The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta gave the MD of Willow Creek Library Board in Granum $15,000 to renovate the exterior of the building. From left: Willow Creek MD Coun. John Kroetsch, Sonja Caswell of Granum Library and Arlene Parkinson, community foundation board member.
Area organizations shared in more than $600,000 in grants awarded by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.
Fort Macleod and District Allied Arts Council Association received $4,750 for two new computers and software to update outdated machines.
The MD of Willow Creek Library Board in Granum received $15,000 to renovate the exterior of the building.
Mikaisto Foundation in Stand Off received $15,000 to buy a water trailer for the working farm program at Red Crow College.
“We are always excited to be able to support our community with our grants programs,” community foundation executive director Charleen Davidson said.
“This year, we received several applications that create new or improve existing community spaces, and foster inclusion and accessibility. It’s an honour for us to support this important work, because it all helps build the vitality of our community.”
The foundation’s community priorities program awarded more than $310,000 to 34 projects.
Funded by the endowment of the same name, this granting program is the community foundation’s oldest and largest, supporting charities and organizations that are working to address the needs of the day throughout southwestern Alberta.
As the community foundation’s granting programs are made possible entirely through donor support, individual fund holders also contribute importantly to these grants.
Field of interest funds, established by donors to support a cause or area meaningful to them, provided over $59,000 to ten projects.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life awarded $82,000 to eight projects.
Established by a bequest from Pincher Creek-area rancher Bill Long, and named in memory of his uncle, this granting program funds projects and initiatives that enhance quality of life for residents of rural southwestern Alberta.
Field of interest funds provided just over $7,300 to one project
These grants support projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life throughout southwestern Alberta.
Projects include improving IT software and network upgrades for community groups; performing renovations and repairs; enhancing spaces for safe community gathering; providing tools for improved learning opportunities; and increasing capacity for the delivery of social services, to name a few.
Claresholm Community Centre Association received $12,825 to replace two access doors.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Foothills in Nanton was awarded $15,000 to buy a used passenger bus for transporting children and youth who are accessing programs and services.
Crowsnest Nordic Ski Club in Coleman received $10,000 to buy equipment to groom the trails in the winter and maintain them in the summer.
Group Group Youth Society of Pincher Creek got, $8,000 to replace old flooring in multiple rooms of the youth drop-in centre.
The MD of Pincher Creek and Lundbreck Citizens Council got $15,000 to repair and stabilize the 100-year-old community hall.
Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass and Bellecrest Community Association received $15,000 to install power and provide all necessary lighting and audio-visual needs for the outdoor stage.
STARS Air Ambulance got $15,000 to buy three ultrasound units used in flights to and from southwestern Alberta.
