Applications are open for the Community Priorities and Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life grants from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Community Foundation opens grant applications for Fall 2023

Aug 23, 2023 | 11:08 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is issuing its second and final call for funding for 2023.

Applications are open for the Community Priorities and Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life grants.

COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

The Community Priorities program is the foundation’s largest funding initiative. By way of two separate yearly intakes, over $550,000 is awarded from the fund to assist the work of engaged community groups and the region’s charitable sector.

The foundation noted that primarily, the program supports one-time costs of construction, renovation, or equipment purchases for an organization. The application deadline for the Community Priorities program is 4 p.m. on October 16, 2023.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

HENRY S. VARLEY FUND

The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life aims to support community organizations that work to sustain a high quality of life in rural communities in southwestern Alberta.

The foundation said the fund was initially created through a bequest of Bill Long to honour his uncle Henry Varley and the family’s ranching history. The grant goes toward helping rural projects in areas of innovation, community collaboration, education, and training. It awards over $200,000 each year. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on October 16, 2023.

ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

Charleen Davidson, the foundation’s executive director said, “Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, we will be awarding $1.7 million in grants funding across the region for 2023, and we encourage groups to fill out an application.”

She remarked that every project funded by foundation grants “enhances the quality of life for everyone living in southwestern Alberta”.

HOW TO APPLY

Those interested in applying for a grant must contact the foundation’s grants coordinator, Caitlin Gajdostik at 403-328-5297, or by email at grants@cflsa.ca. On September 19, Gajdostik will host a free informational seminar on Zoom for those looking to learn more about the grant programs. Registration can be done by emailing grants@cflsa.ca. Once registered, participants will receive the Zoom link.

To apply for a grant, applicants must be a CRA-recognized qualified done, or apply in partnership with a qualified done, including a municipality, school district, or CRA-registered charity. All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online application platform.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.