July 2026 – The Westlock Community Foundation (WCF) is proud to announce its 2026 grant recipients, awarding nearly $395,000 to projects that strengthen communities, support learning and well-being, enhance recreation, advance rural resiliency, and create new opportunities for children and families across the region. This year's granting cycle represents one of the Foundation's largest investments to date, including support through WCF's established granting programs and the new Free to Play initiative.

This year's recipients include Cultural Arts Theatre Society, Jarvie Community Council, Busby School PAC Society, Evolution Freestyle Society, the Town of Westlock, Westlock Figure Skating Club, Healthy Families Healthy Futures, Westlock Community Art Club, the Village of Clyde, Westlock and District Food Bank, Westlock WECAN, RF Staples Agriculture Program, Gateway Research Organization, Pembina North Community School Library Committee, and Westlock Independence Network. For the complete 2026 core grants recipients and projects list, visit our Grants page.

These organizations represent the creativity, dedication, and volunteer spirit that continue to make the Westlock region a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Their projects will enhance community spaces, support youth and families, strengthen agriculture and education, improve accessibility, and create opportunities for connection and belonging.

“Our communities are filled with people who see possibilities and are willing to work together to bring them to life,” said Fervone Goings, WCF Executive Director. “These grants support local leaders, volunteers, and organizations who are creating opportunities for people to connect, learn, play, and thrive. We are excited to invest in projects that will have lasting impact throughout the region.”

A significant highlight of 2026 is the launch of the Free to Play initiative, a two-year funding program designed to increase access to outdoor recreation and play opportunities that foster creativity, physical activity, community connection, and healthy childhood development. This year's projects include the Town of Westlock's South Trail Forest Project, Alberta Trappers Association's Supporting Schools & Community with Outdoor Play initiative, and Pembina Hills School Division's Loose Parts, Big Ideas: A Blueprint for Unstructured Outdoor Play. Additional funding will be distributed through the program in 2027. View the 2026 Free to Play grantee and project list on our Free to Play page.

With 2026 investments approaching $398,000, the Foundation has now surpassed $1 million in granting. This milestone reflects the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the growing impact of community philanthropy throughout the region.

“The road to one million dollars in granting was built one gift, one grant, and one partnership at a time,” said Goings. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are equally excited about what lies ahead. Together, we are turning local generosity into lasting impact.”

As the Foundation looks ahead, it invites donors to be part of the next chapter. Whether through a one-time gift, a legacy contribution, or the creation of a charitable fund, every donation helps build a stronger future for the Westlock region and ensures local charitable resources remain available for generations to come.

The 2027 granting cycle will open February 1, 2027.