Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Community Priorities Grants Program is the largest funding initiative of the Westlock Community Foundation, offering $2,500 to $25,000 for community-impact projects. Funding supports initiatives in six priority areas including affordability, economic vibrancy, safety, belonging, active living, and environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be federally registered charities or qualified donees operating within Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde.
Program Overview
The Community Priorities Grants Program is the flagship grant program of the Westlock Community Foundation.
The program funds impactful community projects designed to improve quality of life across the Foundation’s service region, which includes:
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Town of Westlock
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Westlock County
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Village of Clyde
Funding is made possible through donations from regional donors. Grant decisions are overseen by the Foundation’s Grants Committee and Board of Directors to ensure responsible allocation of community funds.
Funding Amount
Under the Programs and Projects Stream:
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Minimum grant: $2,500
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Maximum grant: $25,000
Funding supports defined programs or time-bound community projects that align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Six Community Priority Areas
Projects must align with at least one of the following six focus areas:
1. Affordability
Supports initiatives that address basic needs, reduce financial barriers, and increase access to essential services.
2. Economic Vibrancy
Encourages local economic development, workforce participation, and sustainable community growth.
3. Safety
Promotes community safety, protection, and supportive environments for residents.
4. Connection and Belonging
Fosters inclusive opportunities, social cohesion, and meaningful relationships across diverse groups.
5. Active Living
Encourages healthy lifestyles, recreation, and physical well-being.
6. Environment
Supports sustainable living practices, environmental stewardship, and long-term ecological health.
Each funded project must clearly demonstrate measurable impact within one or more of these categories.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Geographic Requirement
Organizations must:
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Be located within the Foundation’s region
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Deliver programming within the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde
Legal Status Requirement
Eligible applicants include:
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Federally registered charities
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Qualified donees with a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
Organizations that are not federally registered charities may apply through a partnership with:
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A registered charity
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A municipality
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A school district
The Foundation does not fund societies unless they are also federally registered charities.
What Projects Are Funded?
The program supports:
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Community development initiatives
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Social services programs
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Recreational and wellness activities
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Environmental projects
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Economic empowerment initiatives
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Inclusion and belonging programs
Projects must demonstrate:
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Clear objectives
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Defined target population
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Measurable community benefit
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Strong alignment with one or more priority areas
Why This Grant Matters
The Community Priorities Grants Program plays a critical role in:
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Strengthening local infrastructure and services
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Addressing emerging community challenges
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Supporting grassroots innovation
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Enhancing regional sustainability
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Building resilient, connected communities
By investing donor funds locally, the Foundation ensures that financial resources directly benefit residents within its designated region.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that:
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Your organization meets CRA registration requirements
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Your project will take place within the Foundation’s service region
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The project aligns with one or more priority areas
Step 2: Define Project Scope
Prepare a clear outline including:
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Problem statement
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Target beneficiaries
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Planned activities
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Expected outcomes
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Budget breakdown
Step 3: Secure Partnerships (If Required)
If your organization is not a registered charity, confirm a formal partnership with an eligible entity.
Step 4: Prepare Financial Documentation
Include:
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CRA business number
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Organizational financial statements
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Project budget
Step 5: Submit Application
Complete the grant application through the Foundation’s official grant portal during the funding cycle.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review eligibility criteria before submission to avoid disqualification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following errors:
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Applying without CRA charitable status or qualified donee status
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Failing to demonstrate geographic impact within the region
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Submitting unclear or overly broad project descriptions
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Weak alignment with the six priority areas
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Incomplete budgets or missing financial documentation
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Applying as a society without charitable registration
Clear regional relevance and strong alignment with program priorities significantly increase success rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the funding range?
Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 under the Programs and Projects Stream.
2. Who can apply?
Federally registered charities and qualified donees with a CRA business number. Non-charities may apply through eligible partnerships.
3. What geographic areas are eligible?
Projects must serve the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde.
4. Can a non-registered society apply?
No, unless it partners with a registered charity, municipality, or school district.
5. What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects aligned with affordability, economic vibrancy, safety, connection and belonging, active living, and environment.
6. Are capital projects eligible?
Funding is focused on programs and projects. Applicants should confirm specific capital eligibility within program guidelines.
7. Who makes the funding decisions?
The Grants Committee and Board of Directors of the Westlock Community Foundation oversee allocation decisions.
Conclusion
The Community Priorities Grants Program of the Westlock Community Foundation provides strategic funding between $2,500 and $25,000 to strengthen communities across Westlock, Westlock County, and Clyde.
Organizations that align their proposals with the six priority areas, meet CRA eligibility requirements, and clearly demonstrate regional impact are well positioned for funding consideration.
For more information, visit Westlock Community Foundation.