How The Confluence Is Building Donor Confidence and Community Support
Press Release
JANUARY 21, 2026
In 2025, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland secured $1.7 million in funding, a clear reflection of growing confidence from donors, sponsors, and public funders. Support is increasing because people see meaningful work taking place on the land, in the exhibits, and through inclusive programs that reflect shared values. That alignment has strengthened The Confluence’s donor base while attracting larger funders who want to invest in long-term impact.
According to Shawna Morrison, Fund Development Specialist at The Confluence, 2025 marked a turning point in how supporters engaged with the organization.
“People are responding to the work itself,” says Morrison. “They see programs and partnerships that are thoughtful, community driven, and grounded in care for this place. That has built trust and momentum.”
That momentum translated into tangible results.
Total grants and donations increased from $968,037 in 2023 to $1,746,951 in 2025 — this increase of approximately 80 per cent is thanks in large part to municipal, provincial, and federal grants alongside arts and culture funders. Growth was driven by higher demand for programs, workshops, and venue rentals, with the only constraints being space and staffing capacity.
“What we’re seeing is sustained interest,” Morrison says. “Demand is strong, and that speaks to the relevance of what we’re offering.”
Individual giving also showed steady growth, with donation top-ups on event tickets contributing approximately $3,300, online and in-person donations totaling $5,400, and the annual 50/50 raffle selling $36,000 worth of tickets.
“We’ve always relied on diverse funding,” Morrison says. “What stood out this year was increased individual participation. That tells us people feel personally connected to what we’re doing.”
Programming That Builds Connection
Donor support is closely tied to programming that invites deeper engagement with history, land, and culture. The opening of Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) in May 2025 marked a major milestone and the first significant update to permanent exhibits in more than 20 years. The Blackfoot exhibit has drawn strong public response and donor interest, reinforcing the value of Indigenous-led storytelling.
“Our supporters want to see their contributions creating real experiences,” says Morrison. “Their support goes directly to exhibits, education, land stewardship, and infrastructure people can see and feel.”
Currently, The Confluence has committed $1 million toward the City-led Residential School Memorial, The Wandering Spirit, designed by Siksika artist Adrian Stimson. Thanks to support from the Government of Alberta, 80% of the fundraising goal has been reached and community support is needed to bring the memorial fully to life. Donors are invited to contribute to the Memorial Fund and be part of a lasting act of remembrance, truth, and healing.
Thank You for Believing in Our Mission
Thank you for staying connected, for your generosity, and for believing in our work and mission. Together, we are shaping a place where history, community, and reconciliation meet.
ILR5
