The Altona Community Foundation (ACF) was able to dole out more funds than usual during its recent 2025 spring granting period.
In total, ACF reinvested just over $70,000 to 11 area organizations and projects.
Vic Loewen sits on the granting committee and explains why there was more money this time around.
"We've been given a special amount, which is coming from the Thomas Sill Foundation Manitoba grant, almost twenty-three thousand dollars. So, our normal giving this year would (have) been just under fifty thousand but with the Thomas Sill money, it brings it up to seventy thousand."
This granting period also reflected, for the first time, the $750,000 capital fund contribution made by the Thomas Sill Foundation at the end of 2023.
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As a result, ACF was not only able to hand out more money during the 2025 spring granting period, but also larger grants going as high as $17,000.
Altona and Area Family Resource Centre - $2,660 for a printer
Altona Minor Baseball - $2,750
Blue Sky Opportunities - $17,250 for AEDs
Kiddie Sunshine Centre - $2,950 for storage shelving
Kiddie Sunshine Centre - $13,000 for playground upgrades at the Centre Ave. location
Kiddie Sunshine Centre - $5,000
Oakview Golf and Country Club - $5,000 for clubhouse renovations
Rosenfeld rink - $3,000 to add more summer sport options to the facility
Rosenfeld Good Neighbour Centre - $10,000 for upgrades and improvements
The Community Exchange - $2,000 for improved lighting
Gardens on Tenth - $6,702 for flooring
The granting committee was also encouraged by applications from the Rosenfeld area, which the Foundation says had not applied recently. It served as a reminder that ACF provides financial support for the communities of Rosenfeld and Gretna, along with Altona.
"We're always looking for more dollars and we have given to areas outside of Altona (and) we certainly welcome donations from that area as well," noted Loewen.
The Altona Community Foundation grants twice a year with the next round set for October. Loewen says organizations with capital projects on-the-go, now is a good time to start thinking about submitting an application. More information can be found here.