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. Since 2019, $409, 924 has been distributed 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), Anna Beier, Dawn Resch, Hailey Hauck, Kristi Liboiron, Rylee Hewitt, Elaine Michaels, Lois Bedwell, Jenifer Heeg, Allison Stammers, and Hanna’s Michelle Haag and Angela McGillion. 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.

These local groups were all able to advance projects with funds they received this spring. (This includes all 4 Community Funds)

• Hanna Municipal Library Board – $3000
• Lynks Harvest Sky Services & Support Society – $8500
• Lynks Harvest Sky Services and Support Society – $4835
• JC Charyk Hanna School – PLRD (Kinder-Prep Program) – $5000
• Prairieland Public School Division – (Outdoor Learning Space) – $3280
• Hanna and District Historical Society – $2000
• Hanna Figure Skating Club – $4205
• Hanna Food Bank – $1800

Stay tuned. Grant cycles are twice a year, March and August. Those interested are encouraged to attend the August Grant Writing Workshop which is held virtually. This fall it will be held August 6, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 pm.

Fall 2025 Community Grants Applications open on August 6th.