CFSEA: How the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta helps shape our future

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Ever wondered how community dreams become reality? In southeastern Alberta, transformative change often starts with a conversation at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA). For over three decades, this organization has been the bridge between generous donors and vital community initiatives, creating lasting impact through the power of endowment funds.

Over the next few weeks we will be taking a deeper dive into this organization and its many facets. We will look at the grants, its initiatives, and the direct impact on the donors and recipients. Best of all, you will learn how easy it is to get started as a donor or how your organization can benefit from a grant.

  A Foundation Built on Trust

Since 1992, CFSEA has been a vital resource in Southern Alberta. What began as a vision to create sustainable funding for local needs has blossomed into a robust foundation that distributed an impressive $1.1 million through 225 grants in 2023 alone.

“Every fund starts with a conversation,” explains Helene Nicholson, Regional Development Co-ordinator at CFSEA. “We sit down with donors to understand their goals and vision for the community. They’re the drivers of the bus – they tell us exactly where they want their dollars to go and what impact they hope to achieve.”

How It Works: The Efficiency of Endowment Funds

The beauty of CFSEA’s model lies in its sustainability. Through endowment funds, donors create a permanent legacy that keeps giving year after year. The initial donation is carefully invested, and the annual interest supports chosen causes indefinitely.

“Endowment funds can start at just $1,000 and go up to $250,000 or more,” Nicholson notes. “The initial capital is never spent – it’s the investment revenue that gets distributed annually to the causes our donors care about.”

A Fund for Every Vision

CFSEA offers remarkable flexibility through several distinct endowment funds and four rural community funds. Whether you’re passionate about youth development, want to support specific charities, or wish to address broader community needs, there’s a fund type that aligns with your goals:

• Community Funds: Supporting broad community initiatives

• Youth Endowment Funds: Investing in the next generation

• Designated Funds: Supporting specific charities year after year

• Rural Community Funds: Focusing on regional development

Making Real Impact

Countless lives touched and communities strengthened through CFSEA’s 32 years of service. CFSEA has demonstrated that when community members come together with a shared vision, extraordinary things happen.

Whether you’re an individual, family, or organization, there’s a place for you in the CFSEA story. Your contribution, no matter the size, can create ripples of positive change that will benefit southeastern Alberta for generations to come.

This is just the beginning of our exploration into the transformative work of CFSEA. Stay tuned for more in-depth looks at specific initiatives, success stories, and the people making it all happen!

Ready to learn more or start your own legacy? Visit CFSEA’s website to discover how you can be part of this inspiring community movement.