Residents lead over 130 community connection initiatives

In 2019, Strathcona County awarded a total of 133 grants to residents leading initiatives that promote a supported, safe and connected community. These grants were awarded through two streams, Community Change Grants and Community Connection Grants, and are guided by the Social Framework’s outcomes of affordability, access to programs and services, safety and connectedness and inclusion.

In its pilot year, Community Change Grants support ideas that focus on emerging opportunities within the community and inspire a diverse group of citizens to be active, involved and civically engaged. Twelve grants of up to $2,000 each were awarded. The grants are helping to fuel community-driven projects in Strathcona County such as mental health training for community youth leaders, a garden exchange box, a wall mural to revitalize a neighbourhood, land-based experiences based on local indigenous teaching practices, free little libraries, a cemetery tour, family nights, reducing stigma for boys and dance, building beds for kids and a community connection soccer group.

A second funding stream, Community Connection Grants, encourages residents to engage in local activities that promote social opportunities and community connections. This year, 121 grants under $500 were awarded to help facilitate the cost of hosting an event such as a block party, games night or community kitchen.

For more information, visit strathcona.ca/seedgrants or call 780-464-4044. Applications for the 2020 Community Seeds grants will be available next spring.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595