IF YOU CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS, DO SMALL THINGS IN A GREAT WAY. LEADING CHANGE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR REGION

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 8 territory, traditional lands of the First Nations and Metis people. We are grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8.

Together with our Board of Directors and Staff Team, we are honoured to share the highlights and accomplishments of our Foundation for 2022. We remain encouraged by the strength of our region and appreciated many opportunities to reconnect and reimagine community together!

The Foundation Board was pleased to join together in person once again. Our Board set strategies and oversaw the immense progress through our committee work. Specifically, the Board redeployed our efforts to engage a Granting Committee, tasked with deliberating on granting decisions, analyzing granting needs in our community along with the effectiveness of our response to those needs. Our Financial Stewardship Committee watched closely as we endured a difficult year of performance within our portfolio, helping to navigate a global scenario with local impact. The Governance Committee was tasked with identifying updates to our existing policies and developing new policies to remain current with our changing world. Altogether, the Board was diligent in thinking outside the box, finding new ways to solve problems and create impact for our region.

We continued to hold meaningful interactions with our fund holders and community agencies. New relationships were forged with rural community groups, and our reach was broadened across Northwestern Alberta.

NOTABLE TRENDS FOR 2022 INCLUDED:

● Substantial increase in scholarships distributed to post-secondary students!

● More interest from donors in developing funds that can create immediate impact, such as our Capital Fund option, which spends down funds over time.

● An increase in requests for information, our Foundation was called into action as a source for support, funding, and organizational development.

● New interest from corporations for us to help support their community investment strategies.

With many social needs still challenging our communities, nation, and globe, we remain intentional about conducting our work through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although we are still living in a time of great uncertainty, we have seen a heightened sense of collaboration, and an incredible capacity for adaptability, ingenuity, and empathy.

2022’s GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS

● Asset base of $11,175,225

● Invested $914,924 into charitable organizations and post-secondary students

● Over 30 fund advisor meetings held

● Over 125 connections with agencies

● 7 new funds established. (Anchored in Community Fund, Pirates Fastball Girls Legacy Fund, Stand with Ukraine Fund, Mighty Peace Youth Fund, Schollaardt Family Legacy Fund, Mason Lockrem Creative Writing & Reading Fund, Chandra Oliver Student Award Fund)

● Invested $7,573,742 into regional projects and programs since 1996

● Invested in 417 post-secondary students since 2005

● Disbursed $970,000 in partnership with Wood Buffalo Community Foundation for the Canada’s Healthy Community Initiative

Throughout 2022, we have been able to provide incredible support to our entire region, on behalf of our 183 fund advisors, government support, and other generous donors. We are proud of the impact, but most importantly recognize the significance of the work that is being done by community service organizations. Big and small, urban and rural, all areas of our charitable sector are strengthening our social fabric and improving lives. We feel accomplished yet inspired to create and develop more ways to reimagine community together!

Warmest wishes,