The next couple months are busy ones for the Altona Community Foundation (ACF) with the organization's Fall granting application period now open until October 31st, and in about a month's time the annual Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge is happening, November 13th to 19th.

"We are accepting grant applications for our fall cycle," explained President Haydon Friesen. "We have a fair number of granting dollars available for this cycle, and we're looking forward to seeing the projects people are doing in our community, and seeing how we can support those, as well."

Capital projects are eligible to apply.

"Brick and mortar type things, where you're putting up a new building or expanding, something like that," he shared. "An example of that could be the Kiddie Sunshine Centre, which is building a new facility here in Altona, and something that we have been able to contribute to in the past."

Friesen pointed to Altona Minor Baseball diamond upgrades and Gardens on Tenth courtyard projects as two other recent examples of projects the Foundation has supported. You can submit your application, here.

Looking ahead to the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge, Friesen noted this is the Foundation's premier fundraising event of the year.

"We are able to stretch our donations for the week of November 13th to 19th, where the provincial government and the Winnipeg Foundation stretch those dollars to help us build our Endowment Fund, and continue that growth we've seen over the last 30 years for the Alton Community Foundation."

And that upcoming event dovetails with the Foundation's overall drive to push its Endowment Fund to $2 million.

"We're really starting to get the ball rolling on getting the community foundation's assets up close, and over, that $2 million," he said. "We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, and are making a push to get to that $2 million mark. It's a significant milestone for the Foundation to get, and especially on the 30th anniversary, as well."

ACF has also added another named fund to its organization, the Richard Neufeld Legacy Fund.

"We're happy to announce the establishment of the Richard Neufeld Legacy Fund in memory of Richard, who was a big part of our community here in Altona," added Friesen. "This was established by the Neufeld family, and it looks to support initiatives that bring light to corners of our community that may go unnoticed, and expand our understanding of our community." 

You can find more information on all the funds within the Altona Community Foundation, here.

You can listen to CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show Co-Host Chris Sumner's conversation with Haydon, below.

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