YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation Grants
YMCA of Northern Alberta staff and volunteers are true leaders who make a positive difference in our communities every day. Our leadership grants, provided by generous donors and facilitated by the YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation, provide Y staff and volunteers in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Wood Buffalo the opportunity to enhance their skills, grow both personally and professionally and amplify their impact at the Y. These grants empower them on their educational journeys and support their efforts to help our communities shine.
Application Process
Please carefully review the requirements below before viewing available grants. Once you have reviewed all options, please apply for your chosen grant.
In addition to the specific criteria listed under each grant title, please note:
- Grants are open exclusively to staff and volunteers of YMCA of Northern Alberta who have been employed by or have volunteered with the YMCA of Northern Alberta for at least 5 consecutive months. Summer student employees who have worked for the YMCA of Northern Alberta over 2 summers (2024 and 2025) will be considered employees over 5 months and are eligible to apply.
- You may only submit one grant application per year, for a single grant.
- Applications are open until September 15, 2025.
- Grants are issued upon receipt of proof of registration and must be redeemed within 12 months.
New This Year:
Applicants are no longer required to receive a letter of reference from their direct supervisor, manager or director. This year, the process to receive an endorsement from your supervisor has been simplified.
After completing your application, your supervisor will automatically receive an email with a link to submit a brief endorsement of you. Once completed, you will be notified of your supervisor's statement and your completed application.
Please be sure to inform your supervisor that you're applying for a grant so they can watch for the email and respond before the application deadline.
Grants
N. Allen Maydonik Leadership Grant
This grant commemorates N. Allen Maydonik, a former YMCA Board member who was deeply impacted by a transformative trip to Bogota in early 1994. Allen passed in 2010, and in recognition of the profound impact the trip to Bogota had on him, his wife, Bette-Anne, established the N. Allen Maydonik Leadership Award.
This award supports young individuals from YMCA of Northern Alberta, enabling them to gain new perspectives through international Y experiences and/or the training and education of newcomers among YMCA staff, particularly those working with children.
Grant Amount: $2,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing leadership skills that can be contributed locally, nationally or internationally.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
- Are a newcomer whose key role is working with children. (This is not required but will be considered.)
Bennett W. Clarke Memorial Leadership Grant
This grant was established in 1987 by Murial A. Clarke in memory of her brother, Flight Lieutenant Bennett Clarke. Bennett, a longtime volunteer with the YMCA, was a World War II pilot tragically killed in action in 1944.
Grant Amount: 4 grants are available at $2,000 each
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Advancing towards a career working with young people.
- Demonstrating leadership qualities within their role at the Y and within their community.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
Learn more about FLT-LT B. W. Clarke: * Read more about FLT-LT Bennett Clarke in these news clippings from 1944 and 1945.
Cecil & Helen Paull Leadership Grant
Cecil was a deeply committed member of the YMCA family, with over 80 years of dedicated membership. Cecil was not only a member, but a donor, a volunteer fundraiser and a fitness instructor—the embodiment of a YMCA Ambassador. Alongside Helen, he established this grant to foster the development of YMCA staff and volunteers. Cecil's enduring affection and cherished memories of the Y are reflected in this initiative, honouring those who have, and continue to impact our communities positively.
Grant Amount: $1,250
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing their leadership skills.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
Learn more about Cecil: Creating Memories That Last Generations: Cecil's Story - YouTube
Del Dilkie Leadership Grant
This grant was established by Del Dilkie, a dedicated supporter and passionate ambassador of the YMCA. Del champions the principle of lifelong learning and firmly believes in continuous growth and development at any age. Del is particularly committed to nurturing leadership qualities, skills, and competencies among children and youth in YMCA programs through arts and recreation.
Grant Amount: $1,250
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in further developing their leadership skills and fostering leadership qualities, skills and competencies in children and youth through arts and recreation.
- Take initiative in building relationships.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
Edwin S. Cook Leadership Grant
Ed was deeply passionate about the YMCA, his local community and especially about creating opportunities for youth to achieve their full potential. He served as YMCA of Northern Alberta’s Board Chair for many years and was one of the founding members of the Heritage Club, demonstrating his long-term commitment as both a volunteer and supporter. This grant was established and endowed by Ed's friends and family in honour of his dedication and legacy.
Grant Amount: $2,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing leadership skills that can be contributed locally, nationally or internationally.
- Take initiative in building relationships.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
* This grant may be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for national or international YMCA-related events.
Franco & Barbara Savoia Star-Builder Leadership Grant
This leadership grant was established to celebrate and honour past President & CEO, Franco Savoia and his late wife, Barbara. Franco devoted an exceptional 43 years of service to the YMCA, culminating in his role as President and CEO of YMCA of Northern Alberta.
Grant Amount: $1,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing their leadership skills.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
* This grant may be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for national or international YMCA-related events.
Grant & Irene Duncan Strong Kids Leadership Grant
Grant and Irene were dedicated supporters of the YMCA. They understood deeply that fostering leadership development within the YMCA aligns with its core vision of nurturing strong kids, healthy families and thriving communities. Sadly, both Grant and Irene passed away in 2020. They envisioned this grant to enhance individuals' leadership qualities and skills, furthering the YMCA's mission to empower strong kids.
Grant Amount: $2,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing their leadership skills.
- Take initiative in building relationships.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
Ivor and Mieke Lammerink Leadership Grant
Ivor Lammerink has been a member of the YMCA for over 35 years. His extensive involvement as a member, donor and volunteer reflects his deep appreciation for fostering and cultivating strong leaders within our YMCA communities.
Amount: $1,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Making a positive impact on YMCA of Northern Alberta and community with their leadership
- Dedicated to advancing their work within YMCA of Northern Alberta
- Seeking further training/education to develop their leadership qualities and professional skills
- Able to share a clear plan for career development
* This grant may be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for local, national or international YMCA-sanctioned opportunities.
Lynette Husum & Roger Delbaere Leadership Grant
Lynette and Roger are long-time YMCA members and generous supporters. They share a deep commitment to programs that positively impact youth, as well as to individuals who choose to pursue education or training to work with young people. Inspired by the meaningful difference Leadership Grants can make for YMCA staff and volunteers, Lynette and Roger established this grant to help ease the rising financial barriers associated with education and professional development.
Grant Amount: $2,000
Applicants should consider if they are:
- Actively involved with YMCA of Northern Alberta and dedicated to learning and growing.
- Interested in developing leadership skills.
- Advancing towards a career working with young people.
- Model the YMCA's values and are committed to the mission and vision of the Y.
Bonnie Mihalchan Fitness Leadership Grant
Bonnie first became a member of the Y in 1981 and has been a devoted and active member ever since. In 2024, she established the Fitness Leadership Grant, inspired by her lifelong passion for health and fitness and her deep appreciation for the volunteer fitness instructors who help create a vibrant, engaging, and supportive community at the Y.
Grant Amount: This grant will not be accepting applications at this time.
