Local groups receive more than $30,000 in foundation grants

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer

Christmas came early for five local community organization who received a total of more than $30,000 in grants from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta.

On Dec. 7, a total of $227,800 was presented for 30 projects through the foundation’s Community Priorities Grants program, including:

• $5,800 to the Claresholm Arts Society, for installation of permanent stage lighting within the Claresholm Community Centre;
• $5,000 to the Granum Public Library, for the purchase of new computers and office software;
• $4,000 to the Granum Museum, for construction of washroom facilities for the museum;
• $3,000 to the Stavely Museum, for the renovation of the museum building that houses an antique wooden threshing machine from 1904, improving the historical context of the exhibit;
• $2,500 to the Stavely Municipal Library, for addressing accessibility concerns of library users with poor eyesight, the library will purchase a new laptop and large secondary monitor.

Grants for these projects are provided through the Community Priorities Fund, which exists as the result of private donations received from individuals since 1966.

Gifts to the Community Priorities Fund are unrestricted, and serve the most pressing needs of the community.

Twice a year, the Community Foundation accepts proposals for grants from the Community Priorities Fund, supporting the work of many worthy charitable causes throughout Southwestern Alberta.