Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta Distributes Over $130,000 in Community Grants!
Oyen and Hanna (December 12, 2023) – The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) distributed $138,000 to 17 charities through their Community Grants. CFSEA is a registered charity that creates meaningful connections between donors and local charities for the permanent benefit of Southeastern Alberta. Community Grants support communities throughout Southeastern Alberta by enhancing belonging of all citizens and strengthening the non-profit sector. Donors choose this fund as a way to allocate their contributions to support the community’s greatest needs.
“We are so grateful to work alongside the Rural Advisory Committees in Brooks, Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile, and Special Areas 2, 3, 4 & MD of Acadia, to ensure the greatest needs in our communities are being supported. Our funding priorities this grant cycle focused on Mental Health, Work & Economy, and Vulnerable Populations. Thank you to our incredible group of volunteers who make up our Grants Committee.”
– Glenda Hawthorne, CFSEA Grants Committee Chair
Within Prairie Crocus Community Fund Region -Community Grants were awarded in Special Areas and the MD of Acadia include the Hanna Food Bank’s Hamper program ($3,075), Oyen and District Food Bank Hamper program ($6,560), Empress Friendship Centre’s Community Centre Upgrades ($3,180), and Chinook Applied Research Society’s CARA Soil Health ($10,000).
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In awarding grants, CFSEA conducts a comprehensive procedure to determine the most crucial community needs from data and evidence-based practice. Grants are then awarded based on potential impact and fund availability. Each year the Community Foundation hosts a Vital event to help determine the community’s greatest needs which guides their funding priorities. The 2023 priorities, in no particular order, are as follows: Mental Health, Work & Economy, and Vulnerable Populations – particularly food security, domestic violence, and housing stability. The 2024 priorities are set as, Connection & Belonging, Work & Economy, and Basic Needs including Food, Health, and Housing.
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and commitment of donors, volunteers, staff, and ambassadors of CFSEA. Through their vision and generosity, we are able to continue supporting communities across Southeastern Alberta.”
– Niki Gray, Executive Director
The next Community Grant cycle will open to applications in early February 2024, kicking off the grant cycle with a virtual workshop at noon on February 6th, 2024.
To learn more, connect with CFSEA by calling 403.527.9038, emailing grants@cfsea.ca or by visiting https://cfsea.ca/we-give/smart-caring-grants/