The impact of CFSEA’s rural community funds

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

As we continue our detailed look at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA), we come to the Rural Community Funds, a vital part of the organization’s mission.

CFSEA is making a profound difference through its Rural Community Funds. These funds are dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents in various rural areas by supporting local charities and initiatives. Established in 2018 with a grant from an anonymous donor, the funds have grown to address the unique charitable needs of four distinct geographical regions, with great success.

The Rural Community Funds are permanent endowments designed to allow local residents to “give where you live.” By pooling donations, these funds are invested professionally, and the earnings are used to support projects and programs annually. Each fund is guided by a local advisory committee that recommends how grants are allocated, ensuring the funds meet the specific needs of their communities. This structure not only provides financial support but also empowers local voices in decision-making processes.

These four funds are: 

• Cypress County Community Fund

• Prairie Crocus Community Fund

• Brooks & District Community Fund

• Rural Community Fund of 40 Mile

Together, these funds cover the counties in their area, including Newell, the Municipal District of Acadia, and Prairie Crocus’ Special Areas 2, 3, and 4.

Clint Thacker, Chair of the Rural Fund of 40 Mile, shares his journey with CFSEA.

“It all started with a call from the Foundation, reaching out to rural areas to gauge interest in creating these funds. My name came up through local suggestions, and I was eager to get involved.” 

Thacker recalls the initial challenge of raising awareness about the foundation. 

“At first, growth was slow, but as the community learned about the fund’s benefits, we saw a significant rise in donations.”

Thacker highlights the fund’s impact across various sectors, from fire departments and schools to churches and libraries.

“The fund has been a crucial source of revenue for small groups that struggle with fundraising,” he notes. The Rural Funds are not about competing with existing local fundraising efforts but complementing them, offering a long-term financial resource for community needs.

Despite the progress, Thacker emphasizes that there’s still much to do. He stresses the importance of the fund as a legacy project, designed to grow indefinitely while providing ongoing contributions to community programs.