Since 2021, Calgary Foundation has partnered with CKUA to support CKUA Summer, our promotion of events and festivals all around the province. For 2026, that means that we’ll continue to gather people, share music, and celebrate community.
We asked Lauren Ruckdaeschel, Communications Associate at Calgary Foundation, about the organization’s reach and programs. She notes that Calgary Foundation has been around since 1955, saying, “Last year was our 70th anniversary!”
Ruckdaeschel says, “It’s always been about granting and community connection. It started with people leaving money in their wills for specific causes. The idea is a permanent endowment, that will continue to grow as it’s invested.”
Through donor-advised plans, people can plan to support any registered Canadian charity. Then, with Calgary Foundation’s granting programs, the focus is on causes and organizations within the Treaty 7 area—everything from arts and heritage to health and well-being, social services, environment, education, and grassroots community initiatives.
One of the pillars of Calgary Foundation’s work is The Community Knowledge Centre (CKC), an online resource connecting Calgarians with more than 800 local charities and non-profits. With a directory and search functionality, it helps people discover trusted local organizations, better understand community needs, and support causes that reflect their values and interests. “To be listed in the directory,” says Ruckdaeschel, “you have to be a CRA-registered charity, or a nonprofit registered in Alberta, and the work has to be based in the Calgary area.”
Ruckdaeschel notes that the platform is easy to use. “With the re-launch, there are different ways to search.” For example, if someone wants to focus on youth or seniors or LGBTQ+ projects, charities can connect with each other. “There’s a members’ corner,” says Ruckdaeschel, “and the directory allows people to see who’s out there and who’s working in these spaces. It’s a one-stop shop to outline who is in the community.”
She adds, “It’s for people who are interested in donating, but it’s also a great opportunity for organizations. We offer benefits, partnerships, tools, resources, and learning opportunities.”
We are grateful Calgary Foundation for their support of CKUA Summer, and we thank Lauren Ruckdaeschel for speaking with us about their work. Find out more and access The Community Knowledge Centre here.
When we asked Lauren to choose a song to send out to the CKUA community, she chose “People Pleaser” by Calgary band Bluffing.
