Heritage Grant writing- Bison Lodge - Community Focused Historic Events Venue

NAPDA has undergone an extreme make-over! Our non-profits goals, and mission have been updated to reflect todays cultural and social needs.  Our association is over 130 years old, and we are excited to be moving forward in a progressive, inclusive, and thoughtful way. 

Unfortunately, times are tough! The cost of maintaining a large log cabin in the heart of Edmonton skyrocketed during COVID.  We invested a significant amount of funds on a multi-year basement renovation that wrapped up the same month COVID forced us to shut down.  The shut down, forced us to refund cancelled events, a financial hit that added to the backlog of deferred maintenance projects, increased our costs, and negating income for a long period of time. 

Bison Lodge, though is the result! And we are in full-swing recovery mode! Through careful financial stewardship, help from SEF, and staffing changes, we are back on stable ground.  With our new branding and mission we are committed to providing a Culturally safe, Inclusive space for all to enjoy the wonders of Edmonton's Heritage.  

Currently, private events, weddings, and corporate event rentals, create 98% of our income. The funds are used to maintain and operate our facility.  Additional funds, if there are any, are used for programs and services not just for members, but for cultural groups represented in the Edmonton region (Cultural Nights, dances and education), supporting other Non-profits  (e.g. - Papaschase Band AGM, Disability without poverty Social night, and Metis Nation of Alberta Crime Week Seminars), and creating real change and opportunity with the Indigenous Community (e.g. Established Elders Counsel, provide discounted or free space for events, and working towards hosting additional programming, such as language lessons, Indigenous cultural education and exposure opportunities (for Indigenous peoples, and non-indigenous peoples).

Bison Lodge is working hard to re-establish itself as a Hub of heritage and culture. With your help, we can do it! If a Pioneers Association, which has roots dating back to 1849 can be progressive, inclusive, and a positive force in Edmonton's heritage movement, then everyone can be!

Our facility, Bison Lodge, was formerly known as Pioneers Cabin, or Old Timers Cabin- Is a designated Edmonton Historic Resource.  Which creates amazing opportunities, but complicates our maintenance needs. With your help, we will to apply for Edmonton's Heritage Council Operations Grant,  and/or a Roof Replacement Grants (we are required to replace with Cedar for Historical accuracy) , and/or a Floor refinishing (again historic restrictions), and/or an Elevator replacement Grant (Current elevator is a bit too "Heritage").

We appreciate any and all assistance. If it is one project, one grant, or multiple, we appreciate your involvement. Beyond maintenance grants, we look forward to working with individuals to co-write grants for Indigenous events and services at the lodge, and welcome interest in aiding that initiative as well.