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This communities fund is the smartest way to ensure funding is getting to the areas that need it most within your community. Our Community Grants Program operates in a flexible granting model. This means that our community-minded adjudication committee can create grants to aid the areas that need it most without having to worry about limitations or specific parameters.
The Community Foundation of Central Alberta (CFCAB) has awarded $10,500 through the Sylvan Lake Community Grant program to support three vital community initiatives serving residents in the Sylvan Lake area. These community-minded programs were chosen by an adjudication committee made up of Sylvan Lake residents who best know their community’s needs.
About the Sylvan Lake Community Fund
The Sylvan Lake Community Fund is a permanent endowment fund held by the Community Foundation of Central Alberta that provides ongoing support to local charitable organizations and community projects. Through annual granting, the fund addresses important needs in Sylvan Lake and surrounding areas, helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all residents.
Grant Recipients for 2025
Sylvan Lake Community Partners Association – $3,500
Now in its 25th year, the organization received funding to sustain essential programming for vulnerable residents. The grant supports hygiene products, school supplies, taxi services for medical appointments, emergency dental and vision care, family swim programs, and after-school activity fees for low-income families. Programs serve residents in Sylvan Lake and surrounding communities including Bentley, Benalto, Eckville, Rimbey, and Red Deer County.
Bethany Sylvan Lake – $4,000
This level 4 long-term care facility serving 61 residents received funding to replace shower commode chairs that have exceeded their lifecycle. The specialized equipment provides safer bathing and toileting experiences while preserving dignity and reducing fall risks for residents with mobility challenges. The facility aims to replace all eight outdated chairs by the end of 2026.
Sylvan Lake Lodge Foundation – $3,000
The Lodge Foundation received funding for their Seniors’ Quality of Life Enhancement Project, which addresses the needs of Sylvan Lake’s growing senior population (14-15% of residents). The project will expand recreational programming, create a Zen garden, upgrade common area furniture, and provide a commercial ice maker—all designed to reduce social isolation and support seniors aging in place.
These grants reflect CFCAB’s commitment to supporting programs that enhance quality of life, preserve dignity, and address critical needs across the Sylvan Lake community.
It’s been an incredible year for our friends at the Broom Tree Foundation. After years of dedicated work supporting women across in Lacombe and surrounding area, Broom Tree received their charitable status in July 2025. In November, they moved into a beautiful new space donated by the Lacombe Pentecostal Church, transforming their capacity to fulfill their mission of providing refuge, restoration and rebuilding to women and their families.
Who is the Broom Tree Foundation, and what do they do?
Here’s what you need to know about this vital community organization.
Their Mission
The Broom Tree Foundation provides safe, supportive housing and comprehensive programming for women in crisis. Their approach goes beyond shelter to create pathways to independence through transitional housing, life skills training, direct personal connections, and wraparound support services.
The Broom Tree Foundation also operates the Broom Tree Café, a social enterprise that empowers people who have been excluded from work opportunities.
Their Impact
The numbers tell a powerful story:
- 60 women and children have been housed in Broom Tree’s three transitional units and community housing
- 27 women and children have been provided emergency stays in local hotels
- over 500 women have been supported, not including their children, by providing food security, ongoing groups that build community, opportunities to form connections through the Broom Tree Sister Program, resource navigation, therapy support, and assistance with immediate needs related to addiction or domestic violence
- 50 volunteers have been trained to walk alongside others in need of support, encouragement, and friendship in the Broom Tree sisters Program
Recent Growth
The incredible gift of a building and land by the Lacombe Pentecostal Church will allow the Broom Tree to both maintain and increase their capacity. This new space will house the foundation’s offices, expand their programming space, and add two additional transitional suites. This expansion comes at a critical time, as housing insecurity and women’s safety remain pressing concerns across Alberta.
The Broom Tree Foundation also recently received a $100,000 donation of securities, facilitated by the Community Foundation, which will further help to provide financial stability for their expanded operations.
“Donations of securities allow donors to make substantial impact while receiving tax advantages. This is a win-win that enables organizations like Broom Tree to plan for sustainable, long-term programming and operations.” – Erin Peden, CFCAB Executive Director
Why It Matters
Behind every statistic are individual stories of transformation. Women who needed Broom Tree for safety, housing, and support are now building healthy relationships, returning to school, securing employment, attaining stable housing, and breaking cycles of trauma.
The Broom Tree Foundation’s success is really Lacombe’s success story. The work they are doing is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. As they settle into their new home, they’re expanding both their physical footprint, as well as their ability to serve each woman who needs a helping hand in seeking a new beginning.
“The Broom Tree’s work is rooted in understanding and resilience. They know that when a woman has compassionate support and a stable place to call home, everything else becomes possible. Every day, the Broom Tree is fostering healing, growth, independence.” – Erin Peden, CFCAB Executive Director
With their work, the Broom Tree Foundation is planting seeds of transformation in Central Alberta. The harvest they’re cultivating is measured in rebuilt lives, restored dignity, and renewed hope. These stories of hope will continue to nourish the community for generations to come.
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A Local Lens on Generosity
Community Foundation of Central Alberta Awards $10,500 to Three Sylvan Lake Organizations
The Community Foundation of Central Alberta (CFCAB) has awarded $10,500 through the Sylvan Lake Community Grant program to support three vital community initiatives serving residents in the Sylvan Lake area. These community-minded programs were chosen by an adjudication committee made up of Sylvan Lake residents who best know their community’s needs. About the Sylvan […]
Get to Know the Broom Tree Foundation
It’s been an incredible year for our friends at the Broom Tree Foundation. After years of dedicated work supporting women across in Lacombe and surrounding area, Broom Tree received their charitable status in July 2025. In November, they moved into a beautiful new space donated by the Lacombe Pentecostal Church, transforming their capacity to fulfill […]