Regional youth award $22,480 through Youth in Philanthropy Grants

Commentator/Courier Photo Submitted. AWARDS: Students from St Michael’s School (Bow Island) present a grant to the County of Forty Mile Food Bank.

Community Foundation of
Southeastern Alberta

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) has announced that $22,480 was awarded through its Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) program this spring, with 12 youth groups directing grants to 19 different organizations across Southeastern Alberta. 

Building tomorrow’s philanthropists today, YiP empowers young people to become thoughtful, informed community leaders through hands-on grant making. Each year, students in school leadership classes and youth committees explore local community needs, research charitable organizations, and collectively award grants to support meaningful, community-driven solutions. 

This year’s participating youth groups supported a wide range of local priorities, including food security, youth and family support, health care, animal welfare, senior services, community libraries, and recreation. 

Grant recipients included Harvest Sky Animal Rescue ($450), Ronald McDonald House ($1500), Brooks Food Bank Foundation ($650), Cantara Safe House ($625), Newell Housing Foundation ($625), The Champion’s Centre – Brooks ($975), Bridges Family Resources ($1,950), County of Forty Mile Foodbank Society ($1,950), Bow Island Golden Age Club ($950), Foremost & District Historical Society ($1,000), Foremost Municipal Library ($950), YMCA of Southeastern Alberta ($560),  Kids Cancer Care Society ($700), Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation ($560) and Oyen & District Food Bank Association ($1,950), among others.

“As a teacher, it’s inspiring to see students realize they can make a real difference in their community. Youth in Philanthropy helps build empathy, leadership, and the confidence to create positive change,” said Megan Schwab, teacher, St. Michael’s School, Bow Island.