Charitable organizations in the region are set to benefit as the recipients of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta’s spring grants.
In total, $589,080 will be distributed to groups through the Community Priorities Fund, the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and multiple Field of Interest Funds.
COMMUNITY PRIORITIES FUND
The Community Priorities Fund has been made possible through unrestricted donations given by foundation supporters over the last 60 years. The fund will provide $270,477 in grants to projects from 39 organizations in southwestern Alberta.
HENRY S. VARLEY FUND
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life is awarding $95,548 to 10 projects in rural communities. The fund was established through a bequest from Pincher Creek-area rancher Bill Long and is named in his uncle’s memory.
FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS
The foundation noted that multiple Field of Interest Funds helped 19 grants, for a total of $163,055 in funding. Officials explained that these funds are the result of donors who choose to support special areas of interest, like animal welfare and youth leadership, or specific regions like Warner County and Claresholm and area.
DIAMOND GRANT
The special one-time Diamond Anniversary Grants program was launched as part of the foundation’s 60th anniversary and is set to award 11 grants of $6,000 each for events that are free, inclusive and accessible to the community.
The spring grant recipients will be celebrated at a gala on Thursday, May 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room at CASA in downtown Lethbridge.
“We’re especially excited for this year’s Spring Grants Celebration,” said Community Foundation executive director Charleen Davidson. “In part, because we were able to fund the bulk of the applications that we received but also because we’re supporting our community with our Diamond Anniversary Grants for events that will celebrate community and the work we have done and will continue to do across the region.”
Those interested in attending the gala can R.S.V.P to marketing@cflsa.ca or by calling 403-328-5297.
A full list of spring grant recipients is available on the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta website.
