This week, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta announced the recipients of grants awarded, as the result of the fall call for applications to the Community Priorities Fund and the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life.
The Community Foundation will support 30 projects and initiatives with grants totalling $374,140, through the two grant programs. The Community Priorities Grants program is awarding $181,800 to projects from 23 organizations across southwestern Alberta. Eight of these grants received additional support totalling $57,340 from various Field of Interest Funds, which are funds donors have established to support various areas of special interest.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life will provide $135,000 to seven projects. This fund supports projects that will help sustain a high quality of life for residents of rural southwestern Alberta.
“These grants represent the culmination of our work this year,” notes Charleen Davidson, executive director. “Along with our other grants programs, we have supported the community of southwestern Alberta with over $1.6 million this year, which is both exciting and humbling for us. We are proud to be able to support the many wonderful projects taking place across our region. We remain grateful to the ongoing generosity of our donors, because it is their generosity that makes our work possible.”
Community Priorities Fund Grant Recipients:
Inclusion Lethbridge Association, $8,500: Funding will be used to deliver programming for individuals with developmental disabilities looking to improve their financial wellbeing through one-on-one coaching and group education sessions.
Lethbridge and Area Metis Association, $7,500: Funding will be used to purchase new computers, desks and develop office storage.
Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival Society, $7,400 ($600 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase microphones, music stands and new office furniture.
Lethbridge and Region Community Housing Corporation, $15,000: Funding will be used to furnish a 30-bed, supportive housing facility that will help participants exit homelessness and live in recovery.
Lethbridge School Division, General Stewart Elementary School, $5,000 ($3,100 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase equipment for a new sensory room.
Lethbridge School Division, West Coulee Station Parents’ Society, $10,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to help with the construction of an inclusive playground.
Municipal District of Taber, Vauxhall Agricultural Society, $15,000: Funding will be used to build a shelter to both store and protect the arena tractor and serve as a meeting place for events.
Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society, Lethbridge, $10,000 ($1,600 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to extend and install protective fencing around the facility and children’s outdoor playground.
Pincher Creek Community Centre Hall Society, $4,500: Funding will be used to upgrade the Community Hall washrooms with new toilets and light fixtures.
Town of Pincher Creek, Pincher Creek Recreation, Parks and Culture, $15,000: Funding will be used to purchase equipment that helps convert the town’s ice arena into a multipurpose indoor sports facility during the off-season.
Town of Pincher Creek, Pincher Creek Legion #43, $10,000: Funding will be used to help purchase a bariatric wheelchair washer to sanitize equipment for the community’s new equipment loan program.
Town of Taber, Taber recreation and Culture, $15,000: Funding will be used to build a picnic shelter at the Taber Trout Pond recreation area.
Village of Barnwell, Village of Barnwell Library Board, $6,500: Funding will be used to purchase furniture and decorations to create a Kids’ Corner in the library.
Village of Stirling, Stirling Historical Society, $10,000: Funding will be used to purchase event tents and picnic tables to expand community events, as well as support local groups wanting to borrow the equipment.
Westwind School Division, Cardston Junior High School, $7,500: Funding will be used to purchase outdoor picnic tables for the students to use at lunchtime.
Wood’s Homes, Lethbridge, $15,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to convert storage space into a recreation hub with exercise equipment, games and seating for youth living in the facility.
Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grant Recipients:
Friends of Taber Literacy Association, $30,000: Funding will be used to increase staffing to help close service gaps in Taber and area for those requiring assistance navigating government supports.
Stitch It Forward Society, Lethbridge, $12,500: Funding will be used to hire a part-time staff member focused on developing and supporting rural quilting and sewing organizations.
Taber Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society, $30,000: Funding will be used to hire a new community advocate position, who will provide essential support to women and children fleeing abuse, including helping to secure housing, employment and legal assistance.
