$75,000 in grant money has been shared amongst 10 non-profit service groups in High River.
They received applications from 17 organizations, asking for a record total of $229,844. However, with a budget of $75,000, the FCSS Community Grant Task Force had to make some tough decisions.
Shelly Koot from High River's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) presented to the Town Council on Monday, February 24.
"The recommendation before you today allows us to play a small role in supporting the lives of children and youth, in supporting families - including dads, in increasing awareness of healthy and safe relationships, we are helping to reduce isolation, we're connecting people to each other and to the community, we're investing in and supporting volunteerism, and we are helping the folks during some of their most challenging times."
Koot explained what criteria helped them make their decisions.
"It is more than just simply approving allocations of funds; it's helping to improve the lives of people who live in High River and call High River home. We're invested in local autonomy, which means local programs for local residents which is really important, especially in a rural community. And our partnerships are making a difference."
Here are local groups receiving funds from FCSS this year.
- $ 10,000 to the BGC Foothills Club
- $ 5,000 to the Family School Liaison Program of Christ the Redeemer School Division
- $ 1,650 to Foothills Community Immigrant Services
- $ 8,850 to Foothills Country Hospice
- $ 5,000 to the Family School Liaison Program of Foothills School Division
- $ 10,000 to Inclusion Foothills
- $ 6,000 to the Prevention Education Program of Rowan House Emergency Shelter
- $ 2,000 to the Solace Grief Support Society
- $ 3,000 to Wellspring
- $ 23,500 to Wild Rose Community Connections ($15,000 to the Dad Connexx program and $8,500 to the Volunteer program).