Community Foundation seeking applications for grants

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on January 18, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Is that time of the year for members of the community to apply for the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta’s Community Priorities, Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and Youth in Action Grants Programs.  

“As we move into a new year, we look forward to seeing the different initiatives that people are working on. We know how important these initiatives are to each individual community throughout our region and are proud to be able to provide financial support to groups helping build a vibrant Southwestern Alberta,” said executive director Charleen Davidson.

The Community Priorities Fund is the Community Foundation’s largest granting program and currently awards over $500,000 annually through two calls for funding. This spring, the fund will distribute $300,000 to charities and other qualified donees throughout Southwestern Alberta.

The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life supports projects and initiatives from community organizations committed to sustaining a high quality of life throughout rural Southwestern Alberta. This fund grants to rural projects that demonstrate or provide innovation, community collaboration, education, or training. It will support the community with over $90,000 this spring. 

 The Youth in Action Grants program empowers youth by encouraging collaboration on a project that will have a positive impact on the community. The projectsfunded by this program must be initiated, led and organized by individuals or a group who are 25 years of age or younger, in collaboration with a charity or school.

Applicants must be a qualified donee under the Canada Revenue Agency, or apply in partnership with one. All applications must be submitted online.

The application deadline for the Community Priorities Fund and the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life is Mar. 15 by 4 p.m., while the deadline for Youth in Action grants is Feb. 29, by 4 p.m.

Anyone interested in learning about the application process is encouraged to attend a free grant information session on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. via Zoom by registering via email at grants@cflsa.ca.