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Foundation Grants
The Community Foundation offers one open call for funding annually. Funding opportunities play a crucial role in empowering members of the Westlock community to realize their aspirations. The Westlock Community Foundation (WCF) is dedicated to providing a diverse range of grants to support charitable organizations and community groups.
By offering these resources, we aim to enhance the fabric of our community. Explore the comprehensive list of funding opportunities available through WCF below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Qualified Donee (QD) mean?
Essentially it means that you have registered with the CRA and they have given you permission to issue official income tax receipts. Read more here.
You must be a QD, or partner with one, in order to be eligible for a grant in 2024.
Essentially, If you are operating as a charity and want to issue official donation receipts and not have to pay income tax, you have to apply to be a registered charity. If you are not registered, you do not qualify for these advantages.
Here is a helpful chart to help you tell the difference.
If you are unsure whether your organization is registered or not - you will need to contact the CRA directly.
The short answer is YES! If you qualify for multiple grants, you may apply for whatever ones you want. Keep in mind that we will not give multiple grants in the same year, to the same organization.
No.
You must apply online. If you need assistance, you can email us at info@westlockfoundation.ca or call 780-349-2212 to set up an appointment for support.
Successful applicants will be notified in late May/early June, and must complete a grant agreement, prior to funds being released. Payments will be made in June.
The granting committee is made up of local community volunteers that were appointed before WCF received its charitable status. All volunteers are required to participate in ongoing equity, reconciliation, and bias training. They are also required to complete a confidentiality agreement and follow all of the policies of the Board.
Current members of the committee are:
Debbie McCoy - Chair
Simone Wiley
Teri Smerychynski
Barry Robinson
Greg Morris
Sarah Hayward
Heather Baron
If you are interested in learning more about the committee, please send an email to our WCF office to arrange a meeting with the Granting Committee Chair.
Apply for Grants
2025 Grants
Below you will find information for each of the grants available through the Westlock Community Foundation in 2025. Please READ CAREFULLY, as criteria, eligibility, and the application process has changed for 2025.
About This Granting Program
The Community Priorities Grants Program is the Westlock Community Foundation's largest granting program.
Each year, this fund awards grants to qualified donees in Westlock, Westlock County, and the Village of Clyde. Funding for this program comes from donors across the region that made gifts to the Community Foundation. These donors trust that the Community Priorities Grants Committee and Board of Directors will allocate funding to worthy causes throughout the region.
The Foundation seeks to support projects and initiatives that fall within one or more of the following categories:
- Affordability - Factors that affect conditions of subsistence in our communities, taking into account the availability, affordability, and appropriateness of resources that help all of us meet our basic needs.
- Economic Vibrancy - Creates equitable opportunities for more people to work, earn good wages and thrive
- Safety - Community safety & well-being is the ideal state of a sustainable community where everyone is safe, has a sense of belonging, opportunities to participate, and where individuals are able to meet their needs for education, health care, food, housing, income, and social and cultural expression
- Connection & Belonging - Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued. When they can give and receive without judgment. Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us.
- Active Living - A way of life in which physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual activities are valued and are integrated into daily living
- Environment - Factors contributing to the sum total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects which influence human life
The Community Priorities Fund Programs & Projects Stream will consider requests between $5,000 and $25,000.
What You Need To Know to Apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your WCF-2025-CPG-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
We highly recommend you attend the information session on January 23, 2025 to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Community Priorities Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
February 7, 2025 - Granting Applications Open
April 4, 2025 - Granting Applications Close
Notifications and payments will be made in June 2025.
May 31, 2026 - Final Reports Due
How To Apply
Use our online application system to submit a Proposal to the Community Priorities Granting Program. Community Foundation staff may contact you to discuss your project.
About This Granting Program
The Community Priorities Grant - Capital Stream is one of WCF's new streams for 2025. This grant is funded by the community priorities fund. It is intended for CAPITAL REQUESTS ONLY. If you are not applying for a capital grant this year, please choose one of the other granting streams that applies better to your project.
The Community Priorities Grant, Capital Stream will cover capital requests only. If you are applying for a project or program, please see the non-capital grant stream.The Community Priorities Fund, Capital Requests Stream will consider requests between $5,000 and $25,000.
What You Need To Know to Apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your WCF-2025-CPGC-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
We highly recommend you attend the information session on January 23, 2025 to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Community Priorities Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
February 7, 2025 - Granting Applications Open
April 4, 2025 - Granting Applications Close
Notifications and payments will be made in June 2025.
May 31, 2026 - Final Reports Due
How To Apply
Use our online application system to submit a Proposal to the Community Priorities Granting Program. Community Foundation staff may then contact you to discuss your project.
About the Rural Resiliency Fund
About This Granting Program
The Westlock Community Foundation established this fund in honour of Florence and Albert Miller. The Millers donated the initial gift that started the Foundation, and were deeply rooted in the lifestyle of rural Alberta. The objective of the Rural Resiliency Grant is to enhance and sustain a quality of life in the rural communities Westlock. Examples of organizations that may apply for this grant include: 4H, Community Halls, Agricultural Societies. This fund is not limited to these groups, if you have a project that you believe fits the criteria outlined below, you are invited to apply.
What You Need To Know to Apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your Grant-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
We highly recommend you attend the information session on January 23, 2025 to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Rural Resiliency Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
February 7, 2025 - Granting Applications Open
April 4, 2025 - Granting Applications Close
Notifications and payments will be made in June 2025.
May 31, 2026 - Final Reports Due
How To Apply
Use our online application system to submit a Proposal to the Rural Resiliency Granting Program. Community Foundation staff may then contact you to discuss your project.
About This Granting Program
The Literacy & Learning Fund was established by the Westlock Literacy and Learning Centre to support the ongoing development of the community, and marks a major step forward in supporting educational opportunities and enhancing literacy-related programs and services in Westlock and the surrounding communities.
The Westlock Learning and Literacy Centre’s exceptional generosity will provide a lasting impact on the region's literacy and adult learning landscape. The Literacy and Learning Fund will distribute annual grants totalling up to $10,000 to organizations dedicated to promoting literacy, fostering a love for learning, and advancing educational initiatives.
What You Need To Know to Apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your Grant-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
We highly recommend you attend the information session on January 23, 2025 to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Literacy and Learning Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
February 7, 2025 - Granting Applications Open
April 4, 2025 - Granting Applications Close
Notifications and payments will be made in June 2025.
May 31, 2026 - Final Reports Due
How To Apply
Use our online application system to submit a Proposal to the Rural Resiliency Granting Program. Community Foundation staff may then contact you to discuss your project.
About This Granting Program
The Youth in Action Granting Program aims to empower young leaders by supporting youth-led initiatives that will benefit the community. Projects funded through Youth in Action grants must be initiated, led, and organized by residents within Westlock, Westlock County, and the Village of Clyde up to 25 years of age, in collaboration with a charitable partner.
What You Need To Know to Apply
This granting program accepts applications once per year. Applicants can request a grant of up to $5,000 for their project. To encourage creative, dynamic projects, Youth in Action project proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis to evaluate how well they exemplify the granting program’s mandate.
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your Grant-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding. Your organization must be a CRA-recognized qualified donee or apply in partnership with a qualified donee to be eligible. Learn more about qualified donees here.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Youth in Action Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
Closed for 2024. Check back in September 2025.
How To Apply
Use our online application system to apply for a Youth in Action grant. Community Foundation staff may then contact you to discuss your project.
JOIN THE YOUTH IN ACTION COMMITTEE!!
About This Granting Program
The Community Catalysts Grant empowers local community groups and organizations by supporting initiatives that foster connection, inclusivity, and community spirit. This grant is ideal for small-scale projects, events, and activities that enrich community life and bring people together.
The Community Catalysts Grant was created in response to WCF's Vital Signs research and engagement process. You can learn more about this at Vital Signs Hub
The Community Catalysts Grant will consider requests up to $500.
What You Need To Know to Apply
Prior to filling out your application, please read through your WCF-2025-CC-Guidelines to see if your project is eligible for funding.
We highly recommend you attend the information session on January 23, 2025 to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Support This Granting Program
As a donor, you can establish an endowment within the Community Priorities Fund. Investment income generated by your endowment will support the once-yearly grants issued by the program. You can also make a donation online.
Next Grant Deadline
Applications are accepted twice annually:
- Winter Intake (opens Feb 4, 2025)
- Summer Intake (opens June 30, 2025)
Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, provided applicants meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Unspent funds in winter intake are carried over to summer intake.
How To Apply
Use our online application system to submit a Proposal to the Community Priorities Granting Program. Community Foundation staff may contact you to discuss your project.