Over $500,000 awarded in support of charitable initiatives in Southwestern Alberta
Lethbridge, AB (Wednesday, May 7, 2025) — Today, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is pleased to announce the recipients of grants awarded as the result of the spring call for applications to the Community Priorities Fund, the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and multiple Field of Interest Funds. The Community Foundation will support 49 projects and initiatives with grants totaling $509,135 through its spring application cycle.
The Community Priorities Fund will provide $299,571 in grants to projects from 41 organizations across Southwestern Alberta. This funding is made possible by private, unrestricted donations given generously by supporters of the Community Foundation.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life will provide $111,874 to eight projects. This fund, which supports projects aimed at helping sustain a high quality of life for residents in Southwestern Alberta, was established from a bequest by Pincher Creek-area rancher Bill Long and named to honour the memory of his uncle.
Additionally, 15 of the 49 grants received a total of $97,690 from various Field of Interest (FOI) Funds. These FOI funds are the result of donors who have chosen to support organizations working with a specific age group, in a certain geographical location, or projects dealing with a cause that is important to them. This is the largest amount of FOI money ever granted in a single grant cycle through the Community Foundation.
“It’s always a magical day when we award our grants,” said Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “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.”
A list of recipients from the Community Priorities Fund can be found here.
A list of recipients from the Henry S. Varley Fund can be found here.
