The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta last week announced the launch of its fall 2025 grants cycle.
The foundation is accepting applications to both the Community Priorities Fund and the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life.
The Community Priorities Fund is the foundation’s largest granting initiative.
Established in 1966, this fund provides donors a way to allocate their gifts to support the needs of the day.
After awarding $299,571 to organizations in the spring, the fund has another $270,000 available this fall to support the important work of local charitable sector.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life provides support to community organizations that work to sustain a high quality of life in southwestern Alberta’s rural communities.
Established in 2015 through a bequest of Pincher Creek area rancher Bill Long to honour his uncle Henry Varley, this fund has awarded $119,374 this year and has another $198,000 available this fall to organizations, projects, and initiatives that enhance rural communities.
The application deadline for both programs is 4 p.m. Oct. 15.
“Launching our grants programs is always an exciting time for all of us,” foundation executive director Charleen Davidson said. “It’s exciting for our charitable sector because they have the opportunity to secure funding for the projects that might not otherwise happen, projects that enhance their work and the community.”
“It’s exciting for us because we know how much the grant funding means and we see daily how it helps build a better southwestern Alberta.”
Thanks to the continued support of its generous donors, the foundation anticipates granting more than $1.8-million across southwestern Alberta in 2025.
Anyone interested in applying for a grant can contact the foundation’s grants co-ordinator, Caitlin Gajdostik by phone at 403-328-5297, or by e-mail at grants@cflsa.ca.
Gajdostik is available to answer questions regarding the application process and will host a free, on-line information session at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Visit www.cflsa.ca/grants to register.
In order to apply, applicants must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee, or apply in partnership with a qualified donee, including a municipality, school district, or CRA registered charity.
All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s on-line application platform, which is available at www.cflsa.ca/grants.
