Provincial program doles out funding to local non-profits

Seven Jasper organizations have been allotted funding from the Community Spirit Program, a $100-million provincial grant initiative. 

The program was created to help increase donations to Alberta’s non-profit and charitable organizations by matching those amounts. Funding for Alberta’s Community Spirit Program, which equals about $100 million, comes partly from the enhanced charitable tax credit ($80 million) and partly from the Donation Grant Program ($20 million).

Nadia Wassef, head coach of the Jasper Gymnastics Club, which will receive about $1,300 from the program, said the money will be spent on expanding the equipment used by the club. Wassef has had her eye on a high bar for the gym, which the funding will likely go toward.

Sue Cesco, general manager of Friends of Jasper National Park, which was allotted more than $19,000, said this is one of the grants which will fund some operational expenses.

“It’s based on donations different charities receive, they’ll match donations that people make to a charity,” Cesco said. “So because we’re very well-supported by our community through things like the Discovery Trail, people can make a donation and put their name on the sign, we can get those donations matched.”

Cesco said Friends of Jasper National Park plans to put the funding towards communications. “We’re working on building relationships between our 

members so a lot of that is through our website, which we’re going to re-do, and through our newsletter,” she said.

All eligible organizations should apply to the Community Spirit Program, said Cesco. “I have to say, that was actually one of the easiest grant applications I’ve ever completed,” she said. “Other groups should make sure that if they receive more than $1,000 in donations that they’re putting a grant forward next year.”

Organizations benefitting from the Community Spirit Program

In JASPER

Friends of Jasper National Park Association $19,143.20 

Gymnastics Club of Jasper $1,373.57 

HIV West Yellowhead Society $6,077.00 

Jasper Community Team Society $7,961.10 

Jasper Food Bank Society $5,532.83 

Jasper Yellowhead Historical Society $11,536.44 

St. Mary and St. George Anglican Church $3,836.50 

In HINTON           

BRIDGES, Hinton Housing and Employment Society $3,251.00 

Children’s Indoor Playground Society - Hinton $1,139.00 

Hinton & District Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals $25,000.00 

Hinton Food Bank Association $7,600.44 

Hinton Health Care Foundation $17,248.40 

Hinton United Way Society $14,110.20 

Yellowhead Emergency Shelter for Women Society $3,549.76