Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Altona Community Foundation Inc. (ACF)

Altona Community Foundation (ACF) is a locally governed community foundation established in 1993 to enhance quality of life in Altona, Gretna, Rosenfeld and the surrounding Municipality of Rhineland in Manitoba. The foundation builds a permanent capital fund by soliciting donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. This capital is invested, and the interest earned is distributed each year to qualified charitable projects, ensuring a lasting legacy while preserving the principal.

Twice a year, ACF runs formal granting cycles with spring and fall deadlines. Using its capital fund and several named and donor‑advised funds, the foundation supports a wide range of initiatives in youth, education, health, recreation, culture and community development. Typical grants focus on capital projects, project start‑ups, new organizations and human resource development that benefit the broader community.

The foundation administers a structured community grants program with clear eligibility criteria. Only organizations that are registered charities with the Canada Revenue Agency or that have access to a charitable registration number through an eligible partner can apply, and projects must take place within the foundation’s defined geographic granting area. Applications are assessed by a granting committee and approved by the board, with an emphasis on projects that benefit the whole community, leverage other funding sources, promote efficient use of resources and encourage volunteer engagement.

In addition to community grants, ACF manages several specialized funds, including memorial funds, a cemetery fund, donor‑advised funds, and the Altona Community Foundation Future Ag Leader Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to local students pursuing post‑secondary education in agriculture and is awarded based on academic plans, leadership, community involvement and other published criteria.

Through the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) Fund and program, ACF partners with W.C. Miller Collegiate and the Thomas Sill Foundation to give high school students hands‑on experience in grantmaking. Students raise funds that are matched by ACF, invite local charities to apply, review applications and recommend small grants for youth‑ and family‑focused projects, which the foundation board then approves. This initiative fosters civic engagement and develops the next generation of community leaders.

ACF publishes grant guidelines, policies, financial statements and board minutes on its website, demonstrating transparent governance and accountability. Since its inception, it has granted substantial sums back to non‑profit organizations across its region, illustrating its central role in channeling local philanthropy into long‑term community impact.