The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has announced recipients of its 2023 spring grants.
The grants include The Community Priorities Fund, the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life and the Youth in Action program. The total funding of $390,030 will support 44 projects and initiatives in the region.
The Community Priorities Fund is providing $226,800 in grant funding for projects from 31 organizations. The grant is funded through private donations from Community Foundation supporters over the past five decades. Some projects recieved additional funding from Field of Interest Funds and the Lethbridge Auto Dealers Association.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life is providing $77,250 in funding to eight different projects that will support a higher quality of life for residents in rural Southwestern Alberta.
The Youth in Action Grants program is providing $7,400 in funding for five projects that will be initiated, led, and organized by residents under 25 years old, in collaboration with a charity partner.
Community Foundation executive director, Charleen Davidson, says “Each of these grants will support something that helps build a health and vibrant community. From building renovations and upgrades to accessibility and inclusion to the welfare of both people and animals. It’s wonderful for us to be able to support the work of the many groups that deliver the diverse programs that help us maintain a high quality of life in Southwestern Alberta.”
The foundations team will work May 15-19 to hand-deliver the grants, as well as talking to reps from the groups.
The full list of grant recipients is as follows:
Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, $15,000 ($1,000 from LADA): Funding will be used to build a new interpretation site that focuses on Western Painted Turtles.
Carmangay and District Municipal Library $5,000 ($500 from LADA): Funding will help develop a space within the library that will serves as the location for a satellite food bank.
Chinook Society for Recovering Addicts, $15,000 ($1,500 from LADA): Funding will be used for the installation of a new roof.
Claresholm Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, $5,100: Funding will be used for the purchase of a new computer and printer.
County of Cardston – Royal Canadian Legion Branch #170, $8,000 ($500 from LADA): Funding will be used to purchase accessible banquet chairs.
Crowsnest Conservation Society, $15,000: Funding will help enhance 23 km of the Crowsnest Community Trail with interactive and engaging signage.
Devil’s Coulee Cooperating Society, $14,000: Funding will be used to create a new storage room, work area, and outdoor storage space.
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic School Division – CCHS, $5,500 ($2000 LADA): Funding will be used for the purchase of welding and fabrication equipment for the trades program.
Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, $7,680 ($6,680 from Field of Interest Funds and $1,000 from LADA): Funding will support additional storage space and a food preparation surface.
L’Arche Association of Lethbridge, $9,500 ($3,000 from Field of Interest Funds and $1,000 from LADA): Funding will support kitchen renovations at the residence.
Lethbridge School Division – Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School, $6,000 ($1,000 from LADA): Funding will be used to purchase equipment for a new sensory room.
Municipal District of Pincher Creek, $5,000: Funding will be used to install an off-grid solar system at the Lundbreck Welcome sign, which will lower energy emissions.
Oldman River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club, $7,500: Funding will be used to help bring a 1917 steam tractor up to safety codes.
Oldman Watershed Council, $10,000 ($2,000 from LADA): Funding will be used to help purchase a vehicle for program use.
Palliser School Division – Friends of Jennie Emery Elementary Society, $10,000 from a Field of Interest Fund: Funding will be used to add accessible and inclusive equipment to the existing playground.
Palliser School Division – Sunnyside Community Association, $10,000 ($1,000 from LADA):
Funding will be used to build a greenhouse that will also serve as an outdoor classroom.
Pincher Creek and District Historical Society $15,000: Funding will be used to expand the existing outdoor mainstage at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.
Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA, $15,000 from a Field of Interest Fund: Funding will be used to purchase a dog wash bay for community use.
Prairie Winds Clubhouse Society, $5,000: Funding will be used to purchase new appliances for the Society’s kitchen.
Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta, $10,000 ($1,000 from LADA): Funding will be used for the installation of two basketball nets and a ball pit.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Augustine’s Conference, $1,500 ($500 from LADA): Funding will be used to purchase a computer and software.
Stavely Golden Age Centre, $15,000: Funding will be used to replace existing carpet with commercial grade laminate flooring.
Taber Food Bank Society, $5,500 ($500 from LADA): Funding will be used to purchase laptops and software.
Taber Special Needs Society, $15,000: Funding will be used for upgrades to the building ramp and front entryway.
Town of Cardston Library Board, $5,100: Funding will be used to purchase adaptive equipment for children with sensory needs.
Town of Milk River – Border Community Wellness Foundation, $15,000 ($2,900 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to install garbage and recycling bins as well as benches along walking paths.
Town of Stirling – Stirling Fire and Rescue Association, $10,000 ($500 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used towards the replacement of outdated extrication equipment.
Village of Carmangay – Curling Association, $10,000 from a Field of Interest Fund: Funding will be used to purchase equipment that will help convert the curling rink into a year-round
recreation facility.
Volunteer Lethbridge Association, $5,000 ($2,000 from LADA): Funding will be used for to update their website.
Waterton Foundation – Waterton Park Community Association, $15,000: Funding will support renovations and upgrades to the community’s events hall.
Willow Creek Agricultural Society, $15,000 from a Field of Interest Fund: Funding will be used to purchase an arena groomer to groom, level, and water the arena.