The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) distributed over $466,000 through all their granting initiatives this spring. Of that amount, almost $215,000 was given to 28 organizations through their Community Grants. Community Grants are application-based and recipients are selected by a committee comprised of Board and community members. Grants are awarded based on potential impact, fund availability, and alignment with the Vital Signs priority areas. The 2024 priorities are Connection & Belonging, Work & Economy, and Basic Needs including food, health, and housing. Community Grants support 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.

“Each grant awarded, and each donation received is a testament to the collective spirit of compassion and commitment that defines our community. Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and grant recipients for your remarkable contributions and for being the heart of our mission. Together, we are creating a vibrant, healthy, and caring community.” — Helene Nicholson, Regional Development Coordinator

On May 29th, Community Grants were awarded to six organizations within the Prairie Crocus region of Special Areas #2, #3, #4 and the MD of Acadia. Recipients included, New Bridgen Community Association $1,883 to purchase a stove for the new hall; Oyen and District Historical Society $3,884 for the Hoenig House; Empress and District Historical Society $7,000 for the Empress 110 Celebration; Sibbald Community Club $10,000 for renovations to Sibbald Hall; Prairie Land School Division for Altario School $10,000 to build a hydroponic packaging unit; Oyen Minor Hockey $10,000 to upgrade the sound system in the Oyen Arena, for a total of $42,767!

Prairie Crocus region also celebrated the SCHS - Student Union 2024 Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) Program. SCHS YiP selected HALO Air Ambulance as the charity to support and presented Ronda (HALO Board of Directors Vice Chair) with a cheque for $1,200.

“I am honoured to be Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee of Prairie Crocus, working alongside a team of volunteers, to ensure the greatest needs in our communities are being supported. Thank you to our incredible group of volunteers who make up our Advisory Committee” — Cindy Goodine, Chair Prairie Crocus Advisory Committee

Prairie Crocus Advisory Committee members include Cindy Goodine (Chair), Linda Bingeman, Lois Bedwell, Elaine Michaels, Allison Stammers, Jenifer Heeg, Stacie Bedwell, and Michelle Haag. The committee is supported by Helene Nicholson - CFSEA Regional Development Coordinator.

The next Community Grant cycle will open to applications in early August 2024, kicking off the grant cycle with a virtual workshop at noon on August 8th, 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/.

CFSEA is a registered charity that creates meaningful connections between donors and local charities for the permanent benefit of Southeastern Alberta.