The Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the City of Lacombe have approved seven local projects for the 2024 Community Grant Program.   

$42,750 in funding was available for the approved initiatives.   

“The City of Lacombe's commitment to preventative social programs is valued, and we're immensely grateful for their unwavering support in bringing the FCSS Community Grant Program to fruition,” Crystal Zens, Executive Director of Lacombe District FCSS said. “Together, with the tireless efforts of non-profit agencies, we're building a community where everyone thrives.”   

For the 2024 grant program, the funding ask was over $70,000.   

The approved projects are aimed at bolstering local social service programs geared towards prevention and holistic community well-being.  

“We have a lot of good growth programs in our community,” Zens said.   

She explained that BGC of Lacombe had one of the biggest growth spurts in programming, by launching a new tutoring program that is heavily used, along with full-time out-of-school day and summer camps.  

“They are a bustling organization that saw a lot of growth,” Zens said.  

Other approved projects include the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre’s Music for People with Dementia program, The Broom Tree Foundation’s Broom Tree Sisters Program, the Volunteer Link Community Assistance program, the Youth Unlimited Youth 360 project, Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Mentoring, and the Lacombe Pride Weekend.   

Projects approved for the 2024 FCSS Community Grant Program.

To be approved for funding, projects must clearly support social program goals, identify partnerships or collaborations that impact the city, and fill a gap in the community.   

“There are some really hard-working not-for-profits in our community doing great work with very little funds. To keep them going and give them some sustainability, this grant is an integral part of that, and we hope that it increases over the years so we can improve our ability to inject some funds into these very important programs,” Zens said. “They are important to the community because they cover a wide range of social needs and social priorities.”  

The program is funded by the City of Lacombe and administered by the Lacombe and District FCSS, fostering collaboration with applicants, and ensuring strategic allocation of grants to empower individuals, families, and the community.  

“We really appreciate all the not-for-profits in our community that work so hard every day to bring great programs to our city and support everyone from children to seniors,” Zens said. “We're really lucky to have such hard-working community groups doing great work for powerful causes in our city.”