The Edmonton Community Foundation, which funds local charities, has received $21-million from an anonymous donor.

"We can never encroach on the $21-million but we will invest the money and will be giving away, from the flow of income, a minimum of $1-million a year," says Doug McNally, the foundation's chief executive officer.

The foundation supports a wide range of arts and social services projects.

One of the largest at the moment is a program to help 1,200 city children read better.

The foundation expects to fund more than $5-million in projects this year. With the new donation, McNally says that should jump to almost $7-million next year.