Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!
Adapting To The Pandemic

CHCI grants benefit local organizations

Jun 4, 2021 | 3:06 PM

The Red Deer & District Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta have announced $506,928 in funding to support 14 projects across Southern Alberta as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.

As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across ­the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities.

Through the $31-million Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The following central Alberta projects were awarded funding as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:

  • $7,300 was invested to fund the Village of Donalda to support a Community Garden.
  • $9,330 was invested to fund the Red Deer Public Library, Dawe Branch to support Books in the Park: Pop-Up Mobile Library.

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was created to help communities adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors. The Initiative is designed to fund eligible projects between $5,000 and $250,000 that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions.

Meantime, Community Foundations of Canada, together with its partners, including the Canadian Urban Institute, is working with community foundations across the country to manage the funding process and serve the distinct needs of communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups, interested in applying.

A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.

The first intake for projects was launched on Feb. 9, and closed on Mar. 9. Successful projects from the first intake have been and will continue to be announced in the coming weeks. The second intake will open on May 14, and close on June 25.

Applicants wishing to apply for the second round can access further details on the Community Foundations of Canada website.

“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion,” says Erin Peden, Red Deer & District Community Foundation, in a press release. “They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As Southern Alberta faces increased isolation due to COVID-19, these projects from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”