On July 26, three deserving organizations in Alberta were awarded funding through the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP). This program offers financial assistance of up to $125,000 to upgrade, expand, purchase, or build arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, sport, or other related public-use community facilities. The goal is to foster healthy, vibrant communities across Alberta.
The CFEP is divided into two funding streams: CFEP Small, which provides financial assistance up to $125,000, and CFEP Large, which offers assistance over $125,000 and up to $1 million. All three organizations received funding under the CFEP Small stream. The program operates under the Ministerial Grants Regulation and is guided by principles of community-driven public benefit, transparency, equity, accountability, flexibility, and simplicity.
Eligible applicants for CFEP funding include community non-profit organizations registered under various provincial and federal acts, First Nations and Métis Settlements, foundations regulated under the province’s Regional Health Authorities Act, and post-secondary institutions defined under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act. One of the primary requirements for funding approval is a matching basis: applicants must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the CFEP grant request towards the project expenses, which can include cash, donated labor, equipment, or materials. Other Government of Alberta funding cannot be used as a matching resource, and the maximum funding from the Government of Alberta cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total project cost.
The Dewberry Valley Museum Society received $5,930 to upgrade its facility. The organization aims to portray local history in an educational and entertaining manner while preserving the legacy collections of its founders and contributors. The funding will be used to replace outdated lighting fixtures with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures in its main and north display buildings. The current lighting, installed in 1970, is failing, inefficient, and contributes to a gloomy atmosphere. Upgrading the lighting will allow the museum to extend its operating hours, attract new visitors, and provide alternative uses for the facility. The museum hosts several hundred visitors annually, including school children.
The Vermilion Agricultural Society was awarded $125,000 for various facility upgrades. The organization provides agricultural programming to youth and operates its facility to host the Vermilion Fair. The funding will assist with repairs to multiple buildings on site, including roof replacement, upgrades to electrical and water services, racetrack infield repairs, and the purchase of new equipment. These improvements will extend the life of the facilities and enhance the society’s ability to host programs and events. The organization also receives an annual operating grant from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, which cannot be used for this project. The upgrades are expected to benefit around 1,000 individuals.
“We have a lot of projects that we have to discuss and chose which are of the top priority. We intend to move forward as quickly as we can due to the deadlines, but it will definitely be used to improving the grounds and help improve the Fair experiences. The Society would like to thank all the individuals and businesses involved in helping us secure this grant including MLA Rowswell,” commented Justin Clark President of the Vermilion Agricultural Society.
The Vermilion Lions Club received $30,000 for constructing a toddler playground. The organization raises funds to support projects locally, provincially, and nationally. The funding will help purchase and install a new playground to replace the existing 40-year-old structure, which no longer meets safety standards. The new playground will create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space for families to gather and create lasting memories. It is estimated that over 1,500 children and adults will benefit from this project.
“The club is really pleased to have received this funding from the government, we think this great for the community. Our next step is to determine the timeline and advance the initiative,” commented Peter Clark, Treasurer of the Vermilion Lions Club.
For more information about CFEP funding, visit CFEP Program Guidelines.
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