Funding Information

Where does CDSS money come from?

CDSS is one of 204 FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) programs operating throughout Alberta, under the provincial FCSS Act and FCSS Regulation. Most of our revenue comes from FCSS funding, which is cost-shared between the province and participating municipalities.

How does it work?

To begin, each of the nine CDSS municipalities receives a provincial FCSS grant allocation calculated according to a formula that takes local population and income levels into account. The provincial grant is then matched by the municipalities: the province contributes 80% and the municipality covers the remaining 20%. The 20% match is the minimum required committment for a municipality to receive a provincial FCSS grant.

FCSS provincial funding has been the same for the last three years.

In 2012, FCSS funding to CDSS is $783,363. This includes base funding of $773,180, supplemented by "over-contributions" of $10,000 from the City of Camrose and $183 from the Village of Rosalind.

(Several other CDSS Villages are considering similiar over-contributions. Camrose County no longer provides CDSS with an over-contribution, having in 2012 relieved us of a requirement to direct a portion of our FCSS dollars to Bashaw and District FCSS. CDSS now retains the entire 20% County match, while Bashaw receives $24,500 extra FCSS dollars from the County.)

CDSS funded programs also access other revenue, including local donations and other government and non-government grants. In 2012, combined FCSS and non-FCSS revenue for all CDSS funded programs and services is expected near $2.5 million!

Where does CDSS money go?

CDSS has provided 2012 grants to the following progra:

Camrose and District Boys and Girls Club
Camrose and District Home Support (includes Meals on Wheels)
Camrose and District Preschool
Camrose Family Resource Centre - a Parent Link Centre
Community Development (including Interagency)
Family Violence Action Society: Camrose and District
Hay Lakes Playschool
Information and Referral (including the Help Book and the CDSS website)
The Open Door
OSCAR - Out of School
Rural Communities Program (including Summer in the Park)
Service Options for Seniors

What are the CDSS-FCSS grant criteria?

All CDSS funded programs must operate within the CDSS area. Funding decisions are made by the CDSS Board of Directors, based on local funding priorities consistent with provincial grant criteria. FCSS funded programs MUST:

Be of a preventive nature that enhances the social well-being of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity, and
Do one or more of the following:
1. help people to develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis;
2. help people to develop an awareness of social needs
3. help people to develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among groups;
4. help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions and actions which affect them;
5. help sustain people as active participants in the community.

Finally, FCSS funding CANNOT support programs that:

Provide primarily for the recreational needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals;
Offer direct financial assistance to sustain an individual or family;
Be primarily rehabilitative in nature;
Duplicate services that are ordinarily provided by a government or government agency.

How can an organization or program apply for CDSS funding?

Around mid-August, the CDSS application package is distributed electronically to programs currently funded by CDSS, inviting submissions for the next budget year. Application deadline is usually set for early October. Submissions are reviewed by the CDSS Board of Directors, and the decisions made no later than early November.

Because CDSS funding is limited new applications are not solicited. Other organizations may apply, but are advised to first contact CDSS (by phone @ 780-672-0141 or email cdss@telus.net) to discuss eligibility criteria, the funding process, and funding constraints.

What are the reporting requirements?

CDSS grants must be used for the activities outlined in the approved application. An interim six month report is due around mid-August of the current grant year. A full-year final report is due in April of the subsequent grant year. Reports include financial statements, provide statistical information, and focus on outcomes achievements, based on the required Program Logic Model that comprises part of the grant application. Templates and reminders are provided well in advance of deadlines.