Types & Interests
Understanding the categories used in the Calgary Groups Directory
Types of Organizations
Nonprofit
Registered organizations (societies, charities, etc.) according to the Government of Alberta's Nonprofit Listings. The nonprofits we include may be staff or volunteer-run.
Chapter
Local branch of a larger organization with similar structures in other cities; typically more structured than clubs or grassroots groups.
Cooperative
Collective run by multiple organizations working together as an umbrella or coalition.
Grassroots
Activist or advocacy-focused groups with specific objectives; may have more limited scope in activities or engagement compared to nonprofits.
Club
Primarily social or interest-based groups where community connection is the main focus rather than advocacy.
Small Business
For-profit businesses that serve community needs or host community activities.
Interests
Interest tags help you find groups focused on specific topics or communities. Many organizations serve multiple interests or communities.
Anti-racism
Groups focused on racial equity, anti-discrimination work, Black and Indigenous solidarity, and dismantling systemic racism.
Arts
Visual and performing arts, music, theatre, creative workshops, literary programs, and arts-based events.
Book Clubs
Reading groups and literary discussion.
Disability/Neurodivergent
Groups focused on disability justice, accessibility & accommodation, or a range of disabled identities.
Education
School or post-secondary-based, or serving students (e.g. school walkouts). Many organizations have educational elements, so we are not including them in this tag.
Environment
Climate action, sustainability, green space, animal rights, conservation, and environmental advocacy.
General
Broad community focus, general audience demographics with no specific interest (e.g. social club), or more than three interest areas.
Health and Wellness
Physical health, mental illness, public safety, mental health and wellness.
Indigenous
Indigenous-led or Indigenous-focused groups and initiatives.
International Solidarity
Groups organising around political change, human rights, or solidarity with communities/countries outside Canada.
Justice
Groups with a focus specific to the legal system, policing, and public safety.
Low-income
Groups focused on poverty relief, economic justice, or workers' rights.
Seniors
Programs and community for older adults, seniors, or elders.
Sports and Rec
Sports, games, recreation, and active living.
Tech
Technology, coding, digital skills, and tech community.
Urban Issues
City planning, transit, housing, public safety, and general political advocacy.
Women+
Women and femme-focused communities.
Youth
Programs for children or young people.
Culture and Heritage
Groups that center shared cultural identity, language, food, faith, diaspora experience, or newcomer/refugee communities; includes community preservation, heritage celebrations, and cultural education.
2SLGBTQ+
Queer, gender diverse, and trans community groups and advocacy.
Identity-focused tag
Organizations may exclusively serve one or more specific identities or may be spaces where a particular identity is a primary topic of discussion/education.
Please use discretion and review the organization's description before joining an identity-focused space.
Identities included: Culture and Heritage (Black, POC, diaspora communities)*, Disability/Neurodivergent, Indigenous, International Solidarity (specific countries, ethnicities, immigrants or newcomers)*, LGBTQ2S+, Seniors, Women+, Youth
*See interest descriptions regarding cultural vs international solidarity assignments
Note on Age Ranges
Age ranges for youth and seniors differ across organizations. Please check individual listings for specific age requirements.