The Community Foundation offers two open calls for funding annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. Follow the links below for details.
Community Priorities Fund
About this program
Awarding over $500,000 annually, the Community Priorities Fund sustains our biggest granting program. Support for this program comes from over fifty years of donations, beginning with the first gifts the Community Foundation received in 1966. Donors choose this fund as a way to allocate their gifts to support the needs of the day, as represented by applications for funding. This program supports a wide range of projects from communities throughout our region. Grant applications to this fund are accepted twice yearly.
What you need to know to apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through our Grant Application Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
Support this granting program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Community Priorities Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the twice-yearly grants issued by this program. You can also make a donation online.
Next grant deadline
October 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Previous Grant Recipients
Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life
About this program
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life was established by local rancher William “Bill” Long and named in memory of his uncle, Henry Stewart Varley. The Varley family ranched southeast of Pincher Creek in the community of Fishburn for a century. The purpose of this fund is to provide support for a high quality of life throughout rural Southwestern Alberta, through organizations, projects, and initiatives that enhance rural communities. Grant applications to this fund are accepted twice yearly.
What you need to know to apply
This fund will grant to projects in the following areas: Innovation, Community Collaboration, Education and Training, and Information and Research Initiatives.
Before you begin your application, we encourage you to read through the Grant Application Guidelines to ensure your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
Supporting this granting program
The Varley Fund for Rural Life is a Field of Interest Endowment Fund. Investment income generated by the endowment supports the twice-yearly grants issued by this program. You can also make a donation online.
Next grant deadline
October 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Previous Grant Recipients
Youth in Action Grants Program
About this program
The Youth in Action Granting Program aims to empower young leaders by supporting youth-led initiatives that will benefit the community. Projects funded through Youth in Action grants must be initiated, led, and organized by residents of Southwestern Alberta up to 25 years of age, in collaboration with a charitable partner.
What you need to know to apply
This granting program accepts applications once per year. Applicants can request a grant of up to $2,000 for their project.
Before you begin your application, we encourage you to read through the Grant Application Guidelines to ensure your project is eligible for funding. Applicants must apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
Next grant deadline
October 15, 2026
Previous Grant Recipients
Diamond Anniversary Grants Program
About this granting program
The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is celebrating 60 years of growing community. To help mark this milestone, we are inviting the community of Southwestern Alberta to join the festivities! We are offering ten one time $6,000 “Diamond Anniversary Grants for community celebrations across the region.
The Diamond Anniversary Grants aim to build and strengthen communities by providing free and accessible events that encourage community members to come together in celebration.
What You Need to know to Apply
Applicants must be a Canada Revenue Agency qualified donee or apply in partnership with one. All applications must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Examples of eligible events include, but are not limited to, expanding the scope of an existing annual community event, parade, or festival. One-time community events, such as a community anniversary or heritage event, are also eligible.
Before you begin your application, we encourage you to read through the Grant Application Guidelines to ensure your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
Grant Recipients
Community Foundation Media Kit
Community Foundation Media Kit
If you’re looking to use the Community Foundation logo in recognition of funding received for your project, download our logo kit. Please use whichever version best fits your design.
If you have any other questions, email office@cflsa.ca or call 403-328-5297.
“The Community Foundation supports Southwestern Alberta with grant funding to help build a vibrant community where everyone has a sense of belonging.”
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