About National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a nationwide celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country.
This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” invites Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to “Find Your Thing” — discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments.
In Alberta, Volunteer Alberta and the Government of Alberta have supported communities in celebrating volunteers through NVW Enhancement Funding Grants for 32 years. Last year, the grant was awarded to 90 recipients, enabling 1,300 nonprofit organizations to participate in NVW celebrations across Alberta.
National Volunteer Week 2026 marks an especially meaningful moment
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, and Volunteer Canada has launched a National Volunteer Action Strategy to revitalize and strengthen volunteerism. Together, these initiatives make NVW2026 a unique opportunity to elevate the visibility, value, and impact of volunteering in Alberta.
We invite you to join us in celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 and create the biggest and boldest celebration of volunteering yet!
Apply for the 2026 NVW Enhancement Funding Grant
All interested applicants must complete the following steps to apply:
- Read the 2026 Grant Guidelines to confirm your organization’s eligibility
- Determine which grant tier your organization is eligible for. There are two grant tiers available:
- Host Site: $600
- Feature Site: $1,200
- Submit an application via the online application form; or
- Send a scanned version of the 2026 application form to grants@volunteeralberta.ab.ca; or
- Contact VA for a paper copy of the application form to be mailed to you and mailed back to VA before the March 23rd deadline
- If you are collaborating with one or more organizations, all collaborating organizations must complete and submit one copy of the Memorandum of Agreement
- Attach a Direct Deposit Form (upload on the online application form or email to grants@volunteeralberta.ab.ca)
- Acknowledge the Government of Alberta and Volunteer Alberta on all promotional materials; please use provided logos
The application deadline is March 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) MST.
These grants, provided by the Government of Alberta and distributed by Volunteer Alberta, offer a fantastic opportunity to thank and recognize your volunteers for their contributions. We can’t wait to see how you will celebrate the wonderful volunteers who have ignited positive change in your community!
You can share your excitement with us by using these hashtags: #IgniteVolunteerism #IVY2026 #NVW2026 #VolunteerAlberta
Volunteer Canada NVW Resources
Volunteer Canada has a lineup of resources and activities to help recognize and celebrate volunteerism in your community:
- Learn about this year’s theme: Ignite Volunteerism
- Learn how you can Ignite Volunteerism in your community
- Share your volunteer impact story as part of their “365 stories” campaign
- Get the free marketing kit to start promoting your events
- Learn about the National Volunteer Action Strategy to improve how we recruit, engage, and support volunteers across Canada
Volunteer Alberta, in partnership with the Government of Alberta for 32 years, aims to support communities throughout the province in celebrating the outstanding contributions of volunteers, past, present, and future, through the National Volunteer Week (NVW) Enhancement Grant. NVW Enhancement Grant is designed to supplement other sources of funding and celebrate volunteerism on behalf of your entire community. Connect with your local Volunteer Centre or municipality to get involved. Successful Grant Recipients must adhere to the grant guidelines and acknowledgment requirements.