Rural community groups can now apply for funding from Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund.

The fund gives grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada for community improvement initiatives.

In the past grants have been given for purchasing equipment for emergency services and recreation centres to building care homes and playgrounds. Nearly 950 groups have received grants totalling $9.5 million since the fund was launched in 2004. Another $1 million will be handed out this year.

The application deadline is April 18 and FCC will announce the selected projects in August.

Rural community groups can view the eligibility requirements, past projects, and apply online by visiting fccagrispiritfund.ca.