Open Call: Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life (Canada)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life provides grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in rural Southwestern Alberta. The fund honours the legacy of the Varley family, who contributed to the rural community of Fishburn, southeast of Pincher Creek, for a century. It was established by local rancher William “Bill” Long in memory of his uncle, Henry Stewart Varley, with the goal of supporting a high quality of life throughout rural Southwestern Alberta. Funding is intended for organizations, projects, and initiatives that address emerging community needs, promote equity, and create significant community impact. Priority is given to innovative approaches, collaborative community initiatives, education and training that strengthens rural organizations, and research or information projects that benefit rural residents. Eligible applicants are local organizations operating in rural Southwestern Alberta whose projects align with the fund’s focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and community support. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong community backing and a clear understanding of local issues.

About the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life

The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life was created to support the wellbeing and sustainability of rural communities in Southwestern Alberta. The fund honours the Varley family’s long-standing connection to the region. The family contributed to the rural community of Fishburn, southeast of Pincher Creek, for approximately a century. Local rancher William “Bill” Long established the fund in memory of his uncle, Henry Stewart Varley. The fund continues this legacy by supporting initiatives that can contribute to a strong and inclusive rural community. Purpose of the Fund The Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life is focused on improving the quality of life throughout rural Southwestern Alberta.

Grants are intended to support:

- Organizations serving rural communities. - Projects addressing emerging rural needs. - Initiatives that promote equity. - Activities that strengthen community support. - Projects with significant community impact. - Innovative approaches to rural challenges. - Collaborative community initiatives. - Education and training for rural organizations. - Research and information initiatives benefiting rural residents. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project responds to a genuine rural community need and contributes to positive local outcomes. Focus on Emerging Needs The fund places importance on emerging needs within rural communities. Projects should therefore demonstrate a clear understanding of current or developing challenges affecting rural residents and communities. Rather than simply maintaining existing activities without a clear new need or impact, applicants should explain: - What issue the project addresses. - Why the issue is important to the local community. - How the need has emerged or changed. - Why the proposed response is appropriate. - What difference the project is expected to make. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The fund supports projects aligned with equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applicants should consider how their proposed activities can contribute to a rural community where people have meaningful opportunities to participate and access community resources and support. Projects that address barriers, strengthen inclusion, or respond to the needs of diverse rural residents may be well aligned with this aspect of the fund. Significant Community Impact Projects supported through the fund should have the potential to create a meaningful impact within rural Southwestern Alberta.

Applicants should clearly identify:

- Who will benefit. - How many people or communities may be reached. - What community need will be addressed. - What outcomes are expected. - How the project could strengthen the rural community over time. Strong applications should demonstrate that the project has benefits beyond the organization itself and responds to broader community priorities. Priority for Innovative Projects Innovation is an important priority of the Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life. The fund gives priority to projects that demonstrate innovation through: - New approaches. - New models. - Creative solutions to rural challenges. - New ways of delivering community support. - Approaches that can produce stronger or more sustainable outcomes. Innovation does not necessarily mean using new technology. A project can demonstrate innovation by developing a new way of addressing a longstanding rural issue or bringing organizations together in a new way. Community Collaboration Projects that foster community collaboration are also prioritised. Applicants can strengthen their proposals by demonstrating how multiple organizations, community groups, volunteers, residents, or other local stakeholders will work together.

Collaborative projects can demonstrate:

- Shared resources. - Shared expertise. - Stronger community networks. - Broader reach. - Joint problem-solving. - More sustainable outcomes. Applicants should clearly explain the role of each participating partner and how collaboration will contribute to the project’s success. Education and Training The fund also prioritises education and training initiatives that strengthen rural organizations. Projects may focus on developing the skills, knowledge, or capacity of local organizations so they can better respond to community needs.

Applicants should explain:

- What skills or knowledge will be developed. - Who will receive the training. - Why the training is needed. - How strengthened organizational capacity will benefit the wider rural community. Research and Information Initiatives Research and information projects can also receive priority when they provide meaningful benefits to rural communities and residents. These initiatives should demonstrate how research, information gathering, analysis, or knowledge shari