Pincher Creek 2020 winner - Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village - Photo from Rural Communities Foundation website

By Dori Modney

Alberta Rural Communities Foundation encouraging applications for grant program

Jun 9, 2021 | 1:50 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Provincial communities have until the end of August to apply for Alberta`s Rural Communities Foundation grants.

Eligible groups include charities registered under the Canada Revenue Agency, Community service co-operatives and registered non-profit organizations that are registered with either the provincial or municipal government.

The Rural Communities Foundation was created in 2014 as a way to distribute archived equity funds to rural communities where UFA (United Farmers of Alberta) farm and ranch supply stores are located. There are 34 such stores across the province.

The foundation is committed to giving $500,000 to rural Alberta to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta. Communities are encouraged to apply for projects that enrich education, recreation and culture.

In 2020, the foundation received 150 submissions for projects that supported either recreational, education events and activities, or cultural facilities and programs.

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In 2020, the foundation distributed the $100,000 grant to projects in Vegreville, Castor, Irvine and Pincher Creek.

Communities are encouraged to apply for a minimum of $10,000, up to a total of $100,000 for projects that support recreational, educational and cultural facilities and programs.

The number of grants issued depends on the purpose and cost of the applications, which will be accepted until August 31, 2021.

All the information on how to apply can be found on the Rural Communities Foundation website

The winners will be announced in October, during Co-operatives in Canada week.