Welcome to 2017! With the New Year already a full month in, the Community Foundation is looking forward to the upcoming year working alongside our community in strengthening our region.
As we reflect on the success and accomplishments of 2016, and the past 20 years, we say thank you to those who have come together and dedicated time, skill, and generously donated to the Foundation. This support has had a with significatant impact for many living in our city, towns, and reaches into the rural community as well.
Over the past 20 years, we have invested over $4.45 million into innovative projects and programs managed by charities and organizations working at the grassroots of our communities. Going forward it is important we continue to focus on resources for youth at risk, consider the care and needs of our senior population, look at the availability of recreational opportunities for all and so much more. In doing this, we are continuing to talk about and act on growing stronger and inclusive communities.
It is an exciting year for our Nation as we prepare to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. This milestone is more than a party, it is an opportunity for each of us to dream bigger, reach out and contribute a little bit more to our communities in a way that will enhance the sense of connectedness and belonging. We are honoured to partner with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada through the Community Fund for Canada’s 150.
Belonging to a community is more than just living, and more than a feeling. It is energy and commitment to come together and to feel connected to people around us. When this trust and connection is strong, we see good things happen; citizen engagement increases, there is a stronger understanding of cultural diversity, people participate in community opportunities, people reach out and get to know their neighbours, and participate to shape our community.
To be effective, we ensure that we have a solid understanding of both the needs and opportunities of our vast region. We are continually invited to discussions on community concerns or issues and gather that knowledge through partnerships, relationships and innovation.
We are excited to release our next Vital Signs report in October 2017. Vital Signs is a public opinion and research project highlighting issues and trends in our region and is another example of how your Community Foundation is using innovation to keep residents informed. The results of this project will help our community to stay informed and to guide future goals and direction.
The Community Foundation connects you to the resources you need. With our help, donors are able to make the best decision for their funds. Students can find the grants that help them succeed. Charities are able to fund their latest projects. We build relationships that strengthen Northwestern Alberta and the communities in it — because connecting people is what we do best.
Please feel free to contact me at 780-538-2820 to discuss how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta and how you can impact and inspire others in your community.
Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.
Warmest Wishes,
Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday
Canada’s sesquicentennial is an historic moment with the power to bring people and places together as we dream big about our communities and our country. In the spirit of this moment, the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th birthday will activate a breathtaking array of ideas and activities that will bring out the best that Canada has to offer, now and for future generations.
The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a small grants program that will support community initiatives from coast to coast to coast. The Fund is a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, the Government of Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast.
The Fund is based on grassroots leadership, and will take on a local focus and timeline in each community.
Why is the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta participating in the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th? To match funding to make more grants to organizations within Northwestern Alberta. These grants will be responsive to regional priorities, connected to Canada’s sesquicentennial and will foster a greater sense of belonging, inclusion and reconciliation in our community.
The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is proud to partner with the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th in support of the following 2017 projects:
1. Bezanson Agricultural Society – Canada 150 Celebration & 60 Year Graduation Celebration
2. Peace River Musuem – A History of the Peace Country in 150 Objects
3. Grande Prairie Live Theatre – Children’s Festival
4. Cool Aide Society – Canada’s 150th Birthday Party
5. Elder’s Caring Shelter – Youth and Elders Cultural Retreat
investing in community, because community matters
2016 Community Impact Grants and Student Awards Total $131,027
Every year, in partnership with our donors and fund holders, we grant to numerous innovative charitable projects, large and small. Over the past 20 years, over $4.45 has been invested into all sectors of the region.
Interested in learning more about the 2016 Community Impact Grant recipients? View the list here.
