Community Foundation visits Pincher Creek

Community Foundation's Dennis Hatt, Birthe Perry, Joey Bosch, Dianne King and George Hall
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

How much joy would you have in your life if what you did was give money to charities that helped people and communities?  The members of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (CFLSA) do just that.  They came to Pincher Creek to hold an information sessions with interested community groups on September 12.

The CFLSA provides grants to not-for-profit groups, charities and municipalities in the southwestern area of Alberta.  During their visit they held a presentation at the Pincher Creek Rotary luncheon session and in the Municipal District Building.  The representatives also took the time to tour local facilities that they have contributed to  including the Pincher Creek Community Hall and the Pincher Creek and District Municipal Library.  "This is our chance to put faces to names," said President of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta Dianne King.


The six people who came all had different information to provide.

"We can help you promote your own ask," said King in regards to providing  mentoring before a grant to the CFLSA is submitted. She introduced the group, and talked about the area, and the impact the Foundation has in various communities.

Executive Director George Hall talked about the past of the CFLSA, how it was started, and what it does now.  He explained about a new program called VitalSigns that is going to be launched in just a few days.  "It's really organized by the Community Foundations of Canada," he said about the program.   This is an ambitious venture where 190 community foundations are attempting to help build a better educated and caring country all across Canada, at a community level.

Director Murray Pritchard explained how the CFLSA "We work to make a connection between donors, and recipients."  He told about how the funds are created and managed.

Chairman of the Grant Committee Dennis Hatt explained about the grant and selection process.  He encouraged anyone that had any questions about the CFLSA to contact the office directly.

Board Member Birthe Perry and Communications Coordinator Joey Bosch were on hand for the question period and mix and mingle that happened after the meeting.  "I love this job," said Bosch.

After the main presentation Bill Smith spoke of his personal experience with the CFLSA.  Approximately 11 years ago during the creation of the then new library in Pincher Creek, the Library Committee tried to get some of the funds they needed through the CFLSA.  Unfortunately at the time the committee did not qualify.  They did not leave Smith in a lurch though.  "The Foundation put us in touch with an anonymous donor.  We received $175,000 dollars.  That was half of what we needed.  At that point in time, I was obligated to never tell anybody where that money came from.  It was anonymous.  To this day, I never have."

The territory that the CFLSA covers runs from the U.S. border up to Nanton and from the B.C. border east to Grassy Lake.  Organizations must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, or be in association with a municipality to be considered for their selection process.

The CFLSA has two granting cycles per year, and what they take into consideration during the grant process involves three key aspects:

• Essentials for living
• Community vitality
• Healthy living

To visit the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta website, click here.

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