United Famers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd. (UFA) announced that the Rural Communities Foundation (RCF) is committing $500,000 over the next five years in grant money to rural communities.  RCF Board Chair, Harvey Hagman talked about the amounts of monies that will be awarded in order to give back to the communities.  "A minimum of $10,000 or up to $100,000 would be awarded this year," he said. 

Tracey Feist, RCF media advisor, explained the parameters for the funding, "It really goes down to the mandate of the RCF, and their mandate is to improve the sustainability of farmers and ranchers in Alberta.  By improving access to funding for educational, recreational, and cultural facilities programs in the communities.  We really want the communities to let us know where they could use the funding in those three areas."

Groups looking to access the program can download the forms from RCFUFA.com.  All of the details of eligibility and guidelines can be found on the website, and registered charities under the Canada Revenue Agency can also apply.

Feist goes on to talk about the types of projects funded, "This is a brand new program, so we have never had any applications before this, but to give you an example of what could be funded would be a playground, or renovations to a community hall, but it would have to fall into the criteria of educational, recreational, or cultural."  

RCF advise applicants to get their applications in early. The deadline is August 31, 2019.