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Community First.
Here for Albertans.
A big part of who we are as a credit union is giving back to our community and making it a better place.
Connect with us ➜About us ➜Community Report.
We share our 2023 celebrations and how we plan to strengthen our ties to community.
Learn More ➜
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.
In 2022, we brought the 'za to this event by creating a "pizza ATM" that transacted slices of pizza to the attendees.
connectFirst is stoked to be back as Presenting Sponsor of Sled Island for 2023. If you're rocking out at Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, we've got the ultimate break spot for you! Swing by The DeLorean Lounge—our very own bar-cade lounge. Enjoy deep cuts from the 80s and fresh pizza from today. Find us exclusively on the second floor of the #1 Royal Canadian Legion during Sled Island from June 21-25, 2023.
connectFirst is helping build a brighter future for all Albertans and we love celebrating when we see people doing awesome things in their communities. That’s why we’re excited to be Platinum Sponsor of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Awards in Calgary.
Get to know some of Alberta’s changemakers from the Top 40 class of 2022.
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 runs from September 21- October 1, 2023, and has 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.
connectFirst is pleased to be the Supporting Sponsor of TELUS Spark After Dark. TELUS Spark Science Centre presents Spark After Dark, an exclusive 18+ adult night where the entire science centre comes alive for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Each night is dedicated to a unique theme, ensuring a diverse range of experiences for our adult audience. Spark After Dark offers an array of exciting programming tailored specifically for adults, from fascinating experiments to mind-bending demonstrations, immerse yourself in a world of scientific wonder and discovery. Indulge in a delicious selection of treats, and specialty-themed cocktails, all expertly crafted by their culinary team and partner vendors. Sip on refreshing drinks as you explore the interactive exhibits or mingle with fellow science enthusiasts. Spark After Dark promises an unforgettable night of entertainment, education, and pure scientific delight.
With connectFirst’s commitment to banking on brighter futures, our partnership with YMCA ensures that youth are supported in developing vital social and emotional skills, deepening their community involvement, and fostering their leadership identities. We specifically support the YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) which serves youth that are refugees, immigrants, international students, and second-generation Canadians from more than 50 countries.
Through this partnership we:
• Co-hosted Mock Interview Days to prepare youth feel confident and ready to tackle the ever-changing job markets
• Hosted Financial Literacy workshops with youth’s input on how they want to be financially empowered
• And much more!
connectFirst are proud partners with the Institute for Community Prosperity and the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. Being future and community focused, we co-host the connectFirst Social Entrepreneurs Program, designed for students seeking to create real change using economic tools to address complex social change. Democratizing innovation, 10 students receive a $500 cash stipend and certificate of completion upon successfully completing all 7 sessions of the program.
Fostering high-impact talent in Alberta, we also participate in the infamous JMH LaunchPad Pitch Competition by providing a $10,000 connectFirst Social Impact Award to aspiring student entrepreneurs.
- Okotoks Dawgs
- Top 40 under 40
- Strathmore Stampede
- Hull Services Stampede Breakfast
- Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic
- Momentum – Be Local YYC and Aspire Calgary
- Local Investing YYC
- Ag for Life
- Calgary Economic Development
- Stavely Pro Rodeo
- Community 4-H Sales and Shows
- Summer Synergy Youth Livestock Show
- Brooks Smoker Wars
- Brooks Bombers Baseball Association
- Edmonton Habitat for Humanity
- CIFF
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
- Calgary Real Estate Forum
- Heart of the Horse
- Carstairs Beef & Barley Smokin' BBQ Dinner
- Studio Bell National Music Centre
- Strathmore Cowboy Town Concert
- Rolling Hills Valentine Gala
- Delia Women's Calving Clinic
- Rosemary Ag Society
- Kathryn School Aggie Days
- Olds Farmers Tournament
- Elders Story Project
- Centre for Sexuality
- Southern Alberta Co-operative Housing Association (SACHA)
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.
2023 was a year full of vibrant community collaborations as we all came together to build a brighter future for all.