The Airdrie and District Community Foundation (ADCF) recently announced it has contributed more than $12,000 in grant funding to local charities.
“Money is always short with charitable organizations,” said ADCF Chair Dale Rathgeber. “It is particularly short this year because they have been unable to do much fundraising. This is very gratifying, [which] is why we do it.”
Every year, the ADCF releases a list of local organizations that receive grants through the foundation. This year, Airdrie District Victim’s Assistance Society (ADVAS) received $4,082 for volunteer training, while Peer Meditation and Skills Training (PMAST) received $3,350 for a program in conjunction with Thumbs Up Foundation for families struggling with conflict.
Additionally, Bethany Seniors Society received $3,500 for a music therapy program and the Airdrie Public Library received $1,225 from the John and Peggy Graham Fund for Early Literacy.
Karen Kuntz, executive director with ADVAS, said the grant funding will help cover additional anticipated expenses as the society adapts to the increased needs of the community.
"It is so greatly appreciated," she said. "This program is critical to our goals and is directly linked to our mandate and mission."
Kuntz added the volunteer program assists people who are victims of crime and tragedy by providing support, information and referrals.
"Our victim advocates respond to the urgent needs of people who are experiencing victimization," she said. "We also provide ongoing support and assistance, including court coordination and court support, which helps people to understand and remain connected to actions related to their case."
According to Rathgeber, the ADCF’s focus is to create a permanent financial legacy for the community’s future and the charities that serve Airdrie and area. The ADCF accepts tax deductible donations and holds the principal part of those donations forever in investments, while donating the interest and fund earnings every year to worthy local charities through an application process.
Rathgeber said since 2016, the ADCF’s assets have grown from $10,000 to $350,000 thanks to community support. The principal allows the foundation to provide the $12,000 in grants annually.
While providing the grant funding is important, Rathgeber said the number of applications outweighs the amount of grant money the foundation can provide, meaning whichever organizations receive the funds are based on worthiness and need.
“I am told that without the help of ADCF, some of these charities would not be able to achieve what they do,” he said. “This is also just a great way to give back.”
A small sub-committee built up of five directors – who are all volunteers – screens the applications to find the best fit for the funding.
“Just based on what we can see is the most compelling, that is what we choose,” Rathgeber said, adding the foundation typically receives requests for about three times the number of grants they can give.
This year's announcement comes after the ADCF allocated $136,000 in federal funding in 2020 through the Emergency Community Support Fund, which aims to help charitable groups adapt and increase frontline services for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
The foundation is always accepting donations that help an initiative like this continue. Additionally, a form can be downloaded on its website for those interested in applying for grants.
For more information, visit airdriefoundation.ca.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
