Frequently Asked Questions
General UFA Foundation FAQ
Do you have questions on eligibility, funding or one of our programs? Review the most commonly asked questions using the categories below.
When will I find out if I’m receiving funding from the UFA Foundation?
Due to the high volume of funding requests we receive, the UFA Foundation will notify you within 6 to 8 weeks whether your application has been approved.
My funding request requires a quicker response. Is there anything I can do?
Please contact us using the form on this website. We will do our best to review your request to align with your timeline; however, we cannot guarantee a response outside of the 6-to-8-week timeline. We encourage you to submit your applications as far in advance as possible.
Grassroots Giving FAQ
Do you need to be a registered charity or non-profit organization to receive funding?
No, community organizations are welcome to apply for funding through the UFA Foundation Grassroots Giving program.
Can my recreational / sports team apply for funding?
Team funding for sports and recreation is not available in the grassroots giving program as there is no way to approach the funding equitably. The goal of the UFA Foundation Grassroots Giving program is to drive impact to the larger agricultural community with the funds provided to communities.
Major Partnerships FAQ
What is the maximum amount of funds available for major partnership applications?
UFA Foundation works with community organizations to design an appropriate investment for community impact.
4-H Funding FAQ
Has the program changed at all since last year?
We are excited to say, the program remains very similar to last year. Just a reminder that 4-H Alberta and 4-H Saskatchewan Districts can also apply!
Why is the program launching in the fall?
UFA recognizes that 4-H Alberta and Saskatchewan Clubs and Districts would benefit from knowing sooner in their season if their funding request was approved. By opening applications in the fall, Clubs and Districts have time to incorporate the funding into their projects and initiatives.
What does a Club or District have to do to apply?
It’s easy! Fill out the application form online. Please ensure that the Club or District leader is submitting the application.
Why is the funding being provided on a first-come, first-served basis?
Available funds are capped at a total of $70,000 for Alberta and $20,000 for Saskatchewan Clubs and Districts that are eligible to apply. This means funding may not be available for all Clubs or Districts. This process gives all Clubs and Districts an equal opportunity to receive funding based on this application process.
What is the review process?
The projects and initiatives that UFA is interested in funding must align with one or more of the 4-H Alberta or 4-H Saskatchewan Club groupings which include:
- Active Living
- Agriculture and Environment
- For the Arts
- In & Around the Home
- Livestock
- Science, Technology & Trade
- Small Animals
- Take the Lead
- District Event
What happens if a Club or District needs more than $300?
UFA is offering $300 for each Club or District to ensure there are funds available for as many Clubs and Districts across the province as possible. If the number listed on the application form exceeds this amount, the application will still be reviewed, and if approved, the Club or District will receive $300 in funding.
What if a Club or District needs less than $300?
In order to provide the funds quickly, the UFA ACF are offering standard funding of $300 for Clubs or Districts. If the funding exceeds your current needs, we encourage you to set it aside for the following year’s programs.
Should I request funding if my program is happening in late 2025 or will further funding be available?
Yes, we request that you apply for funds by January 31, 2025. The funding is available for all 4-H Alberta and 4-H Saskatchewan Club or District projects and initiatives happening in this current season. However, we do request funds be spent on projects and initiatives prior to November 1, 2025.
Are there any exclusions for funding?
The exclusions are as follows: Funding is available at the 4-H Alberta and 4-H Saskatchewan Club level and is not available for projects that support an individual 4-H Club member-only, religious or political initiatives or third-party fundraising.
Can Clubs or Districts join together to submit a single request?
Funding will be approved on a per Club or District basis. If multiple Clubs or Districts wish to have the funding, they must submit separate applications. If multiple Clubs’ or Districts’ projects are related, please indicate that on the application form.
What is the goal of this program?
UFA is dedicated to the communities we serve, and we believe that by providing direct funding to local 4-H Alberta and Saskatchewan Clubs and Districts, we can make the biggest impact. Clubs and Districts can focus on the projects they are working on, instead of looking for ways to raise funds to support them.
When do we need to sign the photo release form?
The photo release form is NOT required at time of application, but should your Club or District be approved/awarded the funds, you will be asked to have any Club or District members included in submitted photos, to have their parent/guardian complete the release form.
Rural Communities Grants FAQ
How long do we have to finish our project?
Projects must be finished within two years of receiving the money from the foundation.
Can I mail in our application?
If you are having difficulty completing the online application, please contact us at acf@ufa.com
We are not a registered charity. Can I still submit an application?
You can apply if you are a charity under the Canada Revenue Agency, or a non-profit registered with the province, municipal government or a community service co-operative.
When will we find out if our application is successful?
Follow along on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages to keep up to date and know exactly when we will be announcing the recipients. Recipients will be announced in October.
Will we get all the money we applied for?
The $100,000 grant is divided among the top projects our judges believe best fit our mandate. If selected as a winner, you may receive the full amount or a portion of the funds available.
Can I apply for money for on-going expenses like salaries?
Sorry, our funding is for capital projects that support educational, recreational and cultural facilities.
How big does my community need to be to apply for funding?
All communities are welcome to apply regardless of size. The review committee is interested in the impact of your project rather than the size of your community.
There isn’t a UFA near me. Can I still apply?
UFA has 34 Farm and Ranch supply stores and more than 110 petroleum locations. As long as you are within 200 kilometres of a UFA location, you can apply.
We applied for funding last year, but didn’t get it. Can we apply again?
Absolutely. Each year, we receive hundreds of applications, and the judges have a tough time selecting only a few. Tweak your application and send it in again.
Should I hire a professional to help me fill out the application?
There is no need to hire a professional. No one knows your project better than you and your committee.
We have more than one project, should we put all projects under one application?
Please complete a separate application for each capital project.
Our project is only for members of a certain demographic – can we still apply?
As long as the general community can benefit from the impact of the project, you can still apply.
Will applications be accepted after August 31st?
No. We need the month of September to read all the great applications. Start the process early and you will have plenty of time.