The Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta (CFSEA) is a registered charitable organization that distributes funds within southeast Alberta.
What sets the Community Foundation apart from other charitable organizations is that donors initial gifts are never spent. Instead, every donation is invested for the long-term benefit of the communities they serve. It is the investment income generated that is granted to non-profits and registered charities throughout Southeastern Alberta.
John P. Ignatius will be forever remembered by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. He made the first donation of $25,000 and encouraged his many family, friends and colleages to follow his example. Upon his death, in 2000, he left the majority of his estate to the Foundation. John’s financial contribution was in excess of $2.4 million.
Four Community Funds were established under the Foundation, one of which is the Prairie Crocus Community Fund which covers Specials Areas 2, 3, 4 and the MD of Acadia and all the towns, villages, hamlets and communities within. As of May 2024 almost $260,000 has been awarded to community groups in these areas.
The Prairie Crocus Fund Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing the applications and determining successful recipients. Committee members live and work throughout the region. You may recognize some of the names: Cindy Goodine (Chair), Linda Bingeman, Elaine Michaels, Lois Bedwell, Jenifer Heeg, Stacie Bedwell, Allison Stammers and Hanna’s Michelle Haag. Prairie Crocus Community Fund is seeking additional volunteers to represent these areas and provide coverage and support for all the quadrants of the region.
Your role:
- Participate in fund development and cultivation of donors.
- Determine grant making priorities, review grant applications and make grant recommendations.
- Act as a community champion to the Foundation and raise the profile of the Prairie Crocus Community Fund.
- Volunteers attend 6 – 10 meetings per year.
What’s in it for you?
- It’s a great way to share your knowledge or insights.
- You can acquire practical experience in effective board function and decision-making.
- Establish valuable professional connections and network.
Out of the 38 grants and $259,000 that have been awarded since inception, the following Hanna groups successfully furthered their projects.
- Hanna Roundhouse Society: $10,000 in 2019
- Hanna Municipal Library Board: $1,469 in 2020.
- Hanna Spray Park Committee: $2,400 in 2020.
- Hanna Volunteer Association (Lynks): $15,000 in 2022.
- Hanna Food Bank: $7,000 in 2022.
- Hanna Food Bank: $3,075 in 2023.
- Prairie Land School Division (Altario School): $10,000 in 2024.
Prairie Crocus Community Fund would like to expand their Committee to include more members and encourage anyone interested in growing the not-for-profits and charities in the Prairie Crocus Region to reach out to Helene Nicholson. E: helene@cfsea.ca. P: 403-866-8901. Stay tuned. Grant cycles are twice a year, March and September. Those interested are encouraged to attend the fall Grant Writing Workshop which is held virtually. This fall it will be held August 8, 2024 from Noon to 1:00 pm.