historically, funding allocations typically range between $1,000 to $10,000 per approved request however, there are occasional requests that are approved for up to $25,000 as funding allows.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- promoting self-reliant approaches to poverty reduction and community-based economic development.
- creating opportunities for disadvantaged individuals (such as people living with disabilities, low-income families, youth facing barriers, Indigenous populations and newcomer and immigrant communities) to participate more fully in economic and social life.
- enhancing and promoting approaches to environmental sustainability that minimize social and economic barriers. These initiatives may include environmental leadership and education, retrofits, sustainable transportation, local/sustainable purchasing, ecosystem preservation and restoration, sustainable agriculture and resource management
- responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- demonstrate potential to achieve positive outcomes in our funding priority areas.
- address a critical need in the community and have strong community support.
- have limited access to other sources of funding and demonstrate a high need for Affinity support, and/or can leverage Affinity support to access other funds.
- demonstrate the capacity to successfully carry out the proposed program or project.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- program funding and one-time project funding requests
- capital request for facilities/building construction, repair or maintenance projects, equipment and other capital items
- organizational capacity development funding
- seed/planning funding (e.g. business plans for projects, enterprise or housing initiatives)
- projects that serve a public benefit and/or underserved population
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith)
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
- team requests, including travel or uniforms.
- assistive equipment for individual use.
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
- Requests for playground or park enhancement projects.
South District
Application deadline: May 1
The South District represents members living in the geographical district which includes but isn't limited to the communities of Broadview, Milestone, Regina and Sedley.
Historically, funding allocations are typically up to $10,000 per approved request however there are occasional requests that are approved for up to $25,000 as funding allows.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
- supporting and/or promoting the Fransaskois community.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- have limited access to other sources of funding and demonstrate a high need for Affinity support, and/or can leverage Affinity support to access other funds
- produce broad benefits for many residents in the community.
- have wide-spread community support
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities construction, improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items
- program funding and one-time project funding requests.
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
- team requests.
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
- fundraising activities and appeals such as disaster relief.
South Central District
Application deadlines: May 1 and September 1
The South Central District represents members living in the geographical district which includes but isn't limited to the communities of Bulyea, Colonsay, Davidson, Kenaston, Meacham, Nokomis, Semans, Shaunavon, Simpson, Strasbourg, Tugaske, Viscount and Watrous.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- have limited access to other sources of funding and demonstrate a high need for Affinity support, and/or can leverage Affinity support to access other funds
- produce broad benefits for many residents in the community.
- have wide-spread community support, a good track-record and strong governance.
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities/building construction or improvement, equipment, furnishings or other capital items
- program funding and one-time project funding requests.
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- contingency funds or deficit funding.
- event sponsorships (please see our sponsorship and donation program).
South East District
Application deadline: May 1
The South East District represents members living in the geographical district which includes but isn't limited to the communities of Beaubier, Bienfait, Carlyle, Carnduff, Estevan, Lampman, Manor, Minton-Gladmar, Oxbow and Redvers.
We aim to ensure geographic distribution of funds across the communities where we operate. Historically, funding allocations are typically up to $10,000 per approved request. Occasionally larger requests are approved as funding allows. No single project will be eligible to receive more than 25% of the funds available.
We’re specifically interested in supporting local initiatives and organizations dedicated to:
- enhancing financial and social well-being for vulnerable individuals, groups or communities.
- developing and/or maintaining community facilities and infrastructure required for community well-being.
- facilitating and building capacity for sustainable local economic development.
- enhancing and promoting environmental sustainability.
When assessing applications, we prioritize organizations and initiatives that:
- address a compelling community need that does not duplicate existing service or facilities and demonstrates strong community support.
- demonstrate potential to achieve tangible impact on residents and communities.
- demonstrate the capacity to successfully carry out the proposed program or project
- may have limited access to other major sources of funding, but demonstrate efforts to carry out fundraising activities that contribute to project costs (we will not fund 100% of project expenses).
- have a membership with Affinity Credit Union.
Types of requests we consider include:
- capital requests for facilities/building purchase, construction or improvement projects.
- capital requests for equipment, furnishings or other capital items.
- program funding and one-time project funding requests (rather than ongoing operational costs)
- other projects at the discretion of the District Council.
Typically, we don’t consider requests for:
- private businesses or individuals.
- political or lobby groups.
- religious activities (with the exception of non-denominational activities with community-based purposes other than propagation of faith).
- endowments, contingency funds or long-term deficit funding/debt reduction (Note: we will consider retroactive capital requests for recent initiatives of less than one year; retroactive program or project expenses will not be considered).
- competitive sports teams, private schools or operations of service clubs.
- fundraising activities or events, including annual campaigns, ticket purchases and third party fundraising.
- conferences, meetings, field trips or tours.