Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta

Written by production

Thursday, 28 January 2010 17:28

Non-profit organizations and groups have until March 15 to apply for a grant from the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta. The Community Foundation awards grants for charitable activities in the arts, education, social services, the environment, health, culture, and recreation, or any project that will maintain or improve the quality of life in southeast Alberta. In order to qualify, donees or organizations must hold a charitable registration number from the Canada Revenue Agency. "We are thrilled to once again give grants to worthy organizations in southeastern Alberta," said executive director, Mike Christie. "While we have several priorities at the Community Foundation, giving grants to kick-start community projects is one of the most rewarding," he added. In December, more than $36,000 in community grants was unveiled. Donations to the community foundation are held in perpetuity, with the principal never being spent. The interest earned is used to provide grant funding for non-profit groups. The economic down-spiral also had an effect on the foundation's investment portfolio and as a result, the community grants will be smaller than in previous cycles. "Our portfolio is recovering slowly, but surely. While it is upsetting that we do not have the funds that we had in years' past, we still feel that we can make a big impact in the community with what we have," said Christie. After the applications are received, the grants committee will review the applications and will notify the recipients in May. The grants will then be distributed at the annual Founder's Day Picnic on June 17. Applications will be accepted until the close of business on March 15, 2010. For further information on eligibility or to receive an application, visit the foundation's website at www.mhcf.ca or phone their office at 403-527-9038.