Grants distribution

Grant recipients, donors, friends of the Foundation, and others gathered on May 14, 2026 to celebrate the distribution of $75,000 in grants to 13 registered charities. The Airdrie & District Community Foundation Gala also honoured four new Foundation Ambassadors and three philanthropic leaders.

This year’s grant recipients were:
• Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra — $6,000 (General)
• A Heart for Children Foundation Ltd — $5,900 (Hihn Fund)
• Foothills Advocacy In Motion Society — $5,200 (Hihn Fund)
• Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Centre — $6,000 (General)
• Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta — $1,500 (General)
• Airdrie Boys and Girls Club — $5,000 (Hihn Fund)
• Project Linus Airdrie — $2,000 (General)
• Airdrie Food Bank — $15,000 (General)
• North Rocky View Community Links — $1,820 (Doel Fund), $4,100 (General) = $5,920
• Family Resilience and Stability Network — $6,000 (General)
• The Bethany Care Foundation — $8,560 (Hayes Fund), $440 (Hihn Fund) = $9,000
• Airdrie and District Hospice Society — $680 (Buchanan Fund)
• Airdrie Public Library — $6,800 (Graham Fund)

Foundation Ambassadors

New this year, four people who have made significant contributions to the organization received Foundation Ambassador awards:

• Derek LaLonde: He was a pioneer in the Airdrie & District Community Foundation. Thanks to his efforts, the “new” board got started and has gone on to surpass the million dollar milestone and make significant grants to our helping societies. He brought early energy to the board with his can-do attitude and hard work. He continues to make monthly donations and remain a model of philanthropy in Airdrie and district.

• Shelley Bitz: She has served on the Board and has been a solid supporter of the Foundation since its inception. Shelley supports the gala yearly through a monetary sponsorship by BMO. She also gives personally to the Foundation on a monthly basis and always steps up when asked to support the Foundation in whatever way possible. Shelley uses her vast community connections to consistently reach out and show new donors the power of giving to the Community Foundation.

• Brenda Lewis: She did the hard and unrelenting work of Treasurer for over 10 years. She stepped in and was so dependable and reliable for all those years. She also showed up at all Foundation events and volunteered at various trade shows whenever we needed her. Her contributions and hours given should not go unheralded.

• Milt Brandson: The board recognizes and appreciates his enduring contributions to the growth and vision of the Airdrie & District Community Foundation. His leadership in our formative years—championing a clear and inspiring vision of what a thriving Community Foundation could become—helped shape our path forward.

New Funds

Director and donor Reg Hihn announced three new directed funds*, each one recognizing a local philanthropy champion:
• Lori McRitchie fund in support of Airdrie Food Bank
• Brenda Hume fund in support of North Rocky View Community Links
• Dale Rathgeber fund in support of adults with disabilities

Reg said, “It is a great honour to create these three endowment funds. The individuals they honour have all been leaders of their respective charities for many years and have left a lasting impact on our community.”

* Directed funds: any donation of $10,000 or more, whether through one or multiple donations, entitles the donor to have their contribution directed to specific interest areas. Examples include the John & Peggy Graham Fund for early literacy and the Hayes fund for Seniors Care.

Guest speaker

Guest speaker Eva Friesen, President & CEO of the Calgary Foundation, won applause by explaining the early challenges faced by that Foundation and how it found its way to success (its permanent fund now has reached $1.7 billion). She assured the Airdrie & District Community Foundation that it was on the right path, and that Airdrie’s growth has been exceptional.

Grants overview

This year’s $75,000 was a 50% increase over last year’s $50,000. All grants come from the Foundation’s permanent fund, which currently stands at more than $1.4 million. Donor contributions remain in the permanent fund forever, while interest and income earned from the fund’s investments are used for grants or remain in the fund to compound.

Chair’s comments

After the gala, Chair Kelly Boudreau observed, “The Community Foundation saw its biggest turnout yet at over 100 people for our annual Grants Gala. We were so pleased to host charities, donors, potential donors and board members for annual recognition of the important work local registered charities do in Airdrie & area. The privilege of giving out $75,000 is not wasted on us—we are beyond grateful to our donors who have helped to build the fund to over $1.4 million and growing. Thanks go out to Eva Friesen from the Calgary Foundation who spoke for us, to 525 Restaurant for the amazing food & drinks, and to the gala organizing committee that worked hard to put on an evening we would all remember!”