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H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants
Supports rural Southwestern Alberta community initiatives
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports organizations and initiatives that improve quality of life in rural Southwestern Alberta. Funding amounts are not specified, and eligible projects include innovation, community collaboration, education and training, and research-related initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Innovation projects that introduce new approaches or models
- Community collaboration projects addressing local issues
- Education and training initiatives
- Information and research initiatives
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Audited financial statements
- Operating budget
- List of board and key staff members
- Project quote
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- CRA-recognized qualified donees
- Organizations applying in partnership with a qualified donee
- Registered charities with a CRA business number
- Municipalities or school districts in partnership with an applicant
Who is not eligible
- Organizations without CRA charitable status or a qualified donee partner
- Societies that are not federally registered charities
- Religious or political organizations seeking support mainly for their own activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital-heavy projects such as new construction, renovations, large equipment, playgrounds, parks, and vehicles
- Retroactive expenses incurred before the final decision date
- Deficit reduction
- Endowment building
- Activities mainly serving religious or political organizations
- Projects that do not benefit rural Southwestern Alberta residents
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural Southwestern Alberta
- Areas from the U.S. border north to Arrowwood
- Areas from the B.C. border west to Grassy Lake
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Rural Life Grants Committee.
- The committee makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval.
- Applicants are notified of the outcome.
- Funding is awarded about two months after the deadline.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted twice yearly.
- Applicants are notified after review, whether funded or not.
- Final reports for previous Community Foundation grants must be up to date.
- Applications are reviewed by the Rural Life Grants Committee before board approval.
Frequently Asked Questions about the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants?
This program supports organizations and initiatives that improve quality of life in rural Southwestern Alberta. Funding amounts are not specified, and eligible projects include innovation, community collaboration, education and training, and research-related initiatives.
Who is eligible for the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants program?
To be eligible for the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants program, you must:
CRA-recognized qualified donee or partner
Located or active in rural Southwestern Alberta
Project supports rural communities
What expenses are eligible under H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants?
Innovation projects that introduce new approaches or models
Community collaboration projects addressing local issues
Education and training initiatives
Information and research initiatives
Who can I contact for more information about the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants?
You can contact Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (CFLSA).
Where is the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants available?
The H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants program is available across Canada.
Is the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants?
H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants is funded by Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (CFLSA)