Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta

**About the Foundation** The original idea for the Community Foundation came from a local area rancher, Mr. John P. Ignatius, who had supported other Community Foundations and sought to have a local organization provide similar community benefits. John made the first endowed donation of $25,000 and encouraged his many family, friends, and colleagues to follow his example. The Medicine Hat Community Foundation was then founded in 1992 through an act of Legislature of the Province of Alberta. John passed away in January 2000 and, true to his word, left the vast majority of his estate to the Foundation. John's financial contribution was in excess of $2.4 million, but his biggest legacy was the original creation of the Foundation, which continues to support ***vibrant, healthy, caring communities across Southeastern Alberta-today, tomorrow, forever!*** **Mission** We create meaningful connections between donors and local charities for the permanent benefit of Southeastern Alberta. **Vision** Vibrant, healthy, caring communities-Today, Tomorrow, Forever! **Core Values** **Integrity** We are trustworthy, transparent, and accountable. **Innovation** We respond quickly and creatively to local needs and issues. **Inclusion** We embrace diverse perspectives and experiences. **Leadership** We support community conversations and collaboration as a catalyst for change. **Which Communities Do We Serve?** In 2018, the Community Foundation established the first three community funds to serve the charitable needs of specific geographical regions within Southeastern Alberta; **Brooks & District Community Fund**, the **Rural Community Fund of Forty Mile**, and the **Prairie Crocus Community Fund**. By 2021, the impact these funds had on their regions inspired the fourth community fund: the **Cypress County Community Fund**. The Southeast Alberta Region covers an area of 44,930 square kilometers with a population of over 109,837 residents. The boundaries stretch from the Saskatchewan border to the United States border and up to Special Area No. 4. **Strategic Priorities and Goals** **Inspire People** **Continue to build awareness and momentum which accelerates valued experiences for donors, advisors, friends, volunteers, and staff.** - Awareness campaigns raise the profile of CFSEA, generating new discussions and helping to reach a broader community to serve. - Celebrate and showcase initiatives that thoughtfully steward trust with current friends and attracts new friends. - Expand collaboration efforts to strengthen linkages and our presence in the rural regions. **Community Investment** **Prudent and transparent practices nurture the preservation of capital to ensure that the Foundation will grow the endowment and continually elevate the impact for the community.** - Grow unrestricted (Community Fund) and regional funds to increase flexible granting and support operational capacity. - Our leadership efforts strengthen understanding of Non-Government Organization community needs and align with our capacity to support. - Internal/external best practices are evaluated to support perpetual sustainability that ultimately delivers increased donor confidence. **Freedom to Explore** **A forward facing "think yes" culture establishes an openness to better understand non-traditional gifts, alternative investments, and align expertise that builds organizational confidence for new opportunities.** - "Winning conditions" are creatively pursued to maximize resources and elevate investment in internal skills and knowledge alongside increased activation of external advisor council. - Design and implement metrics that strengthen organizational preparedness and enable confident pursuit of new opportunities. - Build organizational confidence and culture to embrace innovation, flexibility, and responsible risk-taking. - Explore and integrate non-traditional gifts and aligned investment opportunities.