EDA Donor Advised Fund
Support Philanthropic Initiatives
Are you looking for ways to create a meaningful legacy? Then consider donating to the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Foundation Fund at the Calgary Foundation.
In 2011, Economic Developers Alberta established a Donor Advised Endowment Fund at Calgary Foundation. This Fund serves as a means for individuals, families, and organizations to join EDA in supporting various educational initiatives that align with EDA's overall mission. Grants made from the Fund may support initiatives that include bursaries, mentorship programs, career counselling and coaching, skill-building exercises, speaker series, presentations, and networking events for students.
In 2025, the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Foundation Fund established the Linda Erickson Memorial EDA Student Award at the University of Lethbridge and supported the Career Centre at the University of Alberta. These initiatives honour the memories of our long-time members, Linda Erickson and Gerry Gabinet.
Our ongoing goal is to grow the Fund so we can continue to support other amazing educational initiatives throughout the province.
Donate Now
If you would like to donate directly to the Fund you can make an online donation here.
All donations are processed by www.canadahelps.org. You will receive an electronic tax receipt directly from Canada Helps.
Cheques are also accepted, made payable to the Calgary Foundation, indicating in the memo section ”Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Foundation Fund" and mailed to:
Calgary Foundation
1180 – 105 12 Ave SE | Calgary, AB | T2G 1A1
Supporting Educational Initiatives that Align with EDA's Mission
Linda Erickson Memorial EDA Student Award at the University of Lethbridge
In 2024, EDA announced the official creation of the Linda Erickson Memorial EDA Student Award. The Award will be made available to a qualified University of Lethbridge Student for $2,000 in each of March 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Linda Erickson was recognized by EDA in 1997 as the Economic Developer of the Year in our province. She received the inaugural Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award at EDA’s 2023 annual Awards of Excellence Dinner recognizing the crucial role she played in developing others within the profession. She passed away on March 11, 2024.
The Career Centre at the University of Alberta, supporting mentorship and networking in honour of Gerry Gabinet.
Gerry Gabinet was the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Strathcona County from 2022-2020. He also served on the EDA board, as well as the EDAC board. In 2015, he won EDO of the year. In 2019, EDA presented him with a lifetime membership in recognition of his mentorship to young EDO's in the province and beyond.
In 2023, EDA established an award in his name to recognize the importance of mentorship in the economic development profession.
In 2025, the Gerry Gabinet Golf Tournament was transitioned to EDA. A collaboration with the University of Alberta Career Centre was also established at that time., Gerry's Alma Mater.
He passed away August 9, 2020.