Each year the YMCA recognizes outstanding leadership by YMCA of Northern Alberta volunteers and employees who show dedication to improving their community and helping others. Various grants support these individuals to continue the amazing work they do through professional development, formal education and training.
Application Process
Information about each grant, along with a link to each online application form can be found below. In addition to the application-specific criteria listed under each grant, please note:
- You can only apply for one grant per year
- Applications are accepted between 8am on August 29, 2022, until 11:59pm on September 24, 2022
- Application deadline: September 24 at 11:59pm
- Once awarded, the grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration
To view available grants, click on the titles below and apply to one that fits your needs!
Letter of Reference
A letter of reference from your direct supervisor is required for all grant applications. Please include a PDF version that includes your supervisor's signature.
Reference Letter Tips for Supervisors
Have you been asked to provide a letter of reference for an employee or volunteer working on an internal grant application? Please include the following:
- Your position with the YMCA of Northern Alberta
- Your relationship with the person you're providing a reference for
- Please list 2–3 qualities that make this person a valuable YMCA team member
- Your contact details
- Your signature
Grants
The Al Maydonik Leadership Grant was established in memory of Al Maydonik, a former YMCA Board member who had a life-transforming experience when he visited Bogotá, Colombia in 1994. Al passed away in 2010, and to honour the impact this trip made on Al, his wife, Bette-Anne established the Al Maydonik Leadership Grant to support young people from YMCA of Northern Alberta to experience the world from a new perspective.
Each year, YMCA leadership selects a grant recipient for this opportunity.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- Be actively involved in YMCA leadership development
- Possesses a genuine interest in developing leadership skills and contributing nationally or internationally.
- Model the YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do
- Applicant must be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Established by Muriel A. Clarke in memory of her brother Bennett Clarke, a long-time volunteer with the YMCA and World War II pilot who was killed in action. Read more about FLT-LT Bennett Clarke in these news clippings from 1944 and 1945.
Two $2000 grant is awarded annually to a young YMCA of Northern Alberta employee or volunteer to assist in the advancement of their post-secondary education toward a career working with youth. The grant is based on leadership qualities, YMCA involvement, and financial need.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be enrolled or accepted to a post-secondary institution
- demonstrated leadership qualities in his/her community
- models YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that you do
- demonstrated financial need
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- applicant must be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Del Dilkie has been an active member of the arts and culture community her entire life. As a long-time supporter and ambassador of the YMCA, Del is passionate and committed to the principle of life-long learning and strongly believes that you can grow and develop at any age.
One $1,000 grant is presented annually to a YMCA of Northern Alberta volunteer or employee to assist in the advancement of their leadership qualities and YMCA involvement. Preference will be given to those with an interest in arts and recreation as a means to build leadership qualities, skills, and competencies of children and youth in YMCA programs.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be actively involved in YMCA leadership development
- possesses a genuine interest in developing leadership skills
- take initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships
- model YMCA values and be committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that you do
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Established and endowed by family and friends of long-time YMCA volunteer and supporter, Edwin S. "Ed" Cook, one $1,250 grant is presented annually to a YMCA volunteer or employee to assist in the advancement of their leadership qualities and YMCA involvement. This grant may be used toward travel, accommodation, or registration fees for national or international professional development or YMCA-related events.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be actively involved in YMCA leadership development
- possesses a genuine interest in developing leadership skills
- take initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships
- model YMCA values and be committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that you do
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Established in recognition of President & CEO, Franco Savoia, who provided 43 years of outstanding YMCA service before retiring in 2012, and his spouse Barbara. One $1000 grant is given annually.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must be:
- currently enrolled or accepted at a post-secondary institution
- a current resident, staff or volunteer at Melcor YMCA Village
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
For years, Grant and Irene Duncan have supported the development of strong kids through their annual support of YMCA of Northern Alberta. Understanding that leadership development within the YMCA supports the vision of strong kids, healthy families, and thriving communities, the Grant and Irene Duncan Strong Kids Leadership Grant was established to support the YMCA vision.
One $1000 grant is presented annually to assist in the development of an individual’s leadership qualities, skills, and competencies, and to support the advancement of their work to develop strong kids within the YMCA.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be actively involved in YMCA leadership development
- possesses a genuine interest in developing leadership skills
- take initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships
- model YMCA values and be committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that you do
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Iain Armstrong never passed an opportunity to help a person in need, often going out of his way to lend a hand if he could. On April 17th, 2018, Iain suffered severe injuries when he tried to stop a man from breaking into a vacant kiosk at Southgate Shopping Centre. Three days later, Iain passed away at the age of 61.
Iain’s son describes his dad as exemplifying civility, compassion and selflessness towards others throughout his life as a husband, father, church member and successful co-owner of Bunches Flower Co.
In Iain’s honour, On-Site Rehabilitation is proud to present one grant (valued at $1,000) annually to an individual who has successfully completed a YMCA leadership program and who requires additional support to continue developing their employment skills.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- have successfully completed a YMCA leadership program such as Bridging the Gap (BTG), Leaders in Training (LIT), Counselor in Training (CIT), Youth Transitions Program (YTP) or Youth Leaders or are actively participating in a Youth Advisory Council (YAC/YALC)
- be a current and/or past volunteer with contributions to the YMCA and community
- have financial need, with preference given to an individual who has accessed financial assistance to support their YMCA membership
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Ivor Lammerink has been a member of the YMCA for more than 35 years. During his YMCA involvement as a member, donor and volunteer he has come to recognize and appreciate the importance of YMCAs in developing effective, competent, and capable leaders in our community.
The Ivor and Mieke Lammerink Leadership Grant was established to assist Leadership Circle employees at the YMCA of Northern Alberta in securing further training/education. One $1,000 grant is presented annually to assist in the development of an individual’s leadership qualities, skills, and competencies, as well as to support the advancement of their work within the YMCA.
This grant may be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for local, national or international YMCA-sanctioned opportunities.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- active involvement in YMCA of Northern Alberta
- have made past contributions to the YMCA and community, with a demonstration of having made a positive impact at the YMCA through leadership career plans
- have financial need
- enroll in your respective education/training program within the next 12 months
- be a current employee or volunteer at YMCA of Northern Alberta at the time of course completion
Please note, this grant will be provided upon receipt of proof of registration.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process or this year's grants, please contact Laura at Laura.Svajlenko@northernalberta.ymca.ca.