COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO SUPPORT COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY
Granting programs shifting to respond to urgent community needs arising from the pandemic
Lethbridge, AB (March 30, 2020) – Today, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is announcing $375,000 in grant funding to support the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to address the urgent needs arising throughout our region, the Community Foundation is shifting the Community Priorities, Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life, and Youth in Action granting programs for spring 2020. This shift will enable the Community Foundation to provide $375,000 for frontline charitable organizations dealing with those most affected by the pandemic in four priority areas: food, shelter, health care, and families with children. It will also facilitate support for recovery efforts in the months ahead. The Community Foundation will work with community leaders and charities throughout Southwestern Alberta to ensure a coordinated and responsible approach to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on our community.
The Community Foundation is accepting applications through its online platform (cflsa.fluidreview.com) until Friday, April 17, 2020, at 4:30 pm. “We are very fortunate in that we have a large, unrestricted fund, which has always allowed us to respond to the most pressing needs of the day,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Charleen Davidson. “At this time of crisis, we acknowledge that the support of the dedicated charitable organizations dealing with those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is our most pressing need.”
Anyone can contribute to the community’s response to the pandemic through the Community Foundation. All donations received by the Community Foundation for COVID-19 response and recovery will go right back out to support the community. They will not be added to any permanently endowed funds. If you are interested in supporting the COVID-19 grants program, please contact Executive Director Charleen Davidson at cdavidson@cflsa.ca or 403-328-5297. You can also donate online through the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta’s listing on CanadaHelps.org—choose “COVID-19 Response and Recovery” from the funds listed. Gifts are eligible for a tax-deductible donation receipt.
Donors with a Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation can support response and recovery efforts by requesting to make a contribution from their fund, and are asked to contact Charleen to discuss arrangements.
The Community Foundation’s first priority is, and has always been, the community’s well-being. Addressing the effects of the pandemic through the Response and Recovery Grants Program will help to ensure the continued health and well-being of Southwestern Alberta.
