County invests over $1.1 million to support local social-sector non-profits

To support non-profit organizations in meeting social service needs in Strathcona County, Council has approved 16 grant applications through the 2024 Social Framework Community Grant program.  

“The Social Framework Community Grants provide important opportunities and support for our community members, especially those facing complex challenges,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “We appreciate the proposals and the Community Grants Advisory Committee volunteers for their commitment to our community and extend our heartfelt thanks to the recipients whose hard work makes our community safe, supported and connected.” 

The Social Framework Grants support collaboration, learning, creativity and innovation of non-profits in Strathcona County to deliver essential services, enhance residents’ well-being and address emerging social opportunities and challenges. 

The Community Grants Advisory committee is made up of Strathcona County residents who review the Social Framework Grant applications, listen to presentations from grant applicants and make informed funding recommendations to council. The committee evaluates grant applications and makes recommendations to Strathcona County Council based on alignment with the grant policy, social framework and guidelines to ensure the application best serves community needs and priorities.  

Successful grant recipients sign grant agreements with Strathcona County, outlining the key deliverables and activities they will complete using the grant funds, including financial reporting. Strathcona County works closely with Social Framework Grant recipients throughout the year to monitor the progress of each initiative and provide support. 

Allocated through an annual process, this grant program offers two funding streams:  

1. Core Funding (over 1-3 years) toward prevention and early intervention support for social needs. 

2. Collaboration Funding (over 1-3 years) for cross-sector partnerships to address community-wide social issues. 
    

Core funding granted for 2024 

• bgc Strathcona County - $85,000 to support positive youth development through innovative programs. 
   
• Boys & Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area - $85,000 to increase access and reach of mentoring supports to youth. 
   
• BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre - $20,000 to support an expansion of their grief support programs and reduce the waitlist. 
   
• Drive Happiness Seniors Association - $18,309 to manage the growth of operations, with a focus on volunteer recruitment, training, and administration.
   
• Hope in Strathcona: A Post Recovery Home Association - $55,000 to fund Peer Support workers who will provide support to individuals in the program.
   
• Linking Generations Society of Alberta - $91,200 to cover ongoing operating costs for intergenerational programs that match junior and senior high school students with seniors in lodges and care centres. 
   
• Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Society - $58,000 to support the Family Recovery program for families dealing with or concerned about substance abuse and addictions.  
   
• Saffron Centre - $145,000 to fund public education and counselling staff who specialize in sexual trauma. 
   
• Sherwood Care - $15,000 to support the hot meals on wheels program, helping residents continue to live independently in their home. 
   
• Strathcona Food Bank - $38,500 to enhance both the nutrition level and accessibility of snack kits provided to children and teens through schools.  
   
• Strathcona Shelter Society (A Safe Place) - $68,970 to further develop and expand the use of volunteers within the organization. 
   
• Strathcona Youth Justice Committee - $5,000 to support the continued growth and development of the restorative justice program. 
   
• Volunteer Strathcona Centre - $317,125 to foster a strong volunteer and not-for-profit sector in Strathcona County. 

Collaboration funding granted for 2024 

• bgc Strathcona County in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area and altView Foundation for Gender Variant and Sexual Minorities – $80,000 to support a dedicated multi-purpose youth hub including employment services, a community kitchen, confidential meeting spaces, academic support and more. 
   
• Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area in partnership with Heartland Alliance Church and bgc Strathcona County – $15,670 to support a young adult to act as a connector in the community and further the actions of Strathcona County’s Next Gen strategy.
   
• Linking Generations Society of Alberta in partnership with Volunteer Strathcona – $14,000 to support the Volunteer Grandparent program, which brings volunteer seniors into elementary school classrooms for social interactions. 

For more information about the Social Framework Community Grants program, visit strathcona.ca/fcsGrants or call 780-464-4044. 
 

Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595