Seventeen Alberta communities have received grants for projects such as fire and rescue equipment, play structures, and facility repairs or upgrades.

Farm Credit Canada’s AgriSpirit Fund is donating $1.5 million to 84 groups across the country. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, are aimed at enhancing the lives of rural residents or contributing to sustainability in their communities. Over the past 15 years, the fund has given more than $13.5 million to 1,170 projects.

In Alberta, the following projects are receiving funding:

• M.D. of Wainwright, $25,000 to purchase a water tanker truck for the Irma Fire & Rescue Department.
• Benalto Booster Club Society, $20,000 to renovate a historical train station into a community centre.
• Coalhurst Parks and Recreation Society, $20,000 to build an outdoor spray park.
• Holden Agricultural Society, $20,000 for arena renovations.
• Hussar Rural Fire Association, $20,000 for new motor vehicle rescue tools.
• Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, $20,000 for kitchen cabinets for a new community kitchen/multi-purpose room.
• St. Vital Seniors Club, $20,000 to make safety improvements to the facility floor and replace the club’s roof.
• Victoria Trail Agricultural Society, $20,000 to build a fully equipped fitness centre and historic exhibit.
• Dunmore Equestrian Society, $15,000 towards an equine therapy arena.
• Greencourt Community Association, $15,000 to replace the water well at the community hall.
• Hythe & District Recreational Society, $15,000 to repair the community centre roof.
• Sexsmith Curling Club, $15,000 for a wheelchair lift.
• St. Paul Regional Lions Quarterback Club, $15,000 for LED lights at its football field.

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• Water Valley Community Association, $10,000 towards a new community centre.
• Busby Volunteer Fire Department Society, $5,000 to purchase a side by side for wildland fire and off-road rescue.
• Indus School Council, $5,000 for playground equipment.
• Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association, $5,000 to repair the roof and insulate the agricultural exhibition building.

The next application period for the FCC Agri-Spirit Fund opens in spring 2019. It is open to registered charities, municipalities, and non-profit organizations seeking funding for capital projects. Complete eligibility requirements, the online application form, and info on past projects can be found at www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.