Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta distributes over $487,000 in grants

Commentator/Courier photo submitted. WINNERS: (Left to right) Curtis Gowe (FM), Vicki Stromsmoe, Rachel Stromsmoe, Tracy Harty, Clint Thacker (FM).

CFSEA

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) distributed over $487,000 through all their granting initiatives this fall. Of that amount, over $200,000 was given to 27 organizations through their Community Grants. Community Grants are application-based and recipients are selected by a Grants Committee comprised of board and community members. Grants are awarded based on potential impact, fund availability, and alignment with the Vital Signs priority areas. 

The 2024 priorities are Connection & Belonging, Work & Economy, and Basic Needs including food, health, and housing. Community Grants support Southeastern Alberta by enhancing belonging of all citizens and strengthening the non-profit sector. Donors choose this fund as a way to allocate their contributions to support the community’s greatest needs. 

“We are so grateful to work alongside the Rural Advisory Committees in Brooks, Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile, and Prairie Crocus (Special Areas 2, 3, 4 & MD of Acadia), to ensure the greatest needs in our communities are being supported. Thank you to our incredible group of volunteers who make up our Grants Committee,” said Glenda Hawthorne, CFSEA Grants Committee Chair.

Grant Recipients: CFSEA Rural Community Fund of Forty Mile

Manyberries Community Association received $3,350.00 for Community Hall enhancements.

“This support is vital in helping us maintain a space that brings people together,” said Terri Lynn Arnal, MCA treasurer.

Etzikom Museum Historic Windmill Center received $10,000 for Roof Renovations.

“The museum is the only gathering place of our community in the summer and this project will enable the preservation of our local history and artifacts for future generations,” said Rachel Stromsmoe, volunteer grant officer.

The next Community Grant cycle will open to applications in early February 2025, kicking off the grant cycle with a virtual workshop at noon on February 10, 2025. 

To learn more, connect with CFSEA by calling 403.527.9038, emailing grants@cfsea.ca or by visiting cfsea.ca/community-grants/. 

CFSEA is a registered charity that creates meaningful connections between donors and local charities for the permanent benefit of Southeastern Alberta.