Mountain View Power Grants Put Greater Focus on Bold Community Ideas

Local energy retailer Mountain View Power (MVP) has opened its fall intake for the Community Grant Program with new criteria to help local groups turn strong ideas into projects that create a bigger and more lasting impact in the community. 

Starting October 2, 2026, the updated program provides clearer direction for applicants, introduces six priority funding areas and puts greater emphasis on collaboration, creativity and projects that strengthen community life. 

The goal is simple: make it easier for great ideas to rise to the top. 

“One of the best parts of being on the Mountain View Power committee is seeing the ideas people bring forward and being able to help make some of them happen,” said Ray Cavin, MVP volunteer committee member. “These changes give applicants a clearer picture of what we’re looking for while still leaving lots of room for creativity. We want people to bring us ideas that can make a real difference.” 

The updated program includes six funding streams: 

• Community Connection 
• Winter and Seasonal Vibrancy 
• Youth and Future Leaders 
• Placemaking and Downtown Revitalization 
• Culture, Heritage and Story 
• Community Infrastructure 

The streams help applicants understand where their idea may fit while encouraging them to think creatively about what could benefit the broader community. 

The program will also include examples of potential “signature projects” to show the scale, creativity and community impact that could make an application stand out. 

A new 100-point evaluation system will give the volunteer MVP Committee a more consistent way to review applications. Projects will be assessed based on community impact, alignment with the funding streams, impact on shared spaces, lasting benefit, collaboration and creativity. 

“Olds has a very engaged community with people and organizations who are constantly bringing forward ideas,” said Guy Lapointe, Director of Community Services. “When those ideas connect with community funding, Town resources and the work already underway through our plans and priorities, there is a lot we can accomplish together. This program creates more opportunity for that collaboration to happen.” 

The changes build on the existing grant program rather than replacing it. Community events, equipment and smaller projects will still be eligible, however priority will be given to those submissions demonstrating alignment with the newly established criteria. Applicants are encouraged to consider whether their idea could benefit more people, involve other organizations, improve a shared space or create an impact that lasts. Apply on the website starting October 2nd at www.olds.ca/mvp until November 5th.

MVP is also looking for new volunteer committee members to help review applications and decide how community funding is invested. 

It is a different kind of volunteer opportunity. Committee members do not have to organize the projects themselves. They get to hear the ideas, consider what could make the greatest impact and help great projects get funded. 

Mountain View Power is a locally operated electricity retailer whose proceeds are reinvested into community projects and programs. The Community Grant Program is funded through MVP proceeds, not property tax dollars. 

Community groups interested in applying for funding and residents interested in joining the MVP volunteer committee can learn more at olds.ca/mvp 

Media Contact:

Guy Lapointe
Director of Community Services, Town of Olds

Sarah Harper
Grants & Procurement Administrator, Town of Olds

Communications@olds.ca