YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation Grants

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: $1,500  

Applicants should consider if they are:

• Actively involved with the YMCA 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.)

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: 3 grants are available at $2,000 each 

Applicants should consider if they are:  

• Actively involved with the YMCA 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 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 the YMCA 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

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: $1,000  

Applicants should consider if they are:  

• Actively involved with the YMCA 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. 

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: $1,800  

Applicants should consider if they are:

• Actively involved with the YMCA 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.

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 the YMCA 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 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: $1,500  

Applicants should consider if they are:  

• Actively involved with the YMCA 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 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 the YMCA and community with their leadership  
• Dedicated to advancing their work within the YMCA 
• 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.