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Source verified September 20, 2026
H.S. Varley Fund for Rural Life Grants
Supports rural Southwestern Alberta community initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: The Varley Fund deadline moved to October 15, 2026, the application guidance link was updated, and a new Youth in Action Grants section was added.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: The Varley Fund deadline moved to October 15, 2026, the application guidance link was updated, and a new Youth in Action Grants section was added.
Varley Fund deadline and Youth in Action update
The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life now shows a next deadline of October 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., replacing the earlier March 16, 2026 date, and its application-guidelines link now points to a September 2026 document. The page also now includes a grant-specific online application link for submitting an LOI/project proposal. A new Youth in Action Grants Program section was added with eligibility for youth-led projects in Southwestern Alberta, annual intake, and a maximum grant request of $2,000. Its deadline is also shown as October 15, 2026, and the page now includes separate guidelines and an application link for that program.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
October 15, 2026
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Federally registered charities or qualified donees with a business number (BN)
See full eligibility
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.
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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
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Innovation projects that encourage new approaches, new models, and new ways of making change for individuals in the community
- Community Collaboration projects that encourage collaboration and community support in response to local issues
- Education and training initiatives that develop and enhance the skills to strengthen organizations that support the rural community
- Information and research initiatives that impact the rural community and quality of life of its citizens
Documents Needed
- Application Form, Audited Financial Statements, and Operating Budget
- List of Board and key staff members
- Intermediary Agreement (if applying in partnership)
- Project Quote
- Any outstanding final reports for previous Community Foundation grants
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Federally registered charities or qualified donees with a business number (BN)
- Organizations applying in partnership with another registered charity, municipality or school district
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
Selection criteria
- Support for local organizations
- Equity in the community
- Response to emerging needs
- Community impact
- Community support and collaboration
How to apply
- Complete a brief summary of your project for the Letter of Intent (LOI)/Project Proposal using the online grant management system.
- Community Foundation staff will contact you to discuss your project.
- Once the project’s eligibility has been approved and the project proposal is ready for submission, you will be invited to complete the full application.
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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is October 15, 2026.
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 encourage new approaches, new models, and new ways of making change for individuals in the community
Community Collaboration projects that encourage collaboration and community support in response to local issues
Education and training initiatives that develop and enhance the skills to strengthen organizations that support the rural community
Information and research initiatives that impact the rural community and quality of life of its citizens
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 the province of Alberta.
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