WestMET grant application deadline approaches for rural communities

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta is making a final call for applications to the WestMET Community Grant, with the current intake closing March 26 at 4:30 p.m.

The grant supports community-led projects in the Town of Hanna, Village of Youngstown and Special Areas No. 2, with funding aimed at strengthening rural life, improving well-being and addressing local needs.

Photo of last year’s WestMET Community Grant recipients accepting their cheques on May 28, 2025. These were the very first grants to be dispersed from the WestMET Community Grant Cycle.

The program, created in partnership with WestMET Group Canada Ltd., is now in its second year and continues to fund initiatives tied to youth, education, environmental stewardship, health and community development.

“This program has proven to be a seamless and effective way to give back to the local communities that have supported the Sheerness Mine for decades,” said Kyle Hobbs, WestMET’s director of operations.

Eligible applicants include charitable and non-profit organizations with projects that benefit local residents, including First Nations and Métis communities.

Helene Nicholson, regional development co-ordinator with the foundation, said the deadline serves as a reminder for groups to bring forward ideas that can benefit their communities.

“We know how meaningful this funding can be for rural communities,” she said.

Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online portal by the deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

More information, including eligibility and application details, is available online.