Community Foundation to redirect funding to COVID-19 response

By Jensen, Randy on March 31, 2020.

Greg Bobinec

Lethbridge Herald

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has announced $375,000 in grant funding to support the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helping address the urgent needs arising throughout the region, the Community Foundation is shifting the Community Priorities, Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and Youth in Action granting programs for spring 2020. The shift will allow the Community Foundation to provide $375,000 for frontline charitable organizations dealing with those most affected by the pandemic in four priority areas: food, shelter, health care and families with children.

“We are very fortunate in that we have a large, unrestricted fund which has always allowed us to respond to the most pressing needs of the day,” said Charleen Davidson, Community Foundation executive director. “At this time of crisis, we acknowledge that the support of the dedicated charitable organizations dealing with those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is our most pressing need.”

The Community Foundation is now accepting applications through its online platform. The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is April 17. Additionally charitable partners are asked to complete an online survey to give the Community Foundation a better understanding of how charities are being affected. Applications can be found at cflsa.fluidreview.com.

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is also encouraging the community to donate to the foundation to help support the response and recovery efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the funds will go right into supporting local charities.

If you are interested in supporting the COVID-19 grants program, contact Davidson at cdavidson@cflsa.ca or 403-328-5297. Donations are also accepted online through the Community Foundation’s listing on CanadaHelps.org.