L-R: RDDCF staff Natalie Day Lazenby, Melissa Vine, Erin Peden, Krista Nymark VandenBrink and Jael Macauley. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

strategic, sustainable community funding

Community Foundation revamps Microgrant Program, finds bigger home

Apr 16, 2024 | 4:10 PM

There’s a sense of renewal happening at the Red Deer and District Community Foundation (RDDCF), largely in part to the recently refreshed and more flexible Microgrant Program.

The RDDCF shared all about the program and other goings-on during a recent open house at their new offices, which are just a floor below where they were previously, at 4901-48 Street (fourth floor).

Executive Director Erin Peden explains additional space was needed due to staffing growth, but they also wanted a space where donors and charities can come together and discuss ideas for strategic and sustainable funding.

“We have the huge objective of ensuring that there’s enough community wealth to be able to take care of our community, so we are looking at what type of funding gaps are happening out there. Whether it’s with housing, newcomers or something else, we need to ensure there’s a sustainable amount because funding and grants fluctuate depending on who is sitting in government,” she says.

Erin Peden, executive director at the Red Deer & District Community Foundation. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

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“What we do is provide strategy and education to charities on how they can start planning for their future through endowment.”

The Microgrant Program is funded quarterly, she continues.

“The program allows organizations to apply for up to $5,000 for emerging needs,” says Peden. “It is an easy and accessible way to get capital where it’s needed to provide for quick fixes to some of the issues within our community.”

Previously, these types of grants were only awarded twice yearly.

Peden says it can be for anything from staffing a program to marketing and communications needs, or new equipment.

“I want people to know that if they have something they care about sincerely within the community, whether it is early childhood development, pets, or ensuring that there is a safe space for those who are unhoused, you can come to the community foundation and we have strategy to help you make sure that thing is taken care of well into the future,” she adds.

The RDDCF also runs a Youth in Philanthropy program which teaches students in participating schools how to be aware of the diverse social needs surrounding them, and how they can make an impact.

To learn more, visit rddcf.ca.

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