In the spring of 2019, the Lethbridge Astronomy Society was awarded a Community Priorities grant to build a large-scale representation of the solar system throughout Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

What makes this project unique? We asked Tom Anderson, President of the Lethbridge Astronomy Society.

"Did you know that one of the world’s largest scale models of the Solar System is right here in Lethbridge and The Community Foundation was a major funder of this project, enjoyed by thousands? Enjoy your journey, what’s your favourite planet?"

You can find the full list of locations at www.lethbridgeastronomysociety.ca

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In the spring of 2018, the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Centre was awarded a Community Priorities grant to help with facility enhancements to promote accessibility.

What work was the Centre able to do? We asked Colin Weir, Manager at Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation.

“The Community Foundation has kindly provided grants that create improved visitor accessibility to an environmental learning building at our facility called the Natural History Centre. Community Foundation funding allowed us to build a new wheelchair/stroller ramp and a set of stairs."

You can find the centre at 2124 16th Avenue in Coaldale.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded a total of $461,288 to projects in Coaldale.

In 2021, the Town of Magrath was awarded an Emerald Anniversary Grant, celebrating the Community Foundation's 55th year. The grant supported the enhancement of a public outdoor space, located near the entrance of the swimming pool and the elementary school, through the purchase of trees and picnic tables.

There's something unique about these tables as we learned from a delegate from the Town of Magrath.

"Made from 100% recycled material, these tables are planned to make access to outdoor learning possible for school classes in the fall and spring and provide outdoor seating for residents and pool users throughout the summer!"

You can find the pool at 5 North Centre Street in Magrath.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $29,000 to projects in Magrath.

In the fall of 2022, the Town of Milk River, Barons-Eureka-Warner Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) was awarded a Community Priorities grant to purchase an enclosed trailer that will be used to host events in the area.

What kind of events is the trailer suited for? We asked Kaitlynn Weaver, Outreach Services Supervisor at FCSS.

"The NieghbourGOOD Trailer is a community events trailer that can be booked by residents of the County of Warner for block parties and other community events. The trailer is a free resource for community residents to coordinate events, get to know each other, and combat isolation."

You can find the trailer at events throughout the summer.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $57,730 to projects in Milk River.

In the spring of 2022, the Taber Municipal Library was awarded a Community Priorities grant to enhance the children's and teen area by creating a fun, educational, and comfortable space for the community.

Why was the project a focus? We asked Chris Vowles, Manager of the Taber Library.

"There isn't a lot of places for the kids to go in Taber, so we want them to come here. Foot traffic has doubled and we have a lot of compliments on the renovations."

You can find the library at 5415 50th Ave in Taber.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $285,061 to projects in Taber.

In the fall of 2017, the Allied Arts Council was awarded a Community Priorities grant for permanent artist kiosks at Casa’s Rotary square as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.

How are the kiosks being used? We asked Kelaine Devine, Communications Manager for the Allied Arts Council.

“The kiosks in Rotary Square have provided a unique opportunity for artists to engage with the public outside of the traditional gallery. The artist kiosks have been utilized for Arts Days Lethbridge, Upside Downtown Concerts + Art, The Gallery at Casa, Wide Skies Music Festival, City of Lethbridge community events and summer BBQs."

You can find the kiosks at events in Rotary Square throughout the summer.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In the spring of 2022, the Town of Vulcan was awarded a Field of Interest grant from the Allan Haga fund to help create two multi-purpose outdoor sport courts where the community can gather and stay active.

What was Vulcan in such a need for this project? We asked Chris Gautheir, Community Services Manager at the Town of Vulcan.

"Vulcan is an active community with the addition of an outdoor communal area that is safe and fun for socialization. The promoting of fitness and mental health in an outdoor setting is very important to the community and engages youth and seniors."

You can find the future spot of the outdoor courts at 518 2nd Avenue South in Vulcan.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $85,000 to projects in Vulcan.

In 2022, the Town of Nobleford was awarded a Youth in Action grant for their Pantry of Hope project. Funding was used to set up a Free Community Pantry.

What does the pantry mean to the community? We asked Joseph Hutter, C.A.O., Town of Nobleford.

“The Pantry of Hope has been a beloved addition to the Town of Nobleford. We have been impressed with the community’s response to this project, and hope to see similar projects around Town in the future. Thank you to the Community Foundation for their support!"

You can find the pantry on the north side of Centennial Park in Nobleford.

In the spring of 2019, the Village of Cowley was awarded a Community Priorities grant for their Black Beauty dinosaur.

Why is it so important to highlight this Southwestern Alberta find? We asked Garry Hackler, former Mayor of Cowley.

“The discovery of “Black Beauty” (Tyrannosaurus Rex) put the Village of Cowley on the paleontological map of Southern Alberta. Black Beauty is one of only three T-Rex dinosuars found in Western Canada. She is unique because her bones were infused with a black material, hence her nickname. Cowley is very proud of this discovery and the historical and educational value it provides to our community.”

You can find the dinosaur just off HWY 3 as you travel past Cowley.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $19,000 to projects in Cowley.

In the fall of 2022, the Lebel Mansion was awarded a Community Priorities grant to build a renewable energy installation to reduce energy costs.

What is the importance of this project? We asked Kassandra Chancey, Assistant Director at the Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek.

"The installation will not only help power the community building with renewable energy and decrease operational expenses for the organization, it will help act as an information hub about energy transition options and processes. As one of the oldest buildings in Pincher Creek and a public facility, it makes sense to utilize it as an example and resource of how to adapt for the future for the whole community to learn from."

You can find the Lebel Mansion at 696 Kettles Street in Pincher Creek.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $376,480 to projects in Pincher Creek.

In the fall of 2021, the Royal Canadian Legion, General Stewart Branch No. 4, Lethbridge, received a Community Priorities grant to help with facility renovations, including bar and concession area improvements, and for repairs to the RCAF jet display pedestal.

You can find the pedestal at 2019 4th Avenue South in Lethbridge.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In 2021, the Town of Raymond was awarded an Emerald Anniversary Grant, celebrating the Community Foundation's 55th year.. The grant supported the construction of a community disc golf course along the town’s walking trail system.

How has the course affected the walking trails? We asked Karen Wilde, Facility and Event Coordinator for the Town of Raymond.

"Our new walking trail system has been greatly enhanced by having the disc golf course added. With the addition of the disc golf course along the walking trails, the green strip has become a well used and loved amenity for the residents and visitors to the Town of Raymond. It is free for the public to use and is easily accessible."

You can find the course on the south side of Raymond.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $126,779 to projects in Raymond.

In the spring of 2019, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre was awarded a Community Priorities grant to help support the replacement of its outdoor classroom.

How has the project helped? We asked Taylor Hecker, programmer at Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

“I just wanted to share how pleased I am with the new outdoor classroom space. It has been great seeing how often the public gravitates to that spot to sit and enjoy nature or socialize. Even when running my programs I’ve noticed a huge difference. Kids seem to be able to pay attention for longer, likely because the seats are more comfortable and they are less inclined to fall off of them."

You can find the classroom at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, 300 Indian Battle Road in Lethbridge.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In the spring of 2022, the Bellecrest Community Association was awarded a Community Priorities grant to enhance the outdoor stage, including, electricity, lighting, and audio visual upgrades.

What kind of use does the stage get? We asked Sue Kostyniuk of the Bellecrest Community Association.

"The stage provides the Bellecrest Community Association a location where we can come together and celebrate through music, dance, performance and film."

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $220,363 to projects in the Crowsnest Pass.

In the fall of 2019, the Town of Cardston was awarded a Community Priorities grant to construct a Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) monument honouring victims of the residential school system, as well as lives lost during the Baker Massacre.

What is the importance of the monument? We asked Kara Baldwin, a teacher involved with the project.

"The monument is a space for reconnecting, for healing, and for education about a time in our history that the Niitsitapi people were targeted and massacred. It’s a space to develop stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, a place to remember an honour victims of residential schools; those who survived and those who died, and a place in remembrance of those lost during the Baker massacre."

You can find the monument just off Cardston's main street, across from the provincial building.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $175,400 to projects in Cardston.

In the fall of 2019, the Empress Theatre Society was awarded a Community Priorities grant to replace their theatre screen.

The Empress Theatre has received a few grant over the years. Just ask Margaret Ann Bianco, Theatre Director at Empress Theatre.

"We have received grants from Community Foundation to upgrade our sound equipment, purchase computers, and a new movie screen! We are so very grateful for the Foundation’s assistance. Any and all assistance is most welcome in keeping our 111 year - old doors open and the theatre functioning in 2023."

You can find the Empress Theatre at 235 24th Street in Fort Macleod.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $335,808 to projects in Fort Macleod.

In 2013, Westminster School in Lethbridge was awarded a Community Priorities grant to help with a new playground.

How do the students like it? One of them had this to say:

“Hours of endless fun and playing with my friends. I could stay here all day.”

You can find the playground at 402 18th Street North in Lethbridge.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In the spring of 2021, the Nanton Lancaster Society was awarded a Community Priorities grant for repairs to the hangar floor at the Bomber Command museum.

What was the importance of having this work done? We asked Dan Fox, Vice President of the museum.

"The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta awarded our museum a grant in 2021 to repair the concrete floor in our main hangar. This was important to the museum because it sealed up some cracks in the floor that presented a “trip and fall” hazard and stopped moisture from getting into the concrete."

You can find the museum at 1659 21st Avenue in Nanton.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $116,170 to projects in Nanton.

In the fall of 2021, the Lethbridge Therapuetic Riding Association (LTRA) was awarded a Rural Life grant for their "Horses in the Window" program which provides on-location equine therapy program.

What is the program all about? We asked Kale Hayes, Executive Director at LTRA.

"We are grateful to the Community Foundation for their support towards the 'Horses in the Window' initiative. This unique and transformative program has allowed us to weave together the vibrant threads of rural Albertan communities, equine wellness, and compassionate care for our most vulnerable citizens. This program has not only offered a fresh outlook to those grappling with addiction and mental health struggles, but also lit a spark of joy in the lives of our elders, alleviating loneliness with a touch of mane and moments of connection."

You can find the LTRA on HWY 512 east of Lethbridge.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $461,288 to projects in the Coaldale area.

In the fall of 2018, the Coalhurst Parks and Recreation Society received a Community Priorities grant to help fund the town's Spray Park.

How expansive was the project? We asked Lyndsay Montina, Mayor of Coalhurst.

“The spray park in Imperial Meadows Park is a key component of summer recreation in Coalhurst. The project includes accessible washrooms, change rooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables and benches. The spray park is the focal point of the five-acre park, located at 613 Spruce Drive, which also contains a large green space and playground, providing enjoyment for families and children of all ages.”

You can find the spray park at 613 Spruce Drive in Coalhurst.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $23,100 to projects in Coalhurst.

In 2021, the Claresholm Lions Club was awarded an Emerald Anniversary Grant, celebrating the Community Foundation's 55th year. The grant supported the construction of a new community gazebo in the town’s downtown Amundsen Park.

Who gets the most use out of the shelter? We asked Jeff Kerr from the Claresholm Lions Club.

“The shelter is available for use year-round. In summer as protection from the sun, and in the winter as shelter from the wind, rain and snow. Dog walkers, families, visitors and all park users will now benefit. Amundsen Park, where the gazebo sits, is central to most of the celebrations and events in our Town.”

You can find the gazebo in Amundsen Park in Claresholm.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $444,488 to projects in Claresholm.

In the fall of 2017, the Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society was awarded a Community Priorities grant to help install a water feature at the Lethbridge Legacy Ornamental Garden.

What was the importance of this feature? We asked Richard Burke from the Lethbridge Horticultural Society.

"The water feature was the Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society’s first major project to kickstart the Legacy Garden, as part of Legacy Regional Park. Funded with the help of a Community Foundation grant, the water feature anchors the garden and helps draw visitors in to enjoy the trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals in beds designed, planted and maintained by Society volunteers."

You can find the garden in Legacy Park in Lethbridge.

Since 2018, the Community Foundation has awarded $2,406,451 to projects in Lethbridge.

In the fall of 2022, the Walk on the Wild Side Society received a Community Priorities grant to help enhance the lakeside trail with the purchase of two new viewing scopes.

What will the scopes help you see? We asked John Kolk from the Walk on the Wild Side Society.

"Thanks for the support! The viewing scopes are up just in time to watch some nesting activity on the Ospreys nest!"

You can find the viewing scopes along the lakeside trail in Picture Butte.

Since 1966, the Community Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants to projects across Southwestern Alberta. For the summer of 2023, we’re highlighting 23 of them! Play 23 in ‘23 for your chance to win one of three $500 gift cards for groceries and gasoline.

RULES

1 - Visit any of our 23 in ’23  locations across Southwestern Alberta and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with a selfie from your visit.

2 - Visit as many locations as you can all summer long. Every selfie posted from a different one of the 23 locations will get you an entry into the grand prize draw.

3 - Contest runs July 1, 2023 through September 4, 2023.

4 - Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Since 1966, the Community Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants to projects across Southwestern Alberta. For the summer of 2023, we’re highlighting 23 of them! Play 23 in ‘23 for your chance to win one of three $500 gift cards for groceries and gasoline.

RULES

1 - Visit any of our 23 in ’23  locations across Southwestern Alberta and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with a selfie from your visit.

2 - Visit as many locations as you can all summer long. Every selfie posted from a different one of the 23 locations will get you an entry into the grand prize draw.

3 - Contest runs July 1, 2023 through September 4, 2023.

4 - Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Since 1966, the Community Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants to projects across Southwestern Alberta. For the summer of 2023, we’re highlighting 23 of them! Play 23 in ‘23 for your chance to win one of three $500 gift cards for groceries and gasoline.

RULES

1 - Visit any of our 23 in ’23  locations across Southwestern Alberta and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with a selfie from your visit.

2 - Visit as many locations as you can all summer long. Every selfie posted from a different one of the 23 locations will get you an entry into the grand prize draw.

3 - Contest runs July 1, 2023 through September 4, 2023.

4 - Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Since 1966, the Community Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants to projects across Southwestern Alberta. For the summer of 2023, we’re highlighting 23 of them! Play 23 in ‘23 for your chance to win one of three $500 gift cards for groceries and gasoline.

RULES

1 - Visit any of our 23 in ’23  locations across Southwestern Alberta and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with a selfie from your visit.

2 - Visit as many locations as you can all summer long. Every selfie posted from a different one of the 23 locations will get you an entry into the grand prize draw.

3 - Contest runs July 1, 2023 through September 4, 2023.

4 - Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023