Over $500,000 in total charitable funding was announced May 7 by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, in support of 49 projects across the region.

Several local projects received a major boost from the CFLSA spring grants, including five based in Pincher Creek and two in Crowsnest Pass. Combined, these projects were awarded over $100,000.

Among the beneficiaries was the Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, which received two separate contributions for a pair of projects. 

First, the historical society received $15,000 from the Community Priorities Fund Grant to help finance the construction of a replica of the town’s pre-1960s fire station at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village. 

The society also received $30,000 from the Henry S. Varley Fund, which will be used to document and share the oral history of people in Pincher Creek, both online and physically, at the Kootenai Brown museum. 

The Pincher Creek and District Agricultural Society is the beneficiary of another generous donation issued by the CFLSA through the Community Priorities Fund. The organization received $12,000 to support the replacement of a tractor used to maintain its arena grounds.

Another Pincher Creek recipient, the Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta, received $7,320, which will go toward continued efforts to install wrought-iron fencing to protect the rose garden outside the historic Lebel Mansion from deer.

Continuing with local garden care, the Pincher Creek Foundation received $3,000 to build raised garden beds for residents at Crestview Lodge.

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In the MD of Pincher Creek, the Fishburn Cemetery Committee was granted $13,210 from the Community Priorities Fund to replace and restore several historic burial sites.

Shifting to Crowsnest Pass projects, two groups received substantial donations through the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life.

Peaks to Pines Residents Association was awarded $20,000, including $3,200 from a Field of Interest fund, to expand its Crowsnest Cruisers program. The volunteer-driven program provides an affordable assisted transportation service to people over 50 years of age and people with mobility challenges.

Crowsnest Pass Family Resource Centre received $12,730, which will be used to support and assist seniors in neighbouring rural areas in accessing programs and services geared toward improving their quality of life.  

“It’s always a magical day when we award our grants,” says Charleen Davidson, executive director of the Community Foundation. 

“We have seen countless times how our funding transforms the 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.”

Since it was established in 1966, the foundation has awarded over $21 million in grants, making it the largest non-government funding body in southwestern Alberta.

See the full list of grant recipients and information about supported projects.