Over $580,000 awarded in support of charitable initiatives in Southwestern Alberta, including one-time Diamond Anniversary Grants
Lethbridge, AB (Tuesday, May 5, 2026) The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is pleased to announce the grant recipients of its Spring Grants programs, including a one-time Diamond Anniversary program. In total, $589,080 will be awarded to charitable organizations across the region from the Community Foundation’s Community Priorities Fund, Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and multiple Field of Interest Funds.
The Community Priorities Fund, which is made possible by multiple unrestricted donations given generously by supporters of the Community Foundation over the last 60 years, will provide $270,477 in grants to projects from 39 organizations across Southwestern Alberta.
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life will provide $95,548 to ten projects across our rural community. This fund, which supports projects aimed at helping sustain a high quality of life for residents in rural Southwestern Alberta, was established through a bequest from Pincher Creek-area rancher Bill Long and named to honour the memory of his uncle.
Additionally, various Field of Interest Funds supported 19 grants, for a total of $163,055 in funding. These Funds are the result of donors who choose to support special areas of interest, such as animal welfare and youth leadership, or specific geographical regions, such as Warner County and Claresholm and area.
The one-time Diamond Anniversary Grants program, launched as part of the Community Foundation’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, will award 11 grants at $6,000 each for events that are inclusive, free, and accessible to the community. This program is designed to build and strengthen community through celebration. Although this program originally planned to award 10 grants, an additional grant was made possible by a Field of Interest Fund, bringing the total dollar amount to $66,000.
“We’re especially excited for this years Spring Grants Celebration,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Charleen Davidson. “In part, because we were able to fund the bulk of the applications that we received but also because we’re supporting our community with our Diamond Anniversary Grants for events that will celebrate community and the work we have done and will continue to do across the region.”
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.
A list of recipients from the Diamond Anniversary Grants Program can be found here.
