Applications are now being accepted for SCIF. The deadline for the next round of SCIF funding applications is by noon on November 6, 2009.

Strategic partners can apply for funding to implement pilot projects designed to reach at-risk populations and their families, and address the causes of crime and social disorder. Strategic partners may include, but are not limited to, youth shelters, mental health clinics, addiction centres, police agencies, child welfare agencies, or school boards.

After reviewing the specified criteria any municipality, region, Aboriginal community or non-government organization can apply for funding up to $500,000 annually for a maximum of three years. Successful projects should plan to commence in March of 2010.

In January 2009, communities from across Alberta submitted 115 proposals for SCIF funding. For the first call 30 pilot projects ($19.9 million over 3 years) were approved: 14 community-police partnership projects ($9.8 million over 3 years) and 16 community-based projects ($10.1 million over 3 years).

The successful first round applicants are now implementing their pilot programs. These initiatives address a number of crime prevention strategies through community-based pilot projects and community-police partnership pilot projects.

SCIF funded projects serve to address multiple priority crime issues and target groups:

• 18 (60%) projects deal with at-risk youth and families
• 8 (27%) projects respond to those with addictions and mental health problems
• 8 (27%) projects utilize multi-disciplinary response teams
• 8 (27%) projects focus on community engagement in high needs areas
• 7 (23%) projects have an Aboriginal focus (both on and off reserve)
• 7 (23%) projects are using a model (proven) program to preventing crime
• 7 (23%) projects address family violence and 2 deal with sexual violence
• 5 (17%) projects address the needs of offenders
• 5 (17%) projects enhance access to treatment services
• 5 (17%) projects respond to at-risk students
• 4 (13%) projects respond to crises in the community
• 4 (13%) projects focus on the drug trade and 3 (10%) on the sex trade
• 3 (10%) projects focus on gang prevention
• 3 (10%) projects focus on at-risk homeless populations
• 2 (7%) projects are developing Safe Community plans

The following projects in the Approved SCIF Project Listing have been publicly announced by the Safe Communities partner ministries and may help other interested communities plan projects and apply for funding using their own SCIF initiatives.

Explains the goals of the Safe Communities Innovation Fund, as well as grant terms, expected outcomes and eligible projects.

Document that must be completed by the applicant and returned to the Safe Communities Secretariat by noon on November 6, 2009.

For Community-Police partnership projects, or Community-based projects, please use the "Funding Stream A and B" form.

For Developing a Municipal, Regional or Aboriginal Community Crime Reduction and Prevention Plan, please use the "Funding Stream C" form.

Attached budget sheet must be completed for the entire project budget and all sources of revenue.

The grant proposal review sheet that will be used to evaluate each project.

Applicants must complete an illustration of how their project is expected to work, what activities are required, and how desired outcomes will be achieved. This guide will assist in the process.

Frequently asked questions about the Safe Communities Innovation Fund.

Please contact:

Safe Communities Innovation Fund
Safe Communities Secretariat
400, University of Lethbridge Tower
10707-100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1
Tel: 780-644-5719 or 310-0000 (toll free)
Email: safecommunities@gov.ab.ca