Community First.
A big part of who we are as a credit union is giving back to our community and making it a better place.
We feel responsible for the wellbeing of the place we call home and the people we live next to.
To us, your wellbeing goes beyond physical, mental or financial factors. It's about OUR wellbeing, together, as Albertans.
Supporting our local community is important because, as Albertans, we’re all a part of something greater than ourselves. Our community gives us a deeper sense of belonging.
Where are we
currently giving?

As one of Canada’s largest credit unions that is based right here in Calgary, we are so proud to be welcoming the world to our local stage. We’re joined the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) as the presenting sponsor to celebrate its 23rd year. CIFF ran from September 22 - October 2 and showcased over 175 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world. As the largest film festival in Alberta and is the sixth-largest in Canada, it provides unique and exciting ways for filmmakers and fans to interact. It’s an Oscar-qualifying festival for short films, a Canadian Screen Award Qualifying festival, and was named one of "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" in 2009, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 & 2022 by MovieMaker Magazine.

It had been a minute since we were able to network in person. And after two incredible days at SocialWest — June 8 and 9, we were reminded that when we connect Albertans, great things happen.

Since 2007, Sled Island's thoughtful, eclectic programming and independent spirit have produced a one-of-a-kind festival experience. Each June, the five-day music and arts festival brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art as well as over 40,000 attendees across multiple venues, earning rave reviews from attendees, artists and media across the globe.
We brought the 'za to this event by creating a "pizza ATM" that transacted slices of pizza to the attendees.

YMAP is a YMCA Integration & Leadership Program - Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth. YMAP's main goal is to provide support and enrichment opportunities for newcomer youth to ease the adjustment to Canadian life. YMAP focuses on self-governance and opportunities for newcomer youth to establish social and professional networks.

- Okotoks Dawgs
- Top 40 under 40
- Strathmore Stampede
- Made in Alberta Awards
- Hull Breakfast
- Calgary Police Rodeo
- Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic
- Mount Royal University
- Momentum
- Local Investing YYC
- Weasle Tail
- Ag for Life
- Calgary Economic Development
- Bassano Rodeo
- Brooks Newell Rodeo
- Delia Hand Hills Lake Stampede
- Stavely Pro Rodeo
- Sundre Rodeo
- 4H 2022 Beef Breeding Stock Show & Market Steer Show
- Summer Synergy Youth Livestock Show
- Hardgrass Bronc Match
- Brooks 1st ANnual Small Town Smoke Down
- Brooks Bombers Baseball Association
- Edmonton Habitat for Humanity
- CIFF
- BreadMaker
- Medicine Hat Chamber
- Calgary Chamber
- Red Deer Chamber
- Calgary Real Estate Forum
- 93rd Canadian Derby
- Heart of the Horse
- Carstairs Beef & Barley Smokin' BBQ Dinner
- TARA Energy Charity Golf
Looking for funding?
Investing in our community is an investment in ourselves. Why? Because we’re your neighbours,
our kids go to the same school, we sit alongside you on the bleachers. We share a community -
let’s build on the things that make it great.
Learn and Earn Scholarship
connectFirst Credit Union, in partnership with community partners, has developed the Learn and Earn Scholarship Program.
Based on learning from the "Matched Savings Program Toolkit" provided by Credit Union Central of Canada, the goal was to establish a consistent approach to scholarships by developing a matched savings initiative designed as a financial education program to help youth save towards education or job training, and develop financial and savings skills.
Overview:
- The scholarship program is open to students entering their Grade 12 year in September
- Students can earn $4 for every $1 saved, up to a total of $70 a month or $2,520
STEM Scholarships
Applications opening June 2023
Helping students get off on the right foot is just one part of how we do business. At connectFirst, we’re banking on a brighter future and investing in our communities and Albertans to build a more prosperous province for all. The purpose of the STEM Scholarship is to help provide financial aid for students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field (STEM), and skilled trades programs in Alberta.
Overview:
The STEM Scholarship program is for students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field or a skilled trades program in Alberta. A total of four (4) scholarships worth $500 each will be awarded each year.
- Must be a current member of connectFirst Credit Union
- Alberta residents who are between the ages of 17 and 25
- Must be enrolled or accepted to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field or a skilled trades program in Alberta.
NeighbourGood Grants
Our NeighbourGood grant program is designed to support the communities we live, work, and play in.
Each of our branches across Alberta have local budgets to provide sponsorships or donations between $100 and $2000 to support local non-profits, charities, societies, cooperatives or social-enterprises.
Whether it is a new community program or public event, our teams want to hear about it!
See below to review eligibility and to apply for a NeighbourGood grant today.
What types of applications are NOT eligible?
- Advertising
- Programs with a specific religious focus
- Political organizations (as per the Political Relationships and Activities Policy, G10)
- Professional sports teams
- Individual sports teams
- National initiatives
- Individuals or private businesses
What types of expenses are ineligible?
- Deficit or debt reduction
- Retroactive expenses
connectFirst acknowledges that we operate throughout Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 territories.
Treaty 7 territory which is the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikuni, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, including Chiniki, Bearpaw and Wesley First Nation. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Treaty 6 territory is the traditional territories of the Cree, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples. connectFirst is dedicated to ensuring the spirit of these treaties is honored and respected.