The Westlock Community Foundation announced its 2026 grant recipients on July 27, 2026, distributing nearly $395,000 to 15 organizations, municipalities, and community groups across the region. This year’s grants push the Foundation’s total investment in local projects past $1.1 million since 2023, representing one of its largest giving cycles yet.
The money will support a wide range of initiatives, from youth mental health and outdoor recreation to infrastructure upgrades and rural resiliency. A major highlight is the new Free to Play program, a two-year effort to get more kids playing outside. In its first round, $190,000 was shared among three recipients, with the Town of Westlock receiving $90,500 for its South Trail Forest Project, the largest single grant this cycle.
Community Priorities Grants totalling $76,700 were also handed out. Healthy Families Healthy Futures got $24,700 for a youth mental health and resilience program, while the Westlock and District Food Bank received $15,000 to support its efforts feeding local families in need.
Several capital stream projects got a boost too. The Jarvie Community Council received $21,000 for sewer repairs, and the Cultural Arts Theatre Society was awarded $22,000 for a full colour spotlight system at the R.F. Staples School theatre. The Busby School PAC Society will use $22,000 to upgrade the cement around the outdoor skating rink for all-season use, and Evolution FreeStyle Society got $25,000 for outdoor kitchen and bathrooms at its dryland training center in Tawatinaw.
This announcement comes as the Foundation welcomes new Executive Director Fervone Goings, who started on May 7, 2026. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience from the nonprofit and post-secondary sectors, most recently serving as Executive Lead of WISEST at the University of Alberta.
The Foundation has now invested over $1.1 million locally since 2023, fueled by generous donors and a commitment to making life better across Westlock and the surrounding area. Nonprofits and community groups looking for support in the next cycle can apply when the 2027 granting cycle opens on February 1, 2027.
