Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is giving $1.5 million through its FCC AgriSpirit Fund to 94 community groups, including six in Manitoba, to support rural capital projects.

“The FCC AgriSpirit Fund is another opportunity for us to partner with community organizations that are building for today while keeping future generations in mind,” said Sophie Perreault, FCC executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “I am extremely gratified that more than 80 per cent of the projects this year are energy-efficient or focused on waste reduction, so we are making big strides without leaving deep footprints.”

This year, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund awarded between $5,000 and $25,000 for community improvement projects that enhance the lives of residents or contribute to sustainability in communities. Examples include equipment purchase and installation, energy efficient building improvements and repairs, and the purchase of rescue and fire equipment.

Over the past 16 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported 1,263 projects, an investment of more than $15 million.

The next application period opens March 1, 2020. Registered charities, municipalities and non-profit organizations interested in funding can visit www.fccagrispiritfund.ca for eligibility requirements, to apply online and view past projects.

In Manitoba, the following projects are receiving funding:

  • Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain ($20,000): Install variable speed drives to the HVAC pumps of the Shamrock Centre
  • Rossburn Recreation Commission ($16,000): Replace lights over the ice surface, lobby, kitchen, and dressing rooms of the Rossburn Arena with LED lighting
  • Rosser Central Community Club Inc. ($15,000): Install a universal use gym floor over the former ice surface
  • Rosenfeld & District Skating Rink ($15,000): Replace windows, doors and lighting in the skating rink
  • South Interlake Rockwood Agricultural Society ($15,000): Upgrade the HVAC system to a heat pump recovery system in the society building
  • RM of Taché / Lorette Complex ($15,000): Add two fire cabinets to the Lorette Complex, level the ground of the outdoor rink, and replace the eaves and cladding of another building