This initiative is about planting and learning from Sweetgrass. Activities weave together knowledge systems to develop critical knowledge on how incorporating Sweetgrass into landscapes can strengthen biodiversity and relationships between people and places across southern Alberta. Building on recent findings that confirm Sweetgrass is a natural climate change solution, this project engages Piikani youth in growing and monitoring this culturally significant plant in traditional Blackfoot ways.
Wellspring’s new Outreach Program extends our DEI groundwork & will strategically deliver tailored cancer support to Calgary’s South Asian communities to improve physical & mental health outcomes. By hiring a dedicated Outreach Coordinator & Program Leaders, we will build partnerships & co-create culturally appropriate community programming that meets specific needs, ensuring a sustainable model that serves more individuals & families affected by cancer within these communities.
Wordfest is looking to hire a dedicated staff member with teaching experience to oversee an expanded youth program over a two-year period. The new position will strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to increased demand and emerging trends impacting teen literacy. The Youth Associate will also develop new activities, strengthen education sector partnerships, evaluate impact, and build long-term strategies and resources to encourage teen literacy in Grades 7-12.
The new urban program will create a bridge from traditional rural to new innovative programming in urban communities, a transformational project. It will reach youth from all socio-demographic walks of life. By bringing together urban and rural communities, this initiative facilitates networking opportunities, resource sharing, skill development, and a supportive environment where participants can make meaningful connections, enhance their sense of belonging, and cultivate lifelong friendships.
Alberta Ballet seeks to expand its dance program at the Centre for Newcomers (CFN). These on-site outreach classes, designed alongside CFN to be accessible/welcoming for newcomer youth, have been offered in intermittent 6-week intakes. This initiative will expand the program, creating continuous engagement, strengthening physical health and confidence, and increasing a sense of belonging for newcomer youth. Grant support will go to the costs of dance teachers, musicians and studio equipment.
AAFS has always had families from our rural communities (Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and surrounding communities) participating in activities/programs in the City. As time has passed, the need to have designated activities/programs in their communities has grown. Travelling from outside the City has its own set of issues in the winter, or, during rush hour. Through this expansion, we can offer programs & activities in their communities providing AAFS’ years of experience where they live.
“SHADES – Amplify her Voice” is a film series and platform for community and support which centres, celebrates and nurtures the identities, lived experiences, perspectives and passions of women-identifying people in Calgary who are Black and/or of the Global Majority (racialized), and in many cases 2SLGBTQAI+. We highlight emerging creatives and creative changemakers. The grant will pay a percentage of full-time staff salaries and some contractor costs.
The Calgary Dream Centre gratefully receives hundreds of donations every single year which are then distributed amongst our 49 properties, social enterprise or to other non-profits. Many of these items arrive on pallets which can be difficult to move, often heavy, taking many hours to unload. Having access to a skid steer with loader will allow for ease of transport and relocation from drop off to storage and distribution.
The Calgary Humane Society is significantly expanding their Continued Companionship program due to high demand from their 2023 pilot in support of seniors who experience economic barriers in keeping their pets in a loving home. Our pilot produced proven results of reduced animal surrenders and decreased social isolation in seniors. The grant will support the program’s expansion to cover vet bills, behavioural support, food provisions and more for low-income clients.
YMCA Calgary will work in partnership with Silvera for Seniors to provide a high-quality arts program and safe, creative outlet to seniors in a community setting. With a focus on addressing social isolation and promoting holistic well-being, this program will foster connections among seniors and the broader community, provide opportunities for self-expression, enhance creativity and allow seniors to showcase their artistic talent.