Funding:
Project Initiatives
For a worksite
What is this funding?
Th Rural Capacity Investment Fund (RCIF) supports site-based projects that improve the recruitment and retention of employees represented by United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) at rural and remote worksites in Alberta. Through the Project Initiatives stream, your worksite can apply for funding to design and deliver meaningful, locally driven solutions.
APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 1, 2026​​
Applications are open on a rolling basis through March 2028, or while funds remain available.
What can be funded?
Funding is available for site-specific projects that address nurse recruitment and/or retention challenges at your worksite. Every site is different.
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Applications from worksites where managers and union representatives have worked together to identify the problem and design the solution will be prioritized. Joint submissions are strongly encouraged.
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This is an opportunity to fund projects grounded in the real experience of nurses and managers at your site. Creative out-of-the-box thinking is welcome.​
What Could This Look Like at Your Site?
Examples of past RCIF funding ideas:
Workplace Culture & Belonging
Staff appreciation funds, celebration and recognition events, social gatherings, team building activities, staff clothing and branded gear, meal funds, seasonal events, or peer support programs.
Learning & Skill Development
Lunch and learns, workshops, mentorship programs, education improvement funds, education equipment and simulation tools, orientation and onboarding improvement projects.
Worksite Environment & Wellbeing
Staff room improvements, on-site wellness initiatives, mental health support, funding for fitness or recreation facilities.
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Recruitment & Visibility
Marketing and recruitment materials, virtual RN support, nurse housing support initiatives, scheduling flexibility pilots.
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Childcare & Family Supports
Childcare services or subsidies, family-friendly programming.
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If it supports rural or remote nurses and strengthens your team, the RCIF wants to hear about it.
Eligibility
Applicants must complete the eligibility screening before proceeding to the application. Only those who meet the eligibility requirements will be directed to the full application.
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Applications may be submitted by either a manager or union representative
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Applications that are submitted jointly by a manager and UNA union representative at the worksite will be prioritized
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Individual submissions (manager or union rep alone) will be considered, but applicants will be asked to explain why a joint submission was not submitted
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Contact information for both the manager and UNA representative
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Provision of the functional cost centre is required (Managers should reach out to their local BAS representatives, and they would provide them with their functional cost centre. Employees should reach out to their managers)
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Confirm the worksite health zone
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Confirm that the project is at a rural or remote worksite in Alberta. Urban centres are not eligible at this time (see Rural/Remote/Urban Table)
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The recipient must agree to sign an Initiative Agreement
What is required to apply?
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Worksite information (location, address, and department)
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A description of the project, including start and end dates and number of employees represented by UNA involved
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Other employees not represented by UNA (e.g., LPNs) may be included where team size, minimum instructor numbers, or a team-building rationale applies — applicants must explain their inclusion
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Impact Statement: Applications must clearly describe how the proposal will have a meaningful impact on nursing recruitment and retention at the worksite
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A complete budget with costs
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Confirmation that no other funding source is funding the same expenses requested from RCIF. Where additional project funding exists, it must be disclosed and explained
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Agreement to comply with all RCIF reporting requirements and participate in an online survey
How to apply?
​Applications are submitted through the Good Grants portal. To get started, click the link below. You will be asked to register with the email address you want to use for your application. A verification code will be sent to that email to complete your registration.