Annually, the YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation recognizes the outstanding leadership of our tremendous volunteers and employees who show dedication to improving our communities. These internal grants support volunteers and employees to continue the amazing work they do and build upon it through formal education, professional development, and training. 

Application Process 

Please review available grants by clicking on the titles below. When you have reviewed them all, apply for the grant that you best meet the criteria of.

In addition to the application-specific criteria listed under each grant title, please note: 

  • There is a limit of one application per year 
  • Applications are accepted between 8 am on August 16, 2024, until 11:59 pm on September 14, 2024
  • All applicants must be a current YMCA of Northern Alberta staff or volunteer 
  • All grants are issued upon receipt of proof of registration. All grants must be redeemed within 12 months 

Letter of Reference 

All grants need to be accompanied by a PDF copy of a letter of reference provided by your direct supervisor. Be sure to share the information below. 

Reference Letter Tips 

Are you asking someone to write you a letter of reference for your internal grant application? Or have you been asked to provide a letter of reference for an employee or volunteer working on an internal grant application?  

Please be sure that the following is included in your reference letter: 

  • Your position with the YMCA of Northern Alberta 
  • Your relationship with the person you're providing a reference for 
  • 2–3 qualities that make this person a valuable YMCA team member 
  • Your contact details 
  • Your signature

Grants

Al Maydonik Leadership Grant

This grant was established in memory of Allen ‘Al’ Maydonik, a former YMCA Board member who had a life-transforming experience when he visited Bogota in early 1994. Sadly, Al passed away in 2010. To honour the impact this trip made on Al, his wife, Bette-Anne established the Al Maydonik Leadership Award in support of young people from the YMCA of Northern Alberta to experience the world from a different viewpoint.  

As a result of our everchanging world, Bette-Anne generously broadened the scope of this grant to include supporting training/education of staff who are newcomers, and staff working with newcomers, with a particular focus on those empowering children.   

Grant Amount: $1,000  

The recipient of this grant should be:  

  • Actively involved in YMCA leadership development 
  • Genuinely interested in developing leadership skills and contributing nationally or internationally 
  • Modeling the YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do 
Bennett Clarke Memorial Grant

This grant was established in 1987 by Muriel A. Clarke in memory of her brother, FLT. LT. Bennett Clarke. Bennett was a long-time volunteer with the YMCA and was a World War II pilot who was tragically killed in action in 1944.  

Grant Amount: 2 grants are available at $2,000 each 

The recipient of this grant should be:   

  • Advancing towards a career working with youth  
  • Demonstrating leadership qualities in their community  
  • Modeling YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do  

 * Read more about FLT-LT Bennett Clarke in these news clippings from 1944 and 1945. 

Del Dilkie Leadership Grant

This grant was established by long-time supporter and passionate ambassador of the YMCA, Del Dilkie. Del is committed to the principle of life-long learning and strongly believes that you can grow and develop at any age. Del is an advocate of building leadership qualities, skills, and competencies of children and youth in YMCA programs by using arts and recreation. 

Grant Amount: $1,000  

The recipient of this grant should be:   

  • Actively involved in YMCA leadership development  
  • Genuinely interested in further developing their leadership skills  
  • Taking initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships  
  • Modeling the YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do  
Edwin S. Cook Leadership Grant

Ed was passionate about the YMCA, his local community and specifically creating opportunities for youth to reach their full potential. Serving as Board Chair for years and one of the founding members of the Heritage Club, Ed was both a longtime volunteer and supporter. This grant was established and endowed by his friends and family in his honour.  

Grant Amount: $1,250  

The recipient of this grant should be:   

  • Actively involved in YMCA leadership development  
  • Genuinely interested in developing leadership skills  
  • Taking initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships  
  • Modeling the YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do  

* This grant may be used towards travel, accommodation or registration fees for national or international YMCA-related events. 

 

Franco & Barbara Savoia Star-Builder Grant

This leadership grant was established in celebration and recognition of Past President & CEO Franco Savoia and his late wife Barbara. Franco dedicated an outstanding 43 years of service to the YMCA, including his final position as President and CEO of YMCA of Northern Alberta.

Grant Amount: $1,000  

The recipient of this grant should:   

  • Be committed to developing their education and leadership skills
  • Actively involved in the YMCA as a staff or volunteer
  • Model the YMCA values and be committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do

* 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 tremendous supporters of the YMCA. They had a keen understanding that building leadership development within the YMCA supports the vision that the Y holds dear; strong kids, healthy families and thriving communities. Sadly, both Grant and Irene passed away in 2020. It was their hope that this grant would assist in the development of an individual’s leadership qualities and skills, advancing their work to develop strong kids within the YMCA.  

Grant Amount: $1,000  

The recipient of this grant should be:   

  • Actively involved in YMCA leadership development  
  • Genuinely interested in developing leadership skills  
  • Taking initiative in reaching out to others to build relationships  
  • Models the YMCA values and is committed to the YMCA mission and vision in all that they do 
Ivor and Mieke Lammerink Leadership Grant

Ivor Lammerink has been a member of the YMCA for more than 35 years. Through his involvement as a member, donor, and volunteer he recognizes and appreciates the importance of fostering and developing strong leaders within our YMCA communities.  

Amount: $1,000  

The recipient of this grant should be:    

  • Making a positive impact to 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.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process or this year's grants, please contact Laura at Laura.Svajlenko@ymcanab.ca.

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