The March 15, 2025, Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) review meeting was a successful forum for Community Initiative Groups to present their impactful ideas for community well-being. Initiatives ranged from promoting physical and mental wellness to fostering connection through language, culture, and traditions.
Representatives presented to four CDAC members, who offered valuable feedback to ensure measurable outcomes. We are delighted to announce that 9 applications were approved for Seed Grants between $1,700 and $2,000. These grants will be distributed in April after the groups finalize their agreements.
Over the past months, CDU has been working closely with several community groups, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and helping to mobilize ideas that will have a lasting impact. We are proud to share that 10 groups have qualified for the Seed Grant Application process, each of which has been mentored and carefully prepared to present their proposals to the CDAC.
The following communities and their initiatives include:
- Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance Foundation – Community Health And Wellness Through The Arts (CHAWTTA)
- Himalaya-Rocky Sports Club – Empowering Women through Sports
- Belarussian Canadian Alliance, Alberta Chapter – Culture & Heritage Legacies
- Building Community through Craft – Sewing Circle – Building Community Through Craft
- Kita no Taiko Society – Japanese Drumming Workshops for Community Growth and Cultural Awareness
- Edmonton Society of Eritrean Segeneyti Sub Zone – Building Intergenerational Connections for community, youths and seniors for Inclusive Growth
- Senegalese Community of Edmonton Society – Sunu Atelier
- WMEN Foundation Edmonton – PRAYAS, Phase II (Literacy & Skill building programs for immigrant women)
- Guineans Association of Edmonton – Enhancing Cultural Roots and Belonging for Guinean Children & Youth (ECRBG), Phase II
CDU team will continue to work with the group whose application was returned with feedback and recommendations for improvement. As we move forward, the team will be working closely with them in the coming months, providing guidance and support as they refine their initiative and activity plans. We are confident that with this additional work, they will be ready to reapply in the next CDAC review and take the next step toward making a positive impact.
As we move forward, CDU remains committed to supporting community-driven projects, empowering groups to make meaningful contributions, and helping create a more inclusive and vibrant Edmonton for all.