Community Foundation seeking applications for grant funding

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Vauxhall Advance

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It is that time of the year again – applications to the Community Priorities and the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life grants programs are being accepted by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

Executive Director Charleen Davidson said in a release Aug. 23 that this is their second and final call for funding this year.

“Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we will be awarding $1.7 million in grants funding across the region for 2023, and we encourage groups to fill out an application. Every project funded enhances the quality of life for everyone living in southwestern Alberta,” said Davidson.

In order to apply, applicants must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee, or apply in partnership with a qualified donee, including a municipality, school district or CRA registered charity.

The release states that the Community Priorities granting program is the Community Foundation’s largest granting initiative. Through two separate annual intakes, over $550,000 is awarded from this fund to support the work of engaged community groups and the charitable sector in the region. Primarily, this granting program supports one-time costs of construction, renovation, or equipment purchases, in an effort to help improve an organization’s capacity.

The objective of the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural life is to provide support to community organizations that work to sustain a high quality of life in the rural communities of southwestern Alberta. The Fund was established through a bequest of Bill Long to honour his uncle Henry Varley and the family’s ranching heritage. This fund grants to rural projects in areas of innovation, community collaboration, education, and training and awards over $200,000 annually.

The application deadline for both grants is Oct. 16 at 4 p.m.

All applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation’s online application platform available at www.cflsa.ca/grants