The UFA Rural Communities Foundation is again offering up to $100,000 to ensure rural Alberta remains strong.

Five years ago, the UFA Rural Community Foundation made a commitment to give away $100,000 a year for five years with the goal to help keep rural Alberta communities sustainable.

"Our grants really do make it easy for communities to reach their fundraising goals," said board chair, Jennifer Wood. 

In the first four years, the $400,000 has helped 16 communities complete their projects.

Administrator of the Stettler District Agricultural Society, Marg Savage said the $27,900 grant they received from the RCF allowed them to upgrade an outdoor washroom facility on the agriculture grounds. That was key to them securing the high school rodeo finals for the next three years. 

The UFA Rural Communities Foundation's mandate 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 their website www.rcfufa.com. 

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2023. 

Winners will be announced in October, during Co-operative week.

2019 winning projects: 
Paradise Valley,
Delia, 
Onoway. 

2020 winning projects:
Irvine, 
Pincher Creek, 
Vegreville, 
Castor.  

2021 winning projects: 
Drayton Valley.