Ten community organizations have been awarded a total of $113,500 in United Way/FCSS grants.

The grants are a combination of $70,000 from the United Way and $43,500 from FCSS and were awarded to organizations that provide initiatives and programs that address the social well-being of individuals and families. 

"Every year we receive a high number of grant applications, and this year was no different, leaving the board with difficult decisions to make," FCSS manager Kim Krawec told Cochrane town council last night.

"Over the last two years, our board has been incredibly supportive and flexible to ensure community groups have the support they require to meet the extraordinary needs of the community during the pandemic."

She saluted the ingenuity of local organizations in challenging times.

"The strength, resiliency, and innovations that these groups have shown provided critical support and resources for our community."

FCSS Advisory Board chair Valerie Borsos says the board was once again impressed with the applications submitted.

"It's always exciting to see the variety of applications that we see coming through every year. Programs represent diverse groups that are working hard in our community to meet ever-changing social needs."

This year, there were separate funding categories of under $3,000 and over $3,000. 

The Under $3,000 category was designed to support one-time, short-term, or pilot projects to assist local organizations to host special events or programs which promote the social well-being of the community. Three of the 13 applications were received for this grant.

The Over $3,000 category is intended to assist established programs with proven outcomes in offering programs and services that address local social needs.

The FCSS Advisory Board reviewed 13 applications requesting a total of $148,138 in funding. Three did not meet the funding criteria, and some of the applicants were awarded less than they had requested. Of the ones that didn't qualify, other opportunities were presented.

Cochrane town council gave its blessings to the recommendations of the Cochrane Family and Community Services (FCSS) advisory board at the Feb. 28 town council meeting.

FCSS and United Way of Calgary and Area have a long-term partnership in providing the funding annually.

The following funding amounts were approved. 

  • Cochrane Alliance Church: Right Hand Support Program - $4,000
  • Cochrane & Area Victim Services - $9,500
  • Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee: Immigrant Resources & Support - $9,500
  • Cochrane Society for Housing Options: Housing Resource Worker - $7,500
  • Cochrane Women's Emergency Shelter Society: Outreach Aftercare Program - $17,500
  • Helping Hands Society of Cochrane & Area: Helping Hands Food Security Programs - $20,000
  • BGC Cochrane and Area: After School Programs for Youth - $16,500
  • Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta: Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, and Entrepreneurship programming for Cochrane & Area Children and Youth - $5,500
  • Seniors for Kids Society: Senior Mentoring Project - $10,500
  • Seniors on the Bow: Program Coordinator Position - $13,000