$40,000 Grant Helps Secure Future of Literacy Playground Program for Foothills Students

Support from the Catalyst Fund at Calgary Foundation will help sustain literacy programming and create lasting opportunities for students across the Foothills School Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - HIGH RIVER, Alberta - Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation is pleased to announce a $40,000 grant from the Catalyst Fund at Calgary Foundation in support of the Literacy Playground Program.

The funding will help ensure continuity of the program into the next school year, allowing the Foundation to build on its existing work and continue providing meaningful literacy opportunities for students in the Foothills School Division.

“Literacy is at the heart of student success,” said Diana Froc, President of Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation. “This generous investment gives us something incredibly important: continuity. It means we can continue building on the work already underway and provide students with opportunities to strengthen the literacy skills, confidence, and foundations they need to succeed in school and beyond.”

Strong literacy skills influence nearly every area of a student’s education. Reading, comprehension, vocabulary, communication, and confidence all contribute to a student’s ability to participate in the classroom, understand new concepts, engage with the curriculum, and continue progressing academically.

By supporting Literacy Playground, the Catalyst Fund is helping create an impact that extends beyond a single program year. Consistent literacy support gives students the opportunity to continue developing their skills over time and allows educators and program partners to build on previous learning rather than starting over from year to year.

“This is an investment in the long-term success of our students,” Froc added. “When we strengthen literacy, we give students tools they can use in every subject, every grade, and throughout their lives. We are tremendously grateful to the Catalyst Fund for recognizing the importance of this work and helping us sustain the program.”

The grant was recommended by the Advisor of the Catalyst Fund at Calgary Foundation after the donor became aware of Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation’s Spring 2026 Community Grants Program application.

The Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation is grateful for this generous support and for the continued commitment of donors and community partners who believe in creating opportunities for students throughout the Foothills School Division.