The UFA Rural Communities Foundation continues $100,000 Community Grant Program

Does your rural community have a project that needs a financial jab?

While Covid-19 has created upheaval it hasn’t stopped community groups from dreaming about projects that will boost their immunity after the pandemic.

For the third year, the UFA Rural Communities Foundation (RCF) is offering a $100,000 grant to ensure rural Alberta remains strong.

“We know this has been a tough year for community groups. This is why we are proud to do our part to keep rural communities sustainable. We have seen the difference our grants have made to the communities and their projects. We made the commitment to give away $100,000 a year for five years and Covid-19 has shown us the importance of these grants,” said RCF board chair, Harvey Hagman.

Hazel Bourke with the Onoway and District Historical Guild said the $50,000 they received to build an equipment shed was the kickstart needed to start their heritage village and preserve their area’s history. Inside the shed are threshing machines, fanning mills, buggies and wagons. They have also started to hang old tools on the shed walls.

“The new shed has allowed us to expand our museum,” said Bourke.

The UFA Rural Communities Foundation has committed to invest $500,000 over five years to rural communities. The mandate of the foundation is to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta by improving access to funding for educational, recreational and cultural facilities and programs in Alberta.

Groups who are eligible to apply include registered charities under the Canada Revenue Agency, registered non-profit organizations who are registered with either their provincial or municipal government and community service co-operatives. The project must be located within 200 kilometres of a UFA location and must be completed within two years.

Application forms are available on-line now from our website www.rcfufa.com. The application can be submitted until August 31, 2021. Winners will be announced in October, during Co-operative week.

In 2019, the winning projects were in Paradise Valley, Delia and Onoway. In 2020 winning projects were in Irvine, Pincher Creek, Vegreville and Castor. Information and photos of these projects are on the website.

For more information on how to apply for the RCF grant, please go to our website or email info@rcfufa.com.

Follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates, tips on filling out the application form and highlights from the previous winners.