Deadline: 01-Apr-2026
The Rural Resiliency Fund supports projects that enhance and sustain quality of life in rural communities within the Westlock region of Alberta. Established by the Westlock Community Foundation in honour of Florence and Albert Miller, the fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible charities and qualified donees operating in Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde.
About the Fund
The Rural Resiliency Fund was created by the Westlock Community Foundation in honour of Florence and Albert Miller, whose founding donation established the foundation and reflected their strong ties to rural Alberta.
The fund continues their legacy by investing in initiatives that strengthen rural vitality, sustainability, and community well-being.
Grant Objective
The Rural Resiliency Grant aims to:
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Enhance quality of life in rural communities
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Support sustainability and long-term community development
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Strengthen social, agricultural, and civic engagement initiatives
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Promote projects that serve residents across the Westlock region
Funding Amount
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Maximum funding: up to $10,000 per project
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Funding decisions typically announced approximately two months after the application deadline
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include:
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4H organizations
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Community Halls
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Agricultural Societies
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Other community groups aligned with fund objectives
Applicants must:
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Be located within the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, or Village of Clyde
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Or deliver programming within these geographic boundaries
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Be a federally registered charity or qualified donee with a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
Societies that are not federally registered cannot receive funding directly.
Partnership Option for Non-Registered Groups
Organizations without a CRA business number may still access funding by:
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Partnering with a registered charity
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Partnering with a municipality
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Partnering with a school district
In this arrangement, the registered partner receives and administers the funds on behalf of the project.
This pathway ensures that grassroots, community-led initiatives can still receive support while maintaining compliance with federal funding regulations.
Review and Approval Process
The grant process is managed by the Rural Resiliency Grant Review Committee, which includes:
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Community Foundation directors
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Volunteers from rural Westlock
Each application undergoes careful review before recommendations are submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval.
All applicants are notified of the outcome.
Why This Fund Matters
The Rural Resiliency Fund:
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Supports rural infrastructure and programming
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Encourages agricultural and youth engagement initiatives
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Strengthens community halls and gathering spaces
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Preserves rural identity and sustainability
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Enables collaboration across rural municipalities
By honoring Florence and Albert Miller’s legacy, the fund continues to reinvest in rural Alberta communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can an organization receive?
Projects may receive up to $10,000.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Federally registered charities or qualified donees operating within Westlock, Westlock County, or the Village of Clyde.
3. Can a non-registered society apply?
Yes, but only through a partnership with a registered charity, municipality, or school district.
4. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that enhance and sustain quality of life in rural communities, including agricultural, youth, and community facility initiatives.
5. When are funding decisions made?
Funding is typically awarded approximately two months after the application deadline.
6. Who reviews the applications?
The Rural Resiliency Grant Review Committee evaluates applications and submits recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Conclusion
The Rural Resiliency Fund plays a vital role in strengthening rural life in the Westlock region of Alberta. By offering grants of up to $10,000, the fund supports community organizations, agricultural groups, and local initiatives that enhance sustainability and quality of life. With structured oversight and flexible partnership options, the program ensures both accountability and accessibility—continuing the legacy of Florence and Albert Miller while investing in the long-term vitality of rural Alberta communities.
For more information, visit Westlock Community Foundation.
