Western Communities Foundation Invites Applications for 2026 Community Infrastructure Grants
Eligible municipalities, registered charities and qualified donees encouraged to apply for $5,000 grants by November 15
HIGH RIVER, AB, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Western Communities Foundation (WCF), the charitable arm of Western Financial Group, is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Infrastructure Grants. Eligible Canadian municipalities, registered charities and other qualified donees are encouraged to apply by November 15, 2026, for funding to create and improve the shared spaces that bring their communities together.
Each grant provides $5,000 toward building, upgrading, enhancing or renovating publicly accessible community spaces. Projects can improve accessibility, sustainability, health and safety, climate resilience or social connection, with clear benefits for the broader community.
"At Western, we believe strong communities are built through people coming together to create places where everyone feels safe, supported and connected," said Rod Cunniam, Chair of the Western Communities Foundation. "Whether it's improving accessibility, enhancing public spaces or helping communities adapt to future challenges, these grants empower local leaders to invest in projects that make a meaningful difference for generations to come."
For more than 20 years, the Community Infrastructure Grant program has been helping Canadian charities, municipalities and communities create, upgrade and enhance shared spaces where people can gather, connect and take part in community life.
Eligibility and how to apply
Applicants must be Canadian registered charities or other qualified donees recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). They must operate in or serve a community where Western Financial Group has a presence.
Community improvements must be located in Canada, be completed within 12 months of receiving funding and have a total budget of no more than $500,000 CAD, including all phases where applicable. The community space must be publicly accessible and owned or operated by an organization providing programs or services to the broader community.
"Community infrastructure is about much more than buildings and public spaces," Cunniam added. "It's about creating opportunities for connection, inclusion and resilience. Every project supported through these grants contributes to stronger communities and a brighter future for Canadians."
WCF has invested more than $2.6 million in community infrastructure, supporting more than 540 initiatives across Canada. As the Foundation celebrates 25 years of giving back in 2026, its broader impact since its founding in 2001 includes almost $1 million invested in students' academic goals and $1.5 million raised and reinvested locally to support communities and help employees give back to the places they call home. Together, these efforts reflect Western's commitment to building Safe Places to live, work and play.
The Foundation's broader Infrastructure Grants Program also includes the AMM Infrastructure Grant, available to members of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, and the Indigenous Infrastructure Grant, which supports infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities.
To review the full eligibility requirements and submit an application, visit westernfinancialgroup.ca/CommunityInfrastructureGrants. An information session recording is also available on the page.
Western Communities Foundation
Founded in 2001, the Western Communities Foundation, the non-profit arm of Western Financial Group, serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live, work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation's core donation programs include Community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Bursary Awards for graduating high school students, and the Emergency Support Fund for Canadian charities facing unexpected crises. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has supported its local communities across Canada. An award-winning organization, Western is an Excellence Awardee for the CNA Canada Award for Excellence in Philanthropy & Community Service for both 2025 and 2026, and received the Membership Community Champion Award 2026 from the Insurance Brokers Association of Manitoba. Visit westerngives.ca for more information.
SOURCE Western Financial Group
For more information: Nichola Petts, Manager - Media & Public Relations, [email protected]
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