Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is investing $1.5 million in 83 projects across rural Canada through its AgriSpirit Fund, providing grants to support community infrastructure, food security, accessibility and other local priorities.
The funding ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per project and is intended to help communities improve the facilities and services residents rely on.
Funding targets rural community needs
The projects receiving funding focus on areas including food security, agricultural and community infrastructure, accessibility, energy efficiency, recreation and emergency services. The investments are intended to help rural communities address local needs while building capacity for the future.
“Strong rural communities are built by people who recognize a local need and take action,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC president and CEO. “Through the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, we're proud to support local projects that strengthen the places where people live, work and gather. These investments reflect FCC's commitment to the long-term vitality of rural Canada and to the communities that help our agriculture and food industry thrive.”
The AgriSpirit Fund supports community improvement initiatives in cities, towns and Indigenous communities with populations of fewer than 50,000 people across Canada.
Since the program began in 2004, FCC has supported 1,861 projects through the fund, representing a total investment of $25.5 million.
Non-profit groups eligible to apply
Registered charities, non-profit organizations, municipalities and First Nations, Métis or Inuit governments and communities interested in funding can consult the program website at fccagrispiritfund.ca for eligibility requirements and examples of previously funded projects.
The program directs funding toward community-led initiatives intended to improve local spaces, services and infrastructure.
FCC's role in agriculture and food
FCC is a commercial Crown corporation and a lender serving Canada's agriculture and food sectors. The organization provides financing and capital, as well as AgExpert management software, industry knowledge and business connections.
The corporation says it reinvests its profits into the agriculture and food sectors, with investments aimed at supporting innovation, productivity and sustainability.