Helping people in crisis build stronger social and financial futures
Judgement-free support with basic needs, taxes and benefits, and financial coaching — always free, for Calgarians living on low incomes.
At Rise Calgary, Our Mission Is To Reduce Poverty By Strengthening Economic And Social Mobility.
We support people in moments of crisis with essential services and opportunities to build social and financial well-being. Guided by our vision—“everyone moves forward”—we strive to create a community where individuals have the resources to move from scarcity to strength through stabilization, mobility, and empowerment.
support interactions with Calgarians last year — from crisis help to coaching.
returned to low-income Calgarians through our free tax clinics, unlocking refunds and benefits like the Canada Child Benefit.
in emergency financial assistance through our Basic Needs Fund — keeping families housed and the lights on.
Help Us Rise & Double Your Impact.
More Calgarians are reaching out than ever, and we've outgrown the space and staff we have. Our Capital Campaign will grow our team and work toward a permanent home — and right now, every dollar you give is matched.
Our Programs
Siksika Taxes and Benefits
Our tax filing services are offered at no cost to Siksika Nation members with low to moderate income through the Talking Taxes program. In addition to tax filing, Talking Taxes also provides financial coaching, financial literacy and education, and support with navigating key government programs and benefits, including the Disability Tax Credit and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
Learn MoreUncovering Resilience
Every day, Rise Calgary connects with Calgarians who are going through difficult moments in their lives. Our Community Advocates help our clients to uncover the strength and resilience they have inside.
Clients like Gillian, who came to one of our community offices looking for supports to get back on track. What she found at Rise was more than practical support: she found a community that believed in her, without judgement, for as long as she needed.
Gillian has a powerful story of hope, that shows what is possible when we work together to ensure that everyone moves forward.
There's a Place for You at Rise
Rise runs on people who give their time — volunteers at our tax clinics, practicum students learning alongside our team, and community members who become part of the work. However you'd like to contribute, there's a way in.
1 / 3
“I was struggling deeply with financial stress to the point where I didn’t know what to do anymore. I felt completely overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. I deeply appreciate the help I received and cannot thank everyone enough.”
“I would especially like to thank Rise Calgary for calling me back and providing me with information and leads that helped me connect with the right supports. The advice I received encouraged me to seek counselling, which has been an important part of my healing process.”
“The stress had been weighing heavily on both me and my family, and this support has made a real difference. We can now start moving forward and getting life back on track again. I hope that one day I’ll be in a position to pay this kindness forward.”
Stories & News
Behind every program at Rise Calgary is someone moving forward. Read along to see what finding stability looks like in practice.
