History
In 1995 a group of community members came together to discuss how they could have a meaningful impact and meet the needs of other individuals who were searching for a way to leave a lasting legacy in their community. The idea of establishing a Community Foundation in Grande Prairie was born. This was followed by a visit from Doug McNally, the then Chief Executive Officer of the Edmonton Community Foundation, where he shared information about the national movement with this passionate group.
In January of 1996 the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie received charitable and not-for-profit status. In 2013 the organization was renamed as the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta to reflect the broader impact it has and large geographical region that it serves today.
The Foundation was accredited under Imagine Canada’s National Standards Program in 2015, achieving reaccreditation in 2021, a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and non-profits. The accreditation is designed to strengthen practices in five fundamental areas: board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management, and volunteer involvement.
Since our earliest years your Community Foundation has worked to develop strong, resilient and vital communities throughout Northwestern Alberta.
Today, we are a charitable organization with approximately $10 million in assets, a recognized leader in the Community Foundation movement, and a force for building community.
Learn more about the Community Foundation movement from Community Foundations of Canada.
Thank You to Our Founders
| Tom Bedore | Clyde Blackburn | Diane Bootle | Lyle Carlstrom | Kevin Chrenek | Gordon Graydon |
| Deryl Kloster | Bobbi Lambright | Kim Logan | Dwight Logan | Richard Mackie | Pete Merlo | Don Patterson | Gordon Pearcy |
| Pat Reid |Terry Tissington | Vince Vavrek | Dave Wylie |
2023 Vital
Impact Leaders
Thank You!
We are very proud of the continued relationships with the following community leaders. Partnerships with organizations that are dedicated to giving back to their local community ensure that your Northwestern Alberta Foundation can continue to build community. Please support those who support us!
"Rooted in Community" Official Tour Sponsor
