Granting Committee Volunteers in Tune with Needs
Supporting a thoughtful, consistent granting process as community needs grow and evolve.
Behind every community grant awarded by the AIMCo Foundation is a careful review process led by individuals who volunteer their time, judgment and perspective to help strengthen financial literacy across Alberta.
The Granting Committee has long played a central role in connecting the Foundation’s mission to community need. In recent years, that work has become more complex. The committee has grown to include more members, returning reviewers have developed deeper familiarity with the process, and new volunteers have brought fresh perspectives to the table. At the same time, the number and complexity of applications have continued to increase, reflecting both the scale of financial education needs in Alberta and the creativity of organizations working to meet them.
“The work has become more rigorous because the need has become more visible,” says Saima Asif, Co-Chair of the Granting Committee. We are seeing more organizations come forward with thoughtful programs, and that means our role is to look carefully at where Foundation funding can make the greatest difference.”
In 2024, the committee was recognized with an AIMCo Culture Award for improving the application and review process and helping deliver a record $384,000 to charities offering financial literacy programming for Albertans from rural to urban communities, and from youth to seniors. That effort helped set the stage for the Foundation’s continued evolution.
A major step forward has been the move to a two-year granting system. For the Foundation, multi-year commitments allow for more stable planning, stronger relationships with grantees and a clearer view of impact over time. For community organizations, the change provides greater certainty, giving them room to retain staff, plan programming and focus on serving participants rather than reapplying each year.
“Two-year funding changes the conversation,” says David Tiley, Co-Chair of the Granting Committee. “It lets organizations think beyond immediate delivery and gives the Foundation a better opportunity to understand how programs are working, where they are growing and what support they need to be resilient.”
That approach also reflects the committee’s own momentum. Members bring financial acumen, community awareness, operational discipline and a shared commitment to fairness. They read applications, score proposals, participate in discussions and consider how each project aligns with the Foundation’s purpose: helping Albertans build the knowledge and confidence to improve their financial well-being.
“What keeps the committee running smoothly is the commitment people bring to the work,” says Harry van Rooy, Vice Chair of the Granting Committee. “Everyone understands that there are real people behind every application. That keeps the process grounded, respectful and focused on impact.”
As the Foundation expands its reach, the Granting Committee continues to provide the thoughtful stewardship required to support high-quality programming across the province. Its work is not always visible, but it is essential: helping ensure Foundation funding is directed where it can build confidence, stability and lasting financial resilience for Albertans.
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With thoughtful, tailored programs and engaging initiatives for all ages, AIMCo Foundation community partners are ensuring financial empowerment services are accessible to those who need them most. The AIMCo Foundation is proud to have distributed more than $1.9 million through community grants since inception in 2018. If you are or know someone who is empowering access to financial education in Alberta, keep an eye on our website for details on upcoming funding opportunities.
Learn more about our community grant recipients and browse our impact report, Empowering Resilience, to see all we accomplished together in 2025.
