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By rdnewsNOW Staff

$66 MILLION

Alberta government invests in non-profits and community vitalization

May 30, 2024 | 2:43 PM

The Government of Alberta’s 2024 budget includes an investment of $66 million into the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiatives Program (CIP) in an effort to enhance community spaces and provide opportunities for Albertans to connect.

Government officials say the CFEP supports the building of new, and enhancing of existing community spaces like heritage locations, community halls, community theatres, and more. The most recently approved projects include 377 non-profits that received funding for their endeavours, such as the Edmonton Railway Society for rail track maintenance for their vintage streetcars.

“CFEP grants play a vital support for volunteer organizations that benefit their local communities and all Albertans,” says Chris Ashdown, president of the Edmonton Railway Society. “Without the support from CFEP grants, organizations like ours would not be able to complete such important infrastructure improvements or would have to delay such work until sufficient funds were raised, potentially jeopardizing our operations. This support enables us to continue the safe operation of our streetcars and our mission of bringing Edmonton’s streetcar history to life.”

Meantime, community programs, projects and initiatives such as music and film festivals, skill-based classes, cultural events and outreach programs are supported through the CIP grant. In the last approved round of grants, the government says 354 non-profits received funding to support their initiatives including the Cosmopolitan Music Society, which received almost $35,000 to host their 60th anniversary celebration event. The society offers musical education and performances.

“The Alberta government has continued to support the Cosmopolitan Music Society through its excellent grant programs. With the assistance of a CIP grant, our 60th anniversary season, including 19 concerts and five Canadian musical commissions, has been incredibly successful,” says Taina Lorenz, executive director of the Cosmopolitan Music Society.

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Government officials say the $66 million for CFEP and CIP grants is part of a larger investment of more than $120 million into programs and grants that support the province’s non-profit community through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.

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