A day of celebration and community spirit unfolded as representatives from UFA and the Agricultural Community Foundation (UFA Foundation) visited the Weyburn Agricultural Society last week, one of the proud recipients of the 2024 Rural Communities (RC) Grant Program. Local reporters attended to capture the excitement and share this uplifting story with the wider community. See Discover Weyburn's coverage of the event here: Community spirit: UFA Foundation backs Weyburn Ag Society with significant donation - DiscoverWeyburn.com - Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Job Listings for the Weyburn, Saskatchewan
"It is wonderful to be here in person and to see the impact that our UFA Foundation is having in communities like Weyburn," said Jennifer Wood, UFA Foundation Advisory Board Chair. "Facilities like the Weyburn Exhibition Hall are so much more than bricks and mortar. They are places where memories are made and where communities come together. Hearing how vital this facility is to the community truly reflects the purpose of the UFA Foundation. Our purpose is to ensure that facilities and programs enriching recreation, education, and culture continue to thrive for generations to come."
Pictured left to right: Ken Vogel, UFA Delegate; Jennifer Wood, UFA Foundation Advisory Board Chair; Tyler Metheral, Weyburn Agricultural Society; and Weyburn UFA Petroleum Agent, Jason Petersen.
Launched on Farmer's Day in 2024, the RC Grant program built on the success of the former Rural Communities Foundation (RCF) and awarded $100,000 in funding in 2024 and $500,000 in funding to 20 rural community capital projects over the past five years.
The Weyburn Agricultural Society was awarded a $25,000 grant to revitalize the Weyburn Exhibition Hall, a cherished 65-year-old building that serves as the heart of community events. The grant was used to upgrade the building's exterior, including new brick and metal siding, fascia, eavestroughs, and several windows. The project will culminate with a brand-new sign proudly displayed at the front of the building, symbolizing a fresh chapter for this vital community hub.
The group gets a tour of the facility.
In addition to the Weyburn Agricultural Society, other 2024 RC Grant recipients included the Kneehill Historical Society, which received $15,000, the Rimbey Agricultural Society with $30,000, and the Wrentham Community Centre, also awarded $30,000. These grants made a tangible difference, fostering growth and enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.
Charitable and non-profit organizations, along with community service-oriented co-operatives are invited to apply for a minimum of $10,000 up to a total of $40,000 for capital projects that support recreational, educational and cultural facilities and programs, and enrich the rural life of agricultural, farming and ranching communities. RC Grant applications will open again in June, with $100,000 available for community projects.
In total, the UFA Foundation has committed to providing a total of $1 million in support in 2025 across multiple community programs, projects and initiatives, including grassroots, 4-H and other major partner programs. Click here for more information: UFA Foundation Programs.
Stay tuned as we bring you more stories of community triumph and the positive impact of the UFA Foundation's initiatives. To learn more about the UFA Agricultural Community Foundation and the Rural Communities Grant program, please visit www.ufafoundation.com.
