DIDSBURY - The Town of Didsbury's council has approved Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding totalling $52,224 to various community groups.
The move came by way of motion at the Feb. 25 council meeting, held in person and online.
The 2025 Town of Didsbury budget allocates $64,000 for the 2025 FCSS community grants.
“In total, 18 applications were received amounting to a total of $96,050 in external funding requests,” administration said in a briefing note to council.
“Administration is proposing allocations which meet the needs of the community organizations and program needs while also adhering to the FCSS guidelines and increase the capacity for community engagement and partnership opportunities.”
The $64,000 budget for FCSS grants is 48 per cent of the total FCSS funding received from the government of Alberta in 2025, council heard.
Council approved funding to 12 community groups, with administration providing explanation of the funding recommendations. They include:
• BGC of Olds and Area will receive $1,750 for the “provision of after-school programs as a safe alternative for youth when they need somewhere to go.”
• Carstairs Municipal Library partnership with area libraries for Comic Con will receive $1,100. “The event creates volunteer opportunities, exposure to less traditional careers, reduces social isolation/stigma, and exposure to local resources.”
• Chinook’s Edge School Division's Youth Empowerment Program (YES program) will receive $8,760. “The program is preventive in nature and supports children/youth to make better choices, socially connect and increase social/emotional/mental wellness.”
• Didsbury & District Historical Society’s coffee and conversation program will receive $2,140. “The program involves preserving, interpreting and sharing Didsbury history, and showcases local talent while providing social engagement, entertainment and education opportunities.”
• Didsbury Preschool Society will receive $8,000. “Preschool programs are essential in providing children with opportunities to meet friends while encouraging development.”
• Didsbury Municipal Library's teen advisory board will receive $3,640. “The board engages and empower teens who connecting them to one another, the library and their community.”
• Didsbury Municipal Library's volunteer program will receive $337. “The program creates opportunities for connection and ways to give back and creates job/skill building for teens, as well as community service opportunities.”
• DOSCA - Before and After School Care Program will receive $17,497. “The program offers before and after school care for children age 5-12, plus school-day-off care and summer fun program.”
• Hope 4 MVC Kids' Program 7 will receive $250 in support of mental health day funding, swag, printing of handbooks, recruitment and training.
• Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society will receive $5,750 for outreach coordinator program, program costs, and rent/insurance.
• Mountain View Moccasin House's Indigenous cultural awareness teaching and activities will receive $1,000. “It creates greater awareness and understanding of shared history and experience of Indigenous Canadians.”
• Mountain View Hospice Society (formerly Olds & District Hospice Society) will receive $2,000 to “promote education, awareness, improved communications, and trained compassionate volunteer base as well as support for Nav Care support/referral program.”
Council carried a motion approving the funding and instructing that the remaining funds ($11,776) in the FCSS budget be used to support town-run FCSS programs for community users.
