Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta

Building a stronger community through philanthropy and strategic grant-making

About Us

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta is a philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities across the southeastern region of Alberta through endowment building, strategic grant-making, and community leadership. Established in 1991, the Foundation has grown to become a trusted partner for individuals, families, and organizations seeking to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Our mission is to connect generous donors with community needs, building endowments that will benefit southeastern Albertans today and for generations to come. We serve communities including Medicine Hat, Brooks, Cypress County, County of Forty Mile, and surrounding areas. By pooling charitable contributions from multiple donors, we create permanent funds that address local priorities and opportunities.

Our Impact

Over three decades, the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta has made significant strides in building community assets and supporting important initiatives. Through partnerships with donors, charities, and community stakeholders, we've facilitated meaningful change across multiple sectors including education, health and wellness, arts and culture, social services, and environmental conservation.

Our Programs

Youth Empowerment Grants

Our Youth Empowerment Grants program provides financial support to innovative youth-led initiatives across southeastern Alberta. This program encourages young people to identify community needs and develop creative solutions, fostering the next generation of community leaders and philanthropists. In 2022 alone, we distributed $150,000 to 45 youth-led projects ranging from mental health awareness campaigns to environmental stewardship initiatives.

Community Vitality Fund

The Community Vitality Fund represents our commitment to addressing the most pressing needs in our region. This competitive grant program supports projects that enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion, and build community capacity. Recent grants have supported community gardens, cultural festivals, mental health programs, and initiatives supporting senior citizens living independently.

How We Work

The Community Foundation operates on a simple yet powerful model: we bring together donors, resources, and community wisdom to create lasting impact. Our approach is built on four pillars:

1. Endowment Building: We help individuals, families, and organizations establish permanent endowment funds that will benefit southeastern Albertans forever. These funds are invested prudently, with a portion of the earnings used annually for community grants while the principal continues to grow.
2. Thoughtful Grant-Making: Our rigorous grant-making process ensures funds are distributed to organizations and projects that align with community priorities and demonstrate clear, measurable impact. Our grants committee includes community representatives with diverse perspectives.
3. Community Leadership: Beyond funding, we convene community conversations, conduct research on community needs, and facilitate collaboration among organizations working on similar issues. We aim to be an objective voice and resource for community development.
4. Donor Stewardship: We build meaningful relationships with our donors, providing personalized service, tax benefits, assurance that their charitable dollars are used effectively, and regular updates on the impact of their giving.

Our Team

Our dedicated team represents a diverse range of skills and experiences, united by a shared commitment to strengthening southeastern Alberta communities. Led by Sarah Mitchell as Executive Director since 2015, our staff brings expertise in philanthropy, finance, community development, and grant administration.

Governance

A volunteer Board of Directors provides governance and strategic direction for the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. Board members are community leaders who bring diverse perspectives and expertise in finance, law, business, philanthropy, and community development. Their commitment ensures the Foundation operates with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, and transparency.

The Foundation adheres to the Standards of Excellence established by Community Foundations of Canada, demonstrating our commitment to operational excellence and responsible stewardship of donor funds. Our annual report and financial statements are publicly available and audited by independent firms.

Strategic Priorities

Our current strategic plan focuses on five key priorities for 2022-2025:

1. Growing Impact: Expand our asset base to $60 million to increase our annual granting capacity and support more community initiatives.
2. Enhancing Accessibility: Develop new giving options and simplified grant application processes to make philanthropy and community funding more accessible.
3. Building Knowledge: Conduct community needs assessments and impact studies to ensure our grant-making addresses the most pressing issues facing southeastern Albertans.
4. Fostering Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with other funders, government agencies, and community organizations to leverage resources and amplify impact.
5. Developing Leadership: Support emerging community leaders and enhance volunteer engagement across our region to cultivate the next generation of philanthropic champions.

Ways to Give

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta offers diverse options for donors wishing to support their community. All donations eligible for tax receipts include:

• Cash gifts: One-time or recurring donations made by check, credit card, or electronic transfer.
• Securities: Donating publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, which provides significant tax advantages.
• Bequests: Including the Foundation in your will to create a legacy of giving.
• Life insurance: Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
• Retirement plans: Designating the Foundation as a beneficiary of RRSP, RRIF or other retirement accounts.

For Grant Seekers

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta welcomes grant applications from registered charities and qualified donees working in our region. Our grant cycles occur twice annually, with application deadlines in March and September. Grant decisions are made by volunteer committees comprised of community members with relevant expertise.

Community Engagement

Beyond grant-making, the Community Foundation actively engages southeastern Albertans through events, workshops, and initiatives designed to build philanthropic knowledge and community connections. Our annual Vitality Summit brings together community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and concerned citizens to explore emerging issues and develop collaborative solutions.