Medicine Hat Media

Posts Tagged ‘Mike Christie’

The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta today announced the opening of the application process for spring 2010 grants.

Applications will be accepted from today until the close of business on March 15, 2009. Qualified donees or organizations must hold a charitable registration number from the Canada Revenue Agency. The Community Foundation awards grants for charitable activities in the arts, education, social services, the environment, health, culture and recreation, or any project that will maintain or improve the quality of life in Southeastern Alberta.

In December the Community Foundation unveiled over $36,000 in community grants, and the organization hopes to provide much of the same benefit to area non-profits this spring.

“We are thrilled to once again give grants to worthy organizations in Southeastern Alberta,” said executive director Mike Christie. “While we have several priorities at the Community Foundation, giving grants to kick-start community projects is one of the most rewarding.” THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


After one year in which no community grants were dispersed, the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta today rewarded nine local charitable organizations with a total of $36,536 in funds.

Because of a harsh financial climate and decreased investment portfolio performance, the Community Foundation was unable to continue its normal grant cycles after the spring of 2008. With a slowly improving portfolio, however, the foundation was able to recommence its grant program again this September.

“It was very exciting to once again start the application process this fall,” said Community Foundation executive director Mike Christie. “Although we had been working as hard as ever in the office, we missed our twice-yearly community grants cycles. Giving out community grants is one of the best parts of our job, and the board and staff didn’t feel as fulfilled without it.”

Dozens of applications were received by the foundation in mid-September; a volunteer-based grants committee then met several times to decide which groups would receive the funds.

“It was hard this year in particular because we all knew what a tough time these charities are facing,” said Christie. “There were many worthwhile applications. Our volunteers worked diligently to find the right groups to award with funds, and we hope that Southeast Alberta will be an even better place with the funds going to these groups.” THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta today launched Vital Kids, an extension of its Vital Signs program.

Vital Kids is aimed at teaching children more about the community they live in. This is done by discussing some of the more kid-friendly facts featured in Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs. Issues covered will include voting, neighbourhood populations, Canada Day activities, volunteering, youth employment rates and much more.

The first Vital Kids presentation was held in the grade three/four classroom at St. Mary’s School today, led by Jennifer Thompson, community impact coordinator at the Community Foundation.

“Our Vital Kids presentations will be a conversation with the students,” said Thompson. “We will cover fun facts about Medicine Hat and talk about what they can do to make their community an even better place to live.”

The Community Foundation has produced Vital Signs for three years, joining more than a dozen Community Foundations across the country. Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs has inspired programs such as Vital Activities and Vital Munch; Thompson hopes that Vital Kids will touch a new generation. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


Medicine Hat residents will have an opportunity to gather and discuss the findings of Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs 2009 on Thursday, October 8th.

The Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta presents “A Community Conversation” at Chinook Village’s Terrace Room from 7:00 – 8:30 AM on October 8th. The event will give area residents a chance to review and evaluate the findings of the report.

“Each year, Medicine Hat’s Vital Signs has spurred many conversations amongst residents about life in our city,” said Community Foundation executive director Mike Christie. “Our breakfast conversation is important because it leads to discussions that help shape the way the Community Foundation approaches the findings in the report.” THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


Area non-profit organizations will have a chance to learn more about the Community Foundation’s grant application process at a workshop on Wednesday.

All interested parties are invited to attend the “Grant Application Workshop,” where Community Foundation executive director Mike Christie will guide applicants through the forms and process.

“During past grant cycles we have found the workshop very valuable,” said Christie. “It leads to higher quality grant applications and makes the process easier on both the applicants and grant committee members.”

Applicants are under no obligation to attend the workshop, as it is not a required part of the grant application process.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 29 from 12 – 1:30 PM at the Volunteer and Community Information Centre located at 211 4th St. SE. Coffee will be provided and attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


In an effort to continue its community leadership and bolster local charitable organizations, the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta announced today that it will resume its community grant giving for the fall 2009 cycle in limited amounts.

Applications will be accepted from today until the close of business on September 15, 2009. Qualified donees or organizations must hold a charitable registration number from the Canada Revenue Agency. The Community Foundation awards grants for charitable activities in the arts, education, social services, the environment, health, culture and recreation, or any project that will maintain or improve the quality of life in Southeastern Alberta.

The Community Foundation temporarily suspended its granting process in fall 2008 after the initial downturn of the economy. Because the foundation awards grants based on the earnings of its investment portfolio, it was unable to fund the last two biannual grant cycles. The Foundation has continued to fund its biannual designated grants, which include various scholarships.

THE JUMP – Read the rest of this entry »


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