The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has announced its 2025 Spring Grants recipients. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Over $500K given to non-profits in southwestern Alberta

May 7, 2025 | 10:42 AM

A total of 49 projects in the region will be supported by funding from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

The group has announced the recipients of its 2025 Spring Grants.

The $509,135 funding pool includes $299,571 under the Community Priorities Fund and $111,874 from the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life.

Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, says it is always a “magical” day when they award their grants.

“We have seen countless times how our funding transforms community, and we are so proud to be able to provide support to the many organizations receiving a grant today. We congratulate all of the recipients and we thank our donors for their continued generosity,” says Davidson.

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The full list of grant recipients is below:

Community Priorities Fund Grant Recipients

ALS Society of Alberta, $15,000: Funding will be used to expand inventory for the equipment loan program to include more power mobility devices for residents of southwestern Alberta.

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories – Lethbridge, $5,800: Funding will be used to purchase a smart flip board television to enhance programming and resource options for clients.

Canadian Bhutanese Society – Lethbridge, $10,000 ($4,000 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will help launch a pilot program designed for elders to thrive through social engagement and skill-building activities.

Carmangay and District Municipal Library, $3,500: Funding will be used to replace aging windows and install a security system in the library.

Lethbridge Public Library, $10,000: Funding will be used to expand the Children’s Computer Gaming Café with additional computers and software geared towards teenagers.

County of Cardston – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170, $8,000: Funding will be used to replace and upgrade existing appliances at the Legion.

Devil’s Coulee Cooperating Society – Warner County, $2,278 ($780 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase materials to create moulds of locally found fossils.

Fresh Start Recovery Centre – Lethbridge County, $10,000: Funding will be used to renovate the front office to make it more welcoming for clients and staff.

Friends of the Milo Library Society, $8,000: Funding will be used to grade and pave the front patio area to reduce tripping hazards around the library.

Holy Spirit School Division – Father Leonard Van Tighem School – Lethbridge, $7,500: Funding will be used to help build an outdoor classroom and picnic shelter.

Holy Spirit School Division – Friends of St. Joseph’s School – Coaldale, $10,000: Funding will be used to turn an underdeveloped outdoor area into a community gathering area, including the development of a basketball court.

Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, $10,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to improve access to the food bank by updating the parking lot, including the addition of two accessible parking spaces.

Lethbridge Horticultural Society, $3,500: Funding will be used to help complete a sheltered garden area at Legacy Park with picnic tables and raised planters.

Lethbridge School Division – Senator Joyce Fairbairn Middle School, $7,500 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase audio visual equipment to enhance music education and community performances.

Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, $12,610 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase Canada’s first adaptive cart, which will expand access to equine wellness programs to include individuals with mobility challenges, epilepsy, head support needs, or fragility.

McNally Community Centre – Lethbridge Glass Artisans Society, $15,000: Funding will be used to upgrade an electrical panel to building code standards in the building’s basement.

MD of Pincher Creek – Fishburn Cemetery Committee, $13,210: Funding will be used to replace historical grave coverings, headstones, and repair naturally damaged grave sites.

Milk River Ag Society $10,000: Funding will be used to repaint and update the exterior of the Milk River Civic Centre.

MyCityCare – League of YQL Neighbourhoods – Lethbridge, $13,600: Funding will be used to help purchase a neighbourhood block party trailer with supplies for use by community associations in Lethbridge.

Nanton and District Animal Protection Society, $10,440 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to replace the worn shingled roof with metal sheeting to increase longevity.

Navy League of Canada Lethbridge Branch, $15,000: Funding will be used to upgrade the electrical panel in the historic 81-year-old building.

Palliser School Division – Milo Community School, $5,900 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase curling equipment, develop a tetherball court, and enhance existing volleyball and basketball courts for community use.

Palliser School Division – Coalhurst Elementary School, $10,000: Funding will be used to upgrade existing playground equipment.

Pincher Creek and District Agricultural Society, $12,000: Funding will be used to help replace a tractor used to maintain the grounds.

Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, $15,000: Funding will be used to help build a replica of the communities’ pre-1960 fire station at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village.

Pincher Creek Foundation, $3,000: Funding will be used to build raised garden beds for low income residents of the seniors’ facility.

Stavely and District Agricultural Society, $8,000: Funding will be used to connect the town’s water access to the Society’s outdoor riding arena.

Taber Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society, $5,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to create a sensory room at the shelter.

Town of Claresholm – Claresholm Arts Society, $3,500 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to purchase new laptops to run sound and music for theatrical productions.

Town of Fort Macleod – Fort Macleod Public Library Society, $15,000: Funding will be used to purchase and install space saving shelves and workspaces to allow for more room for community programming.

Town of Nanton – Kozy Korner Senior Centre, $10,000: Funding will be used to install an accessible lift so that visitors can access all parts of the building.

Town of Pincher Creek – Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta, $7,320: Funding will be used to install a wrought iron fence to protect the rose garden outside the historic Lebel Mansion from deer.

Town of Raymond – Raymond and District Seniors Club, $7,000: Funding will be used to upgrade kitchen appliances at the Club.

Veterans Association Food Bank of Lethbridge, $15,000: Funding will be used to upgrade the facility, including a new computer system and furniture.

Village of Carmangay – Carmangay and District Historical Society, $7,845: Funding will be used to build a weatherproof historical information kiosk at the Carmangay cemetery.

Village of Glenwood – Glenwood Riding, Roping and Racing Association, $10,000 ($8,700 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used in the construction of an accessible playground in the community.

Volunteer Lethbridge Association, $10,000: Funding will be used to upgrade outdated technology for staff to enhance security, reduce wait times, and ensure consistent program delivery.

Vulcan and District Historical Society, $12,358 ($3,860 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to renovate the exhibition hall by adding moveable walls and improved lighting.

Warner County – Masinasin Community Square Society, $14,000: Funding will be used to renovate the old Masinasin School building for community activities.

Westwind School Division – Spring Glen Elementary School, $6,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to replace outdoor basketball hoops.

Willow Creek Agricultural Society – Claresholm, $15,000 (from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to install an HRV system in the indoor riding arena at the Claresholm Agriplex.

Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grant Recipients

Carmangay and District Municipal Library – Barons, $4,000: Funding will be used to help offer a weekly pop-up library and youth programming in Barons.

Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, $5,000: Funding will be used to expand financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs to students in rural Southern Alberta.

Peaks to Pines Residents Association – Crowsnest Pass, $20,000 ($3,200 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to expand the Crowsnest Cruisers service, which provides affordable, assisted transportation to adults over 50 years of age and to persons with mobility challenges.

Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, $30,000: Funding will be used to document and share the oral history of people in Pincher Creek. Stories will be shared online as well as at the museum.

Rainbow Literacy and Learning Society and Act4Health – Vulcan, $25,000: Funding will be used to provide support for social programming for seniors to connect and learn about the power of social and community connection, self-efficacy, empowerment, and autonomy.

Crowsnest Pass Family Resource Centre, $12,730: Funding will be used to offer support and assistance to seniors in rural areas looking to access programs, grants, and services aimed at improving their quality of life.

Warner County and Warner Fireman’s Society, $10,144 ($1,200 from a Field of Interest Fund): Funding will be used to provide medical and firefighter training to the Warner and Milk River volunteer fire departments.

Willow Creek Foundation – Fort Macleod, $5,000: Funding will be used to provide seniors in Fort Macleod and surrounding area a monthly game event designed to offer opportunities for social connections, cognitive health, and increased mobility.

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