“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day”. ~Sally Koch
When individuals come together to support a cause or initiative that they are passionate about it can become one of the most powerful forces for good in our world. This rings true on a global scale, but also within our communities. Nothing demonstrates the impact of community support like the stories of the wonderful people and organizations that the Community Foundation is able to impact through our operations.
For example, the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a small grants program that has and will continue to support thousands of initiatives across the country that are connected to Canada’s 150th. Locally, the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada provided a total of eight grants to inspiring and innovative local initiatives. The variety of celebrations happening in our community to honour our nation’s sesquicentennial is astounding, but the common thread linking all of the grant recipients is the intent to encourage participation, inspire understanding, and build vibrant and healthy communities through these projects.
The testimonials from the people and projects that we can support are absolutely inspiring. Read on to learn more about the most recent initiatives that were supported through the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th and the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.
Each year the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta invites our community to support the work that we do through our annual event, Nourish the North. This year on Thursday September 28th, 2017, the wine & auction event will bring people together for an evening of philanthropy and fellowship. Projects like the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, Student Award Funds, and Community Impact Grants are possible because of the amazing support of our community partners, guests, sponsors, and volunteers who ensure that Nourish the North continues to be a success.
Nourish the North is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to become involved in building a vibrant community.
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.
Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.
Warmest Wishes,
Tracey Vavrek, CEO
THERE’S STILL TIME FOR VITAL SIGNS!
We want to hear your voice! Northwestern Alberta’s Vital Signs survey is an opportunity for community members to truly make an impact.
The survey is open to everyone ages 15 and older living in our Northwestern Alberta region, which includes the City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, and the MD of Greenview.
This Friday, June 30th is your last chance to make your voice heard on local issues.
Nourish the north 2017
You are invited! Once a year the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta brings the community together for an evening dedicated to philanthropy. The annual event allows the foundation to continue to be a leader and source of support within our community.
Join your community, buy your tickets for Nourish the North today!
Can’t make the event? You can still make a donation to support the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.
Community impact grant applications are now open!
Applications for this year’s Community Impact Grant are now open!
Every year, in partnership with our donors and fund holders, we grant to numerous innovative charitable projects, both large and small. Since its inception in 1996, over $4.45 million has been invested into all sectors of the region. These grants support a variety of projects ranging from arts and culture, to social services, to recreation and sports.
Take a look at the impact that these grants made in our community in 2016:
Community agencies that are interested in learning more or applying are encouraged to check out our website.
Student Award Applications Open Soon!
Students are our future and the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is proud to support our future leaders. This year’s Student Awards Applications open June 29th.
Student Award Funds support local students in achieving their post-secondary goals. Year after year award recipients let us know how significant these funds are to their scholarly success. Students in all types of academic fields and from all walks of life are represented in the variety of awards offered.
Emma is a Student Award recipient from 2016. Here is what she had to say about the impact of the award:
Do you know a deserving student who would benefit from an award? Are you one of those students? Head over to the Student Awards page on our website for more information and to access the application.
The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th
The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a small grants program funded in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Government of Canada. The unique funding opportunity was developed to support a broad range of community initiatives and projects across Canada all in support of our nation’s birthday.
The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th through the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta has provided grants to eight engaging projects in our community. The two most recent grants awarded promise to encourage participation, inspire understanding, and build stronger communities in Northwestern Alberta.
Historic Wings Over Canada 150
When a group of passionate community members come together amazing things can be accomplished. The work that the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society has done over the past eight years is an amazing testament to the power of community initiatives. This group of aviation hobbyists has dedicated their time to restoring a Canadian-built WWII Patrol Bomber, the Canso PBY-5A. Passionate about the history of the aircraft, the group wants to educate the community about the significant contribution that the plane made to Canadian safety, security, and well-being throughout its 70+ years in flight. After WWII the plane became a Mid-Canada Early Warning System freighter and finally, a wildfire-fighting water bomber.
On June 18th 2017 the society celebrated the completed restoration with a Father’s Day Fly-in Breakfast. The celebration was open to all community members and attendees got the chance to see the fully restored Canso PBY-5A take flight once again. The grant that Historic Wings Over Canada 150 received from the Community Foundation not only completed the restoration, but allowed the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society to engage with and educate the community about Canada’s aviation history and their contribution to WWII. Historic Wings Over Canada 150 truly brings history to life.
Canada 150 Commemorative Mosaic Exhibit
Our nation’s sesquicentennial is an important anniversary for all Canadians. The Canada 150 Commemorative Mosaic Exhibit will capture the excitement and energy of all the celebrations in the community and present them from an Indigenous Canadian perspective. This year is the perfect opportunity to showcase our region’s Indigenous community and their connection to Canada’s 150th.
The photo-mosaic will be permanently displayed in the Montrose Cultural Centre allowing community members and visitors to visit the exhibition. Led by the City of Grande Prairie, this project is truly a study in collaboration. The concept, design, and installation will be a group effort between the City of Grande Prairie, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, and the Grande Prairie Circle of Aboriginal Services.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to our donors, fund holders, supporters and friends for the continued support and dedication. You are amongst a group of caring citizens who are building community for future generations.
