Through its 2026 Rural Communities Grant Program, the UFA Foundation is supporting projects that create lasting benefits for rural residents and agricultural communities.
The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation (UFA Foundation) has announced five recipients of its 2026 Rural Communities (RC) Grant program, committing a total of $100,000 to capital projects across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Each selected organization will receive $20,000 to support projects designed to strengthen agricultural communities through education, recreation, and cultural activities.
"The UFA Foundation RC Grant program is about investing in places and projects that bring people together. This year’s applicants demonstrated tremendous commitment to strengthening agricultural life, and we are proud to support projects that will create lasting value for the people who live in these communities.” said Kevin Hoppins, UFA Foundation Advisory Board Chair.
Applications were assessed according to the program's eligibility requirements and community impact criteria. Successful projects demonstrated a clear community need, accessibility for local residents and the potential to create lasting benefits.
The 2026 recipients and their projects are:
- Athabasca District Agricultural Society — Big Coulee Barn Indoor Growing Retrofit, Athabasca, Alberta
- Bezanson Agricultural Society — Bezanson Community Hub Revitalization, Bezanson, Alberta
- Coyote Community Association — Exterior Renovation, Sangudo, Alberta
- Rose Valley & District Recreation Complex Association — Lobby Bench Replacement, Rose Valley, Saskatchewan
- Vilna District and Agricultural Society — Vilna Riding Arena, Vilna, Alberta
The UFA Foundation plans to follow each project from its announcement through completion and share the community benefits generated by the investments.
“The UFA Foundation thanks all applicants for the thoughtful work that went into their submissions,” said Hoppins. “While only five projects were selected this year, the quality of applications reflected the commitment, creativity and care rural organizations bring to strengthening their communities.”
The $100,000 awarded through the 2026 RC Grant program represents part of the foundation's broader $1 million community funding commitment for the year.
The programme has distributed $300,000 through the RC Grant program during the past three years, supporting 14 projects.
The current program continues the work of the former UFA Rural Communities Foundation, which invested $500,000 in 20 projects over five years.
Combined, the two programs have provided $800,000 for 34 rural community capital projects over the past eight years.
Photo Credit: ufa-agricultural-community-foundation