More than a million dollars will be awarded to Lethbridge organizations through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta and the United Way of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.
The money comes from the federal Community Services Recovery Fund and will be used for projects ranging from technology upgrades to strategy development and Indigenous language revitalization.
“The successful applicants represent a variety of organizations from across southwestern Alberta,” said United Way executive director Jaci Zalesak. “All these organizations have been impacted by the effects of COVID-19 and we are excited to see how they will generate their plans into positive impacts for their organization and the communities they serve. This funding is really going to transform these organizations.”
The largest of the grants awarded by the United Way will go to the Raymond District Futures Society ($96,000), Southern Alberta Ethnic Association ($98,400), Friends Society of the Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives ($84,750) and Volunteer Lethbridge ($73,500).
The United Way will award a total of $398,319 to six projects. The Community Foundation will award 21 projects with a total of $610,000.
The largest of the Community Foundation Awards include the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation ($70,000), Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue Society ($51,013) and Young Women’s Christian Association of Lethbridge & District ($50,000).
“We received over 40 applications, which clearly revealed the need for additional resources in our charitable sector as we continue along the post pandemic recovery spectrum. This funding will help the successful applicants adapt service delivery, develop new strategies, and purchase new equipment; ultimately this funding will increase the capacity of our sector to better serve our community. We extend our gratitude to the Government of Canada for their support,” said Community Foundation executive director Charleen Davidson.