County invests over $1.2 million to support local social-sector non-profits

To support non-profit organizations in meeting social service needs in Strathcona County, Council has approved 17 grant recipients of the 2025 Social Framework Community Grant program.

The Social Framework Grants foster collaboration, learning, creativity and innovation among non-profits, empowering them to address community needs effectively and drive positive change in Strathcona County.

"These grants play a crucial role in addressing the diverse and evolving needs of our community and provide essential support to our residents,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “We appreciate the volunteers on the Social Framework Community Grants Advisory Committee for their selfless efforts in reviewing applications and making funding recommendations."

The Community Grants Advisory Committee is made up of Strathcona County residents who review the Social Framework Grant applications and make informed funding recommendations to council based on set criteria and alignment with the grant policy.

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 2025:

• bgc Strathcona County - $85,000 to support positive youth development through innovative programs.

• bgc Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area - $85,000 to support children, youth and families through mentoring supports.
   
• BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre - $20,000 to support grief counselling and programs and reduce the waitlist.
   
• County Clothes-Line Foundation - $30,000 to support the Community Cares Fund, a financial subsidy program that provides one-time financial assistance to residents.

• Drive Happiness Seniors Association - $20,140 to manage the growth of operations, with a focus on volunteer recruitment, training and administration.

• Heartland Alliance Church – Encounter - $20,000 to provide practical resources, staffing, mentoring, safe spaces and community connections that will address mental health stressors in children and youth.

• Hope in Strathcona: A Post Recovery Home Association - $80,325 will be used to fund Peer Support workers as they work with individuals in the program.
   
• Linking Generations Society of Alberta - $91,200 will support intergenerational programs that provide mentored and structured visits aimed at building relationships between seniors and youth in Strathcona County.

• Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Society- $58,000 to support the Family Recovery program that helps families dealing with the effects of substance abuse in youth and adult children.
   
• Saffron Centre - $145,000 to support public education programs as well as counselling staff who specialize in sexual trauma.
   
• Sherwood Care - $15,000 to fund the hot Meals on Wheels program, helping residents to continue living independently in their homes.

• Strathcona Christmas Bureau - $15,000 will be used to support their 2025 campaign.

• Strathcona Food Bank - $91,420 will support a small core team to ensure sustainable operations while reducing the current burden on the dedicated volunteers.

• Strathcona Shelter Society (A Safe Place) - $68,970 will be used for community education and to further develop and expand volunteer use within the organization.

• Volunteer Strathcona Centre - $300,000 to continue fostering a strong volunteer and not-for-profit sector in Strathcona County.

• Winder Inclusive Communities Services - $7,500 will support inclusive community events that will enhance community engagement, foster social skills and raise public awareness.

Collaboration funding granted for 2025

• bgc Strathcona County in partnership with bgc Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area - $80,000 toward a dedicated multi-purpose space known as the CanTeen Youth Hub. Shared spaces include employment services, a community kitchen, food support to youth who are couch-surfing, safe and confidential meeting space and academic supports.

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.

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

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595