Growing in a better direction

Over the past few decades the generosity of Calgarians has been great and the Foundation’s endowment has grown substantially.With growth comes a responsibility to lead change. We’re evolving into an entity that can take on some key issues in our community and rally resources around them. We call them our Vital Priorities.

Though we have identified areas that require greater leadership, the work we support is never siloed. It would be impossible to focus on one single priority because there are connections and crossovers among all the issues we face as a community. Priorities help focus some of our work, but one thing remains clear: we will continue with our robust 360º grantmaking process to touch every corner of our community. Through multi-staged consultations and extensive analysis of research, five vital priorities were identified.

Vital Priorities

Poverty reduction

Calgary Foundation will increase awareness and support endeavours that align with the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative’s Enough for All poverty reduction strategy in order to:

  • Build inclusive communities
  • Create opportunities to secure income and assets needed to thrive
  • Provide accessible supports, services and resources
  • Ensure equal participation for Indigenous people

Living Standards: Poverty Reduction is the first brief in a series intended to provide background and context for the policy landscape relative to Calgary Foundation’s Vital Priorities. As social policy goes, poverty is very complex because it lacks a clear definition and measurement; there are significantly conflicting perspectives on how best to reduce poverty; and there is a broad range of areas related to poverty policy development.

Download the Living Standards Poverty Reduction Report
Strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities 

Support strategies that strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that are built on mutual respect and traditional knowledge.

  • Facilitate internal change process (led by Director, Indigenous Relations) for Foundation board, staff and volunteers
  •  Incorporate reconciliation into our practice both internally and into our broader community support
  • Support programs and initiatives that foster relationship building and reconciliation efforts
Download the Impact Report
Pursuing a sustainable future

Promote a sustainable future through support for initiatives that:

  • Educate and encourage individuals and groups to take action
  • Strengthen the capacity of environmental groups to collaborate and develop community strategies
Download the Impact Report
Living a creative life

Promote a diverse arts sector that supports initiatives that align with Calgary Arts Development’s Living a Creative Life strategy in order to:

  • Build community and engage citizens through arts participation
  • Raise awareness of the arts as an essential part of creating a vibrant community
Encouraging mental health

Map and support mental health initiatives that:

  • Ensure a coordinated community-based continuum of mental healthcare is available for children, youth and families
  • Connect seniors to reduce social isolation
Download the Impact Report

Read more about our vital journey