FORT MCMURRAY — The Wood Buffalo Community Foundation is awarding $250,000 to ten local social profit groups to support mental health and resilience programs across the region.
The funding comes through the foundation’s 2025 granting cycle, which focused on projects that strengthen physical, mental and emotional well-being. The foundation says it received a record number of applications this year, reflecting growing demand for support in communities throughout Wood Buffalo.
Board chair Nicole Bourque-Bouchier said the grants will help organizations deepen their impact at a time of clear need.
“Enhancing the region’s capacity and quality of life is at the heart of our mission,” she said. “This funding helps local organizations respond to critical needs in our communities. Together, we are creating stronger connections and opportunities for everyone.”
The grants include the foundation’s Community Grants and the Shell Albian Sands Environmental Grant. More than 20 endowment funds contributed to the allocations.
Programs supported this year range from youth sport and seniors recreation to food programming, rural outreach and mental health services. Among the recipients are the Autism Society of the RMWB, CMHA Wood Buffalo, KidsSport Wood Buffalo, the Golden Years Society, NorthLife Fellowship Baptist Church and the Hub Family Resource Centre. The Arts Council of Wood Buffalo received the environmental grant for an initiative aimed at empowering artists as environmental changemakers.
CMHA Wood Buffalo executive director Susan Goll said the support will help staff continue meeting residents who are carrying heavy emotional burdens.
“Across our region, whether in town or in our rural communities, we meet with individuals experiencing grief, stress or burnout who often leave feeling a little lighter because someone listened,” she said. “This funding will help us continue creating those safe, human moments of connection.”
The foundation, a registered Canadian charity, manages a $6 million endowment and has granted nearly $3 million since 2017. Its goal is to provide stable, long-term funding to strengthen community organizations.
Comments