Three Year Distribution Strategy

The Jasper Fire Caring Community Fund is currently distributed guided by a comprehensive three-year distribution strategy designed to address immediate and long-term recovery needs in the community. The strategy allocates:

  • 82% of funds to direct individual and family support through Community Outreach Services, addressing urgent financial barriers through targeted sub-funds like the Mental Health Crisis Fund, Health and Well-being Fund, and Child and Youth Participation Fund. Of this, 5% is dedicated to community programming aimed at fostering connection, healing, and resilience.

  • 18% is reserved for the Legacy Fund which operates as an ‘Endowment’, earning interest to be applied to ongoing operational, fundraising and administrative costs, ensuring that the organization remains sustainable and able to serve the needs of of community members now and into the future. 

Health and Well-Being Fund

This sub-fund helps individuals and families address social, physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Eligible expenses include:

  • Food Costs: Groceries, pantry restocking.

  • Shelter Costs: Rent, utilities, emergency housing.

  • Pharmaceuticals: Prescription medications, menstrual hygiene products.

  • Clothing: Seasonal items such as jackets, mittens, boots.

  • Infant and Child Needs: Diapers, formula, essential baby items.

  • Medical Devices: Hearing aids, mobility aids, glasses.

  • Transportation Costs: Travel for medical care or essential services.

  • Household Essentials: Small appliances, bedding, toiletries.

Other Recovery Needs: Additional recovery-related needs as determined by outreach workers.

Child and Youth Participation Fund

This sub-fund ensures children can access cultural and recreational activities. Eligible expenses include:

  • Activity Fees: Registration for sports, arts, dance, Scouts, or Guides.

  • School Participation: Field trip fees or other school-related activities.

  • Equipment and Gear: Items required for participation in activities.

Other Recovery Needs: Additional recovery-related needs as determined by outreach workers.

Mental Health Fund

This sub-fund supports community members’ mental and spiritual well-being. Eligible expenses include:

  • Medications: Costs related to mental health prescriptions.

  • Transportation: Travel to therapy or medical appointments.

  • Accommodation: Lodging for out-of-town mental health appointments.

  • Counselling Services: Online or private therapy sessions.

  • Other Recovery Needs: Additional recovery-related needs as determined by outreach workers.

6 Month Update

Jasper Wildfire 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Jasper Community Team Society (JCTS) is a registered charity in Jasper, Alberta, dedicated to raising funds to help residents overcome challenges to their well-being. Since 2004, the JCTS has provided direct financial support to Jasper residents through the Caring Community Fund, which is available through Community Outreach Services. Residents in need can access these funds by visiting Community Outreach Services. Click here, for more information about our vision and mission.

  • Through a strong partnership, the JCTS and Community Outreach Services work together towards a shared goal of ensuring that Jasper residents can access support to overcome barriers to their well-being. The JCTS focuses on fundraising and making funds available, while Community Outreach Services serves as the central place for social support in the community to distribute funds directly to Jasper residents. 

    When a Jasper resident faces challenges, Community Outreach Services employees help individuals explore available resources, including government aid, insurance, and support from organizations like the Canadian Red Cross. The JCTS funds are only accessed when all other funding sources have been exhausted.

  • In the days after the wildfire, the JCTS’s volunteer board quickly launched a fundraising effort to assist the community’s long-term recovery beyond immediate relief efforts. Since then, the JCTS has raised over $1.7 million to directly support residents in overcoming challenges to their well-being through Community Outreach Services. Now, as a dedicated local advocate and registered charitable organization, the JCTS continues to focus on fundraising to support Jasper’s long-term recovery, ensuring support remains available for years to come. 

  • Recovery after a wildfire is a long-term process. The JCTS is committed to ongoing support, helping residents navigate challenges long after immediate relief efforts and insurance payments have ended. The JCTS will continue to advocate for community needs, raise funds, and provide resources to support Jasper’s recovery for years to come.

  • Organizations like the Government of Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Banff Canmore Community Foundation provided immediate relief after the wildfire and continue to do so. The JCTS worked closely with the Banff Canmore Community Foundation to release $500,000 to Community Outreach Services for immediate relief, directly supporting many individuals and families. To learn more about immediate relief support available, please click here.

  • If you are in immediate emergency healthcare need, call 911. For housing, financial aid, mental health, and crisis support, you can find additional resources on the Municipality of Jasper website.

  • To date, the JCTS has raised over $1.7 million to support wildfire recovery efforts in Jasper.

    In 2024, $70,000 was distributed through Community Outreach Services to assist residents in need.

    For 2025, an additional $382,000 has already been released to Community Outreach Services, with more funds set to be distributed as additional donations come in.

    The JCTS remains committed to continually fundraising to ensure ongoing support for the community's long-term recovery.

  • To access funds, please schedule an appointment with Community Outreach Services by calling 780-852-2100 or emailing community@jasper-alberta.ca.

  • The JCTS is legally required to distribute funds through qualified organizations that align with our mission, like Community Outreach Services. As a registered charity, the JCTS cannot provide funds directly to individuals but ensures support reaches those in need through our partnership with Community Outreach Services.

  • The JCTS serves as a secondary advisor for these funds. Fund distribution follows a formal process led by the Banff Canmore Community Foundation and the donors themselves, which is still being developed based on community needs. The JCTS continues to work with these organizations, and further updates will be shared once available. You can read more about these funds here.