Primary Agricultural Societies Operating Grant

Overview

Through the Primary Agricultural Societies Operating Grant, the government supports the dedication and efforts made by agricultural societies to strengthen their communities. Each year, agricultural societies organize more than 37,000 activities throughout the province and host more than 2.3 million Albertans at their various facilities and events. 

To offset the costs of operating a facility or delivering services and programs within their communities, the grant provides partial reimbursement for activities like rodeos, farm safety initiatives, board governance training as well as infrastructure maintenance costs.  

See the Primary Agricultural Societies Operating Grant Program guidelines for more information.

Funding

There are 4 sections under which an agricultural society can receive grant funding:

• governance, leadership and training expenses
• agricultural activities and programs expenses
• operational expenses
• base grant

Eligibility 

To receive a grant, applicants must:

• operate a facility or run an agricultural event or program
• be a primary agricultural society in good standing under the Agricultural Societies Act

Eligible expenses

All expenses claimed must be paid by the agricultural society and be captured in year-end financial statements. Supporting schedules, copies of ledgers, or statement of expense templates can be used to detail and support your claim, see the program guidelines for a complete list.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

• advertising, fair books or event signage
• office expenses
• additional staffing, contractors, judges or announcers
• cleaning and sanitation
• event insurance
• sanction fees
• security

How to apply

Download all the documents to read and complete.

Step 1. Read the guidelines and supporting information

• Primary Agricultural Societies Grant Program Guidelines
• Primary Agricultural Society Grant Program Sample Application
• Financial Statement Requirements

Step 2. Complete the application package

• Primary Agricultural Societies Grant Program Application Form
• Annual Return Form – Required: to verify your society is in good standing
• Statement of Expense Template (if required)
• Your year-end financial statements to support expense claims

Step 3. Submit the application form

• Email or mail the application package to the Rural Programming Program Coordinator.

Contact

Connect with the Rural Programming Program Coordinator and submit your application: 

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-968-3517
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-963-4709
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Agriculture and Irrigation
#106, 4709 – 44 Avenue
Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1N4