Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is giving $1.5 million through its FCC AgriSpirit Fund to 88 community groups across Canada, including six in Manitoba, to support rural capital projects.

“The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports projects that make positive changes in rural communities,” said Sophie Perreault, FCC executive vice-president and chief operating officer. “Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference. We hope all the community groups that received funding will thrive and continue their good work in their communities for many more years to come.”

This year, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund awarded between $5,000 and $25,000 for various community improvement initiatives that enrich the lives of residents in cities, towns or Indigenous communities with fewer than 150,000 people. The fund is one of the ways FCC gives back to the communities where its customers and employees live and work.

Over the past 18 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported 1,444 projects, an investment of $18 million.

The next application period opens March 1, 2022. 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:

  • City of Winkler ($25,000) Replace the lighting in the Winkler Centennial Arena with LED lights
  • RM of Springfield ($20,000) Replace/repair the outdoor rink lighting and rink boards
  • Carman-Dufferin ($15,000) Upgrade the arena lighting to LED lights
  • The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba ($20,000) Paint the exterior of the fully restored Display Building II
  • Glenboro Agrictultural Society ($25,000) Renovate the community hall bathrooms to make them more energy efficient and accessible
  • Killarney Turtle Mountain Arts Council ($5,000) Create accessible entrances and upgrade doors to energy efficient options.