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The Community Foundation collaborates with community partners to create solutions in a variety of areas. Through these initiatives, we are laying the foundation for tomorrow.  

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Welcoming New Neighbours - Antiracism Initiative

About this Collaboration 

The Westlock Community Foundation aims to support organizations and communities within the region focusing on new immigrants and anti-racism efforts by acting as the lead project convener, we will partner with local organizations and ethnocultural communities in Westlock, Westlock County, and immediate surrounding communities to create opportunities for connection, community development, and inclusion.

Project Need: 
Despite the benefits of rural living, inadequate support for those moving to rural communities resulted in difficulties adapting, leading to isolation and exclusion. This project addresses these challenges by creating opportunities for connection, fostering community development, and promoting inclusivity to enhance the well-being of both new immigrants and existing community members.

Antiracism is fundamental for building a healthy and thriving community. It is a practice that aligns with creating an inclusive, tolerant environment. Embracing diversity contributes to social harmony, enhances productivity, and challenges stereotypes and biases. By actively working against racism, communities can ensure that everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued, fostering positive relationships and long-term sustainability.

We have $50,000 available to support organizations and groups wishing to partner on this initiative. We welcome applications from all ethnocultural groups and organizations wishing to participate in this project. If you don't identify as an ethnocultural group or organization but serve ethnocultural communities, you are also welcome to apply. 

Applications to participate are welcomed between April 15, 2024 and June 7, 2024. 

Project Dates: June 2024 - May 2026 (Note: Funding is for year one only) 

Project Goals:

  • Facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders, including local organizations and ethnocultural communities.
  • Focus on new immigrants and anti-racism efforts to address specific community needs.
  • Foster opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and engage with one another.
  • Promote social interaction and understanding among ethnocultural communities and the broader population.
  • Contribute to the overall development of the community by implementing projects that address key issues related to immigration and racism.
  • Encourage initiatives that enhance the well-being and resilience of the community.
  • Promote a culture of inclusion that embraces diversity and ensures that everyone, including new immigrants, feels welcome and valued in the community.
  • Implement activities and programs that actively work towards breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Establish meaningful partnerships with local organizations, ethnocultural communities, and other key stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with partners to maximize the impact of the project and create a united front against racism and discrimination.
  • Strive for a sustained and positive impact on the region, leaving a legacy of increased community cohesion, understanding, and acceptance.
  • Promote a sense of shared responsibility for creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone

 

How This Will Benefit Our Communities:
The tools and resources developed through this project will serve as invaluable assets for the community, fostering sustained positive change. By creating educational materials, workshops, and integration programs, we aim to equip community members with the knowledge and skills needed to build bridges across diverse backgrounds. These resources will not only facilitate smoother integration for new immigrants but also empower the entire community to actively participate in anti-racist efforts, fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, the project's initiatives, such as safe spaces and community dialogues, will provide enduring platforms for open conversations, further promoting understanding, empathy, and collaboration among residents. Ultimately, the tools and resources developed will leave a lasting legacy of unity, tolerance, and strengthened social bonds within the community.

Who This Impacts: 
Based on 2022 Census Data - there are approximately 1500 people who identify as racialized (BIBPOC) or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) living in our immediate and surrounding region. We also have a steady rotation of physicians and nurses who work in our communities who fall into these communities and may not be captured by the census, but are still a part of our community. The broader number is a wider community at large who will also benefit from the outcomes of this project.

Activities Will Include:

  • Engagement
  • Education
  • Resources
  • Support
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Community Services Recovery Fund

About this granting program 

The Westlock Community Foundation opted to participate in the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF), a one-time investment of $400 million by the Government of Canada to support the charitable sector’s pandemic recovery. The CSRF, facilitated by local Community Foundations, Canadian Red Cross, and United Way across the country, is providing Canada’s charitable sector with the tools needed to adapt, modernize, and be better equipped to improve their efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability. 

Applications for this program are closed. Watch here for updates, news, and stories about the impact of the program in the community.  

Vital Signs

Vital Signs® is an annual check-up conducted by WCF in partnership with community driven organizations. This initiative measures how our community is doing on specific topics compared to national averages. This project culminates in the release of WCF’s annual Vital Signs Report®. Watch for our first release in 2024.

COMPLETE THE VITAL SIGNS SURVEY HERE.  

Miller Giving Day

Annually on May 1, we celebrate Albert and Florence Miller whose generosity and love for the community are the genesis of the Community Foundation. This campaign encourages everyone to find ways of giving back, whether it's through philanthropy or random acts of kindness. It’s a way to celebrate how we all come together for the love of community. Follow our Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter for updates.

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Wills and Estate Planning Week

Wills and Estate Administration Week is a series of free presentations to help Westlock and area residents learn the ins and outs of effectively building a will and administering an estate. 

We partner with a dedicated team of volunteer estate lawyers to answer your questions about estate planning.  

The sessions offer information about: 

  • Building a Will;
  • Planning an estate; 
  • What an estate can and cannot do; 
  • Proper accounting procedures for an estate; and, why it is so important to plan an estate with the help and expertise of a lawyer, accountant, and financial and estate planner. 

Having a properly planned estate ensures you determine who: 

  • Gets what from your hard-earned assets; 
  • Will administer your estate; and, makes decisions in case things go awry. 

Research shows that 98% of Canadians make donations in their life. Planning for a legacy gift in your will ensures that your dreams and aspirations for the community continue beyond your lifetime. Working with WCF can help individuals and families build funds that reflect their interests. Learn how you can make a difference. 

More info coming soon!

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Community Sustainability Hub

Capacity Building Resources and Support

The Community Foundation facilitates a variety of education and training opportunities for hometown leaders and organizations. Our meetings are held in regional and local community settings, as well as virtually.

To learn more or request training contact us

ANNUAL CELEBRATION 

Held every November and open to the entire Westlock Community Foundation network. Includes peer networking, training, and an inspiring celebration of community achievements. 

LUNCH & LEARNS 

Thirty-minute, peer-led virtual learning sessions featuring cutting-edge topics and real-life success stories. Schedule Coming soon.  

PEER LEARNING SESSIONS 

Collaborate and share knowledge with like-minded people striving for similar goals. Our network is fueled by peer-to-peer interactions and these sessions serve as the network’s bedrock. 

WORKSHOPS 

Explore fundraising, governance, and not-for-profit principles and techniques for using charitable giving to improve the community. 

VIRTUAL MEETINGS 

Convene leaders, no matter where they are, to discuss best practices informed by their own experiences. 

ON-SITE TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 

We’ll meet with you one-on-one to set goals, plan, answer questions, share techniques, and provide assistance with anything you need.

LEVEL UP - CAPACITY BUILDING SERIES

Unlock your organization's potential with our Level Up, Capacity Building Series! These free workshops are designed specifically for local not-for-profit organizations. Join Catherine Keill, Chief Eternal Optimist of Keill & Co., as she leads sessions packed with invaluable insights:

  • Capital Campaigns 101: June 26, 2024
  • Writing Grant Proposals 101: August 7, 2024
  • Government Relations 101: October 9, 2024

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to enhance your skills and grow your impact. Sign up today and take your organization to the next level!

Sign up for one or more by registering here