Community Foundation announces 2025 Spring grants

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Sunny South News

• Over $500,000 awarded in support of charitable initiatives in Southwestern Alberta

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta recently announced the recipients of grants awarded as the result of the spring call for applications to the Community Priorities Fund, the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and multiple Field of Interest Funds. The Community Foundation will support 49 projects and initiatives with grants totalling $509,135 through its spring application cycle. 

The Community Priorities Fund will provide $299,571 in grants to projects from 41 organizations across Southwestern Alberta. This funding is made possible by private, unrestricted donations given generously by supporters of the Community Foundation. 

The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life will provide $111,874 to eight projects. This fund, which supports projects aimed at helping sustain a high quality of life for residents in Southwestern Alberta, was established from a bequest by Pincher Creek-area rancher Bill Long and named to honour the memory of his uncle. 

Additionally, 15 of the 49 grants received a total of $97,690 from various Field of Interest (FOI) Funds. These FOI funds are the result of donors who have chosen to support organizations working with a specific age group, in a certain geographical location, or projects dealing with a cause that is important to them. This is the largest amount of FOI money ever granted in a single grant cycle through the Community Foundation. 

“It’s always a magical day when we award our grants,” said Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “We have seen countless times how our funding transforms community, and we are so proud to be able to provide support to the many organizations receiving a grant today. We congratulate all of the recipients and we thank our donors for their continued generosity.” 

Community Priorities Fund Grant Recipients 

ALS Society of Alberta, $15,000: 

Funding will be used to expand inventory for the equipment loan program to include more power mobility devices for residents of southwestern Alberta. 

Carmangay and District Municipal Library, $3,500: 

Funding will be used to replace aging windows and install a security system in the library. 

Fresh Start Recovery Centre – Lethbridge County, $10,000: 

Funding will be used to renovate the front office to make it more welcoming for clients and staff. 

Holy Spirit School Division – Friends of St. Joseph’s School – Coaldale, $10,000: 

Funding will be used to turn an underdeveloped outdoor area into a community gathering area, including the development of a basketball court. 

McNally Community Centre – Lethbridge Glass Artisans Society, $15,000: 

Funding will be used to upgrade an electrical panel to building code standards in the building’s basement. 

M.D. of Pincher Creek – Fishburn Cemetery Committee, $13,210: 

Funding will be used to replace historical grave coverings, headstones, and repair naturally damaged grave sites. 

Nanton and District Animal Protection Society, $10,440 (from a Field of Interest Fund): 

Funding will be used to replace the worn shingled roof with metal sheeting to increase longevity. 

Palliser School Division – Coalhurst Elementary School, $10,000: 

Funding will be used to upgrade existing playground equipment. 

Pincher Creek and District Agricultural Society, $12,000: 

Funding will be used to help replace a tractor used to maintain the grounds. 

Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, $15,000: 

Funding will be used to help build a replica of the communities’ pre-1960 fire station at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. 

Pincher Creek Foundation, $3,000: 

Funding will be used to build raised garden beds for low income residents of the seniors’ facility. 

Town of Claresholm – Claresholm Arts Society, $3,500 (from a Field of Interest Fund): 

Funding will be used to purchase new laptops to run sound and music for theatrical productions. 

Town of Fort Macleod – Fort Macleod Public Library Society, $15,000: 

Funding will be used to purchase and install space saving shelves and workspaces to allow for more room for community programming. 

Town of Nanton – Kozy Korner Senior Centre, $10,000: 

Funding will be used to install an accessible lift so that visitors can access all parts of the building. 

Town of Pincher Creek – Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta, $7,320: 

Funding will be used to install a wrought iron fence to protect the rose garden outside the historic Lebel Mansion from deer. 

Village of Carmangay – Carmangay and District Historical Society, $7,845: 

Funding will be used to build a weatherproof historical information kiosk at the Carmangay cemetery. 

Vulcan and District Historical Society, $12,358 ($3,860 from a Field of Interest Fund): 

Funding will be used to renovate the exhibition hall by adding moveable walls and improved lighting. 

Willow Creek Agricultural Society – Claresholm, $15,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): 

Funding will be used to install an HRV system in the indoor riding arena at the Claresholm Agriplex. 

Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grant Recipients

Carmangay and District Municipal Library – Barons, $4,000:

Funding will be used to help offer a weekly pop-up library and youth programming in Barons.

Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, $5,000:

Funding will be used to expand financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to students in rural Southern Alberta.

Peaks to Pines Residents Association – Crowsnest Pass, $20,000 ($3,200 from a Field of Interest Fund):

Funding will be used to expand the Crowsnest Cruisers service, which provides affordable, assisted transportation to adults over 50 years of age and to persons with mobility challenges.

Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, $30,000:

Funding will be used to document and share the oral history of people in Pincher Creek. Stories will be shared online as well as at the museum.

Rainbow Literacy and Learning Society and Act4Health – Vulcan, $25,000:

Funding will be used to provide support for social programming for seniors to connect and learn about the power of social and community connection, self-efficacy, empowerment, and autonomy.

Crowsnest Pass Family Resource Centre, $12,730:

Funding will be used to offer support and assistance to seniors in rural areas looking to access programs, grants, and services aimed at improving their quality of life.

Willow Creek Foundation – Fort Macleod, $5,000:

Funding will be used to provide seniors in Fort Macleod and surrounding area a monthly game event designed to offer opportunities for social connections, cognitive health, and increased mobility.