Rural Funds - Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta

Rural Community Endowment Funds

What is a Community Fund?

In 2018, the Community Foundation received a grant from an anonymous donor to establish three rural community funds. These funds would serve the charitable needs of specific geographical regions within Southeastern Alberta. By 2021, the impact these funds had on their regions inspired the creation of the fourth community fund to serve Cypress County. These permanent endowment funds allow local residents to ‘give where you live’. As part of the Community Foundation, rural funds receive staff, administrative, and financial support. Community Funds support local charitable needs.

How Does it Work?

Community members donate to the Community Fund in their region to create and grow a permanent endowment.
This pool of donations is invested with a professional advisor.
Every year, in perpetuity, earnings from the investments are used to help support projects and programs within the specific community.
Local charities apply to the Community Foundation to receive funding through the online grant portal.
Qualified donees are eligible for direct granting dollars.
Not-for-profit societies can partner with a qualified donee to apply for grants through an afflation process (see Community Grants for more information).
A local Advisory Committee in each area leads the direction of the fund and makes recommendations for grant allocations.
Funds are granted to local charities so they can help support a vibrant, healthy, and caring community – forever!