Everything from environmental and social initiatives to cultural and community events were supported by the annual community grants provided by the Town of Cochrane.

Cochrane town council came in $77 over its $45,000 budget for the contributions by reducing all those requesting the maximum amount of $2,500 to $2,400.

While there were some one-time requests fulfilled and new causes among the 21 recipients, there remains many repeat applicants.

Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES) received a total of $6,565 for its events: Canada Day 150, $2,400; Stuff-a-Bus, $765; Taste of Cochrane, $1,000; and Winterfest, $2,400.

Other repeat recipients receiving $2,400 each were Bow Valley Habitant Development for an ongoing Bighill Creek riparian recovery and enhancement program, the Cochrane Outhouse Races, Cochrane Santa Claus Committee, Footstock, Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area, Cochrane Public Library for its 2nd annual Medieval Day, RancheView School Fundraising Society towards the development of a playground, and Sports4Life for its annual sport volunteer awards.

The Nakoda Cochrane Pickin' Party Music Jam Society continued to receive $600 for its annual music jam.

New recipients include the Cochrane Women's Emergency Shelter to help fund a needs assessment, Cochrane Search and Rescue for a mobile command post wheel replacement, Cochrane & Area Humane Society for a volunteer appreciation tea, Cochrane Ringette Association for a teen mentoring program, Cochrane and District Agricultural Society for its Cochrane Fair, Cochrane Skating Club for their 2017 ice show, Cochrane Classic Car Club for its 6th annual show and shine, and Teatro Dell'Eco for their 2017-18 theatre season. All received $2,400, except search and rescue, which requested, and received, $1,912.

Council was originally presented a list of requests by qualifying applicants totalling $47,512.

The town has increased its allotment for community grants in recent years. In 2015 they dished out $27,097.50 before increasing the fund by about 80 per cent in 2016 to award $48,605.50.

Cochrane Light Up Commitee and the Labour Day Parade Commitee (CAES) will each receive a $10,000 grant to help host their respective event. The Town of Cochrane has set special parametres around events which qualify for the $10,000 grant including economic impact, time hosting, and value they bring to the town.