Over $86,000 Awarded for Spring Community Grants

The Red Deer & District Community Foundation (RDDCF) has distributed $86,750 to ten local agencies for the Spring Cycle of the Community Grants program.

“This cycle, we received nearly double the number of applications that we typically receive,” Erin Peden, Executive Director of RDDCF said. “This shows us the enormous level of need within the charitable sector right now. The story that we keep hearing from local agencies is that funding is a struggle, while demand for services and programming remains high.”

In response to grant applications, RDDCF is distributing funds to a variety of agencies, for programs and services supporting mental health, education, cultural programming, crisis intervention, and more.

“Our adjudication committee had a challenging job with not only the volume of applications, but the caliber as well,” Peden said. “The committee reviewed so many worthy applications, but ultimately made decisions based on our mission to strengthen the quality of life in Central Alberta.”

Recipients of the spring grants are as follows:

  • Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre 24 Hour Phone, Chat, and Web Crisis Line – $10,000.00
  • The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools Passive Solar Greenhouse Project at Normandeau School – $5,000.00
  • Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre Circling Our Elders – $16,000.00
  • The Lending Cupboard Society of Alberta Client Care IT Upgrades – $6,000.00
  • Olds & District Hospice Society Hospice, Bereavement and NavCARE Support – $6,500
  • Red Deer Arts Council The Hub 2.0 Wednesdays at the YMCA – $15,000.00
  • Red Deer Community Band Society Replacement of Specialized Musical Instruments – $8,000
  • Red Deer Native Friendship Society Waskasoo SeePee Traditional Pow Wow – $7,000
  • Scientists in School Expanding STEM Enrichment to Underserved Schools in Red Deer – $3,250
  • Shalom Counselling Centre of Alberta Making Mental Wellness Affordable – $10,000.00

“Going forward, we are working towards better supporting agencies in developing sustainable funding for their organizations,” Peden said. “We are available for any local charities who want to discuss sustainable funding options.”

The Red Deer & District Community Foundation distributes Community Grants twice annually, in the spring and the fall. Applications for the Fall cycle of the Community Grants program will open in June, with a deadline of October 3.

Community Grants are available to any qualified donee in Central Alberta, with no limitations as to areas of focus. In 2021, RDDCF granted over $160,000 to local charities through the Community Grants program.