The Drumheller Town Council stepped up its support for Hope College.
    At the most recent meeting of Town Council, on Monday, September 23, a request was made by Hope College for Council to reconsider contributing financially to the post secondary institution.  
    Council voted unanimously in favour of a $5,000 contribution to Hope College.   
    “This decision and this contribution is tremendous! From the outset of the project to launch a college in Drumheller, it has always been envisioned that this college would be for the benefit of people living in this community and the surrounding region of East Central Alberta.  The Administration and Board of Directors for Hope College wish to express its genuine gratitude to the Drumheller Town Council for this tangible expression of support,” Dr. Jon Ohlhauser, President of Hope College.  
    Earlier this year, Council postponed any funding to Hope College, feeling the college had not made enough progress in its business plan.
    “Council saw they’ve made quite a bit of progress. They have students and are focusing on rural education, so Council thought it appropriate to give it support,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    Councillors who voted against contributing to Hope College earlier this year, were in favour this time around.
    “I was one of the councillors who voted against it last time, because I felt they didn’t really follow through with their commitments. Since then, they’ve really come through. I feel they’ve done a really good job,” said Councillor Doug Stanford.
    Further funding contributions from Town Council to Hope College will be discussed during Council’s next round of budget deliberations.
    “It’ll be talked over again. We’ll be going over the three year budget process and it will be one of the items discussed,” said Mayor Yemen.

    The Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society is helping community groups this fall.
    Until October 25, 2013, the Cooperating Society will be accepting applications for the Drumheller Fund Grant. The grant was created to support projects that benefit Drumheller, with an emphasis on youth.
    This year, $10,000 is being made available. The fund is not being limited to one applicant, meaning multiple projects may receive funding.
    “Basically, the fund has been responsible for several projects over the years and has more of a focus on youth,” said Angela Keibel, business manager of the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society. “The criteria is fairly simple and the application process is streamlined, so it’s ideal for any organization to apply.”
    To apply, applicants must be qualified donees as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency.
    “For those who aren’t, you can partner with an organization who is. There are a few in Drumheller who are,” said Keibel.
    Other criteria include the project must be accessible to the public and funding cannot be used to cover operating costs, administration, buiding maintenance, and ongoing or pre-existing programming expenses.
    The Drumheller Family Endowment Fund at The Calgary Foundation was established in 1993 by the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society through a donation given by the Drumheller family. The Cooperating Society directs the interest on the fund to projects in Drumheller each year.
    “It’s a wonderful legacy from the Drumheller family,” said Keibel.
    Applications are due on October 25 by 4:30 p.m. Those interest are encouraged to contact Keibel at 403-820-6227 or angela.keibel@tyrrellmuseum.ca for more information.