As part of its commitment to support communities where it has presence, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing another CA $175,000 into the AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund to continue the program for a second consecutive year. The program helps individuals, local community groups, schools, non-profits and other Calgary-area organizations with micro-grants ranging from $500 up to $10,000 to launch or expand grassroots initiatives that have a lasting, positive impact.
Call for projects is open between August 1 and October 1, 2024. Apply here today.
Launched in 2023, the program supports initiatives focusing on providing equitable access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEM/STEAM) Education and empowering underrepresented youth to pursue a career in these fields. It also supports projects geared towards Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity—with an emphasis on Truth and Reconciliation, Homelessness & Food Insecurity, and Health and Well-Being. Already, twenty-five organizations have received a combined total of CA $175,000, which allowed them to launch or expand their outreach programs in the Calgary-area. This year, AWS is offering another $175,000 to support additional projects aligning with these themes.
“We’ve made it a priority to invest in Alberta since announcing our plans back in 2021 to launch a data centre hub in Calgary,” said Eric Gales, AWS Canada Managing Director. “From creating job opportunities, empowering digital transformation, upskilling the workforce, we’re proud to be having a lasting positive impact on the community. Last year’s program provided tangible benefits for over 15,000 Calgarians and residents from surrounding communities. We’re thrilled to expand our commitment this year by helping more people from all walks of life realize their full potential.”
Read on to find out how the 2023 program is already serving Calgary and surrounding communities.
Welcoming learners that have long been underrepresented in STEAM
As a 2023 grant-awardee, the Calgary Philharmonic, wanted to introduce underserved youth and children with disabilities to the joys of orchestral music. The students experienced the Orchestral Wonders of the World with Venezuelan conductor, accomplished musician, and passionate advocate for youth music education, Andrés González.
“This funding allowed Calgary Phil to cover the cost for tickets and bussing for classes from three schools in our district,” says Alysha Armanious, Education and Outreach Manager at the Calgary Philharmonic, “making it possible to include students by reducing high-cost barriers that would have prevented these schools from having this experience.”
Scientists in School is a social enterprise charity that bring hands-on, immersive STEM workshops to children in Calgary, and across Canada. With support from the 2023 AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund, they provided 30 free workshops to six under-resourced schools in Calgary, helping 720 children from lower-income and other equity-deserving populations become young scientists, and preparing them to be tomorrow’s researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
The micro-grants have also been pivotal for organizations like Realize Your Potential Youth Society in providing greater access and resources to explore STEAM opportunities for Black youth in Alberta, as well as for Escape with STEM, who ran a kindergarten to Grade 6 program for more than 100 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students from the Piitoayis Family School.
Sparking new beginnings
Originally from Eritrea, Michael wanted to become a professional interpreter to support people in Calgary as they were starting their new lives in the city. Once his certification is complete, Michael will work as a freelancer for The Interpretation and Translation Centre (ITC) at Immigration Services Calgary, which offers services in over 85 languages, translating documents and providing interpreters to support newcomers and organizations. The ITC is using the 2023 grant to support his certification and training.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for AWS’s support; it’s given me the chance to realize my dream of becoming an interpreter, a role that will enable me to serve and assist my community in meaningful ways,” he said. “The belief in my potential means more to me than words can express.”
The Distress Centre Calgary, which provides 24-hour crisis support, professional counselling, youth peer support, was also among 2023 recipients. Thanks to the funding, the centre has been able to deliver over 1,500 services to over 500 individuals in 2024 alone, marking a significant expansion in their reach and impact.
For the full list of 2023 grant recipients.
Long-term, innovative programs that have a lasting impact
“One of AWS’s top priorities is helping build stronger and more sustainable communities and we do that by supporting local organizations that are making an important and enduring impact on the communities where we work, live, and raise our families,” said Eric Gales.
In two years, AWS has committed a total of CA $350,000 to Calgary-area organizations to launch a new or expand an existing community project that aligns to at least one of the five themes. The AWS InCommunities Calgary Fund is managed and administered by non-profit organization ChangeX, a community engagement platform designed to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods.
“We’re now ready to help even more Calgarians contribute to their communities by accepting new project applications,” Eric Gales added.
If you have an idea or a project that could help make the Calgary-area an even better place to live, apply before October 1, 2024, and submit your project here.
