The Community Foundation of Lethbridge + Southwestern Alberta is now accepting applications for funding under two grant programs. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Applications open for Community Foundation’s spring grants

Jan 12, 2026 | 1:20 PM

Organizations in southern Alberta are invited to submit applications for funding for their initiatives.

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge + Southwestern Alberta is now accepting grant applications for the Community Priorities and Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grant Programs.

“Launching our grants programs is always a wonderful way to start a new year,” says Executive Director Charleen Davidson. “It really is exciting to see the many wonderful initiatives taking place across Southwestern Alberta and it’s even more exciting to be able to support those initiatives through our grants programs.”

The Community Priorities Fund is made up of unrestricted gifts to the Community Foundation.

In 2025, it awarded over $565,000 through two separate calls for funding. This spring, it has $350,000 available for charities and other qualified donees to support important projects throughout the region.

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The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life was established through a single bequest of Pincher Creek area ranger Bill Long to honour his uncle, Henry Varley, and the family’s ranching heritage.

It supports projects from community groups committed to sustaining a high quality of life in rural southwestern Alberta.

In 2025, it awarded $317,000. This spring, $171,000 is available.

The deadline to apply for either program is 4:00 p.m. on March 16, 2026.

The following information was provided by the Community Foundation:

All applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Community Foundation’s Grants Coordinator, Caitlin Gajdostik, to discuss their project prior to applying. Caitlin can be reached at 403-328-5297 or grants@cflsa.ca. She will host a free grant information session on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Please RSVP to grants@cflsa.ca; the Zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration confirmation.

More information on eligibility, funding criteria, and access to the grant applications can be found on the Community Foundation website www.cflsa.ca/grants. Applicants must be a Canada Revenue Agency qualified donee, or apply in partnership with one. All applications must be submitted online.