Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between municipal and provincial governments; established to develop, support and fund preventive social programming to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities. You will find the Town of Olds FCSS staff at the Community Connection Centre located at 4911 - 51 Avenue.
Contact us at 403-556-7480 or ccc@olds.ca
FCSS Support Request Form
FCSS Policy 131C
Community Catalyst Summit - October 5 & 6, 2026
Real solutions for the everyday challenges facing non-profit organizations.
Whether you're a board member, volunteer, executive director, or community leader, the Community Catalyst Summit is designed to provide practical ideas, valuable connections, and actionable strategies you can take back to your organization.
Together, we'll explore how to:
- Revitalize Your Board – Build stronger governance, increase engagement, and create a board that leads with purpose.
- Retain Core Volunteers – Learn practical ways to recruit, recognize, and keep the volunteers who make your organization thrive.
- Navigate Capacity Challenges – Discover strategies to do more with limited time, people, and resources while preventing burnout.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch while networking with other non-profit leaders and volunteers who are passionate about strengthening our communities.
Who should attend?
Anyone involved with a non-profit organization, including board members, volunteers, and those looking to make a greater impact in their community.
Schedule
October 5, 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (lunch from noon to 1:00 PM)
This full-day session explores the role of board members in supporting effective governance, informed decision-making, and advancing organizational health. Participants will examine how governance structures, board responsibilities, and decision-making processes can be shaped by an organization's mission, culture, values and community. We will also explore the nonprofit lifecycle and how governance priorities evolve as organizations grow, mature, respond to challenges, and plan for sustainability. Through discussion and practical examples, participants will strengthen their understanding of governance best practices and explore their role in fostering accountability, strategic leadership, and supporting organizational impact.
Volunteerism Engagement and Lifecycle
October 6, 2026
9:00 AM to noon
This session will cover a variety of topics related to volunteerism, its relationship to safety and risk, and how engaging volunteers works for a nonprofit organization. If you have ever felt challenged by volunteer recruitment, retention, or engagement, this session will provide an opportunity to explore new strategies, to conceptualize volunteering opportunities differently, and identify practical approaches that can be implemented within your organization. Participants will leave with an updated understanding of Alberta’s volunteer landscape, along with practical tools and strategies that support meaningful volunteer engagement and volunteer success.
Better Together? Exploring the Possibilities and Pitfalls of Working Collaboratively
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Effective leadership in today’s nonprofit sector requires the ability to cultivate purposeful collaboration and steward partnerships that strengthen collective impact. This interactive workshop invites nonprofit leaders to explore practical strategies for impactful collaboration and strengthen the skills needed to expand reach, visibility, and sustainability. Building on this foundation, participants will examine the full spectrum of partnership and alliance options, both within and across sectors, available to nonprofits.
Cost:
- $100.00 / 2 days - Lunch Included
- $60.00 / 1 day - Lunch Included
Date: October 5 & 6, 2026
Location: Olds Royal Canadian Legion, T4H 1N7
Register now.
Interagency Meetings
Connecting Community Partners in the Town of Olds
The Town of Olds Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is proud to host the 2026 Interagency Meetings. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration, share vital community resources, and strengthen the network of support for our residents.
Whether you represent a non-profit, a municipal department, or a local service provider, these meetings are your space to connect and learn.
📅 2026 Meeting Schedule
All meetings take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Community Connection Centre - Jean's Place Meeting Room 4911-51 Avenue.
2026 Dates:
- March 9
- June 8
- September 14
- December 14
FCSS External Grant Program
The Town of Olds accesses FCSS provincial funds to support eligible local agencies and contributes additional County funds to these organizations. We also administer the FCSS program directly, funding programs like Seniors Support Services, Information and Referral Services to provide year-round community support.
2027 FCSS Application - Coming Soon
Below are provincial documents that pertain to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS)
FCSS Program Handbook
Family and Community Support Services Act (PDF)
FCSS Accountability Framework (PDF)
2027 Applications will open on October 1, 2026. Please check back.
Healthy and resilient families and communities are the building blocks of a strong Alberta. The Government of Alberta and local FCSS programs partner together to address key social issues that affect Albertans. This is done by tackling the root causes of social issues through preventive work to reduce risk factors and build resilience. Some examples of root causes are poverty, lack of education or employment, adverse childhood experiences, social isolation, and mental health challenges.
In 2022, the Province of Alberta introduced the FCSS Accountability Framework which provided a definition of prevention and outlined 5 Provincial Prevention Priorities. This helps FCSS programs to be focused and strategic in combatting issues in their communities.
The definition describes prevention as, “A proactive process that strengthens the protective factors of individuals, families, and communities to promote well-being, reduce vulnerabilities, enhance quality of life, and empowers them to meet the challenges of life.”
For the 2027 funding year, the Community Connection Centre will be paying special attention to applications focusing on the following priority areas:
1. Preventive Social Programming
- Mental Health & Addictions: Promoting mental health, raising awareness, and building coping skills for individuals and families.
- Social Connection: Building support networks, fostering a sense of belonging, and preventing social isolation.
- Family Well-Being: Supporting family capacity through engaging activities for children, youth, and their parents/caregivers.
- Child & Youth Development: Helping youth build confidence, social/life skills, positive relationships, and social responsibility.
- Violence Prevention: Educating the community, building protective factors, and encouraging healthy interpersonal relationships.
- Independence & Resilience: Helping participants build life skills, adopt healthy lifestyles, and foster personal resilience.
2. Information Services
Services providing one-time information or mail-outs by staff or volunteers regarding local programs and services (may include printing or online maintenance costs).
- Examples include: Operating an informational booth at non-FCSS events, producing pamphlets, or conducting community mail-outs.
3. Community Development & Capacity Building
- Volunteerism: Actions and initiatives that enhance the capacity for volunteerism within local FCSS programs, such as volunteer training and development.
*Please note each Municipality may vary in their focus, design and delivery of these priorities which may effect funding outcomes.
Questions or Inquiries?
For more information contact by phone 403-556-7480 or by email fcss@olds.ca
*All FCSS applications received in the region are vetted by County of Mountain View.*
