The MD and Town of Pincher Creek are accepting applications for the 2026 joint council grant program, which provides funding to local organizations and non-profits delivering events and services that benefit the community.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1, 2025, and must be submitted using the official form, available at both municipal offices or online.

This is the only opportunity for groups to apply for 2026 funding.

The funding is a way for the councils to support and encourage local organizations whose events improve the quality of life in the community.

“We do this because, without supplementary support, these activities will most likely not exist or continue to exist in our community,” the councils stated in the grant advertisement.

“We do this to support and encourage volunteers to pursue activities and events that will benefit our community. With their efforts and abilities and a bit of help from us, they will be able to do so.”

The grant program has run for over a decade, offering financial assistance to a wide range of community initiatives.

In 2024, the program received nearly $220,000 in funding requests, said Jessica McClelland, the MD’s executive assistant. Following a joint council review, the committee awarded $144,102 for 2025, shared by 20 local groups and organizations.

Among the recipients were Syncline Trails Association, which received $400, and the Lundbreck Gardeners, awarded $1,000. Mustangs Football, Napi Friendship Association and Patton Park Society also received $1,000 each.

The Community Food Bank in Pincher Creek was granted $1,200, while the Pincher Creek Agricultural Society, the Royal Canadian Legion branch and the Oldman Rose Society each received $2,000. Citizens on Patrol received $2,500.

Group Group Youth and the Ranch Rodeo were each granted $5,000. The Chamber of Commerce received $7,000, and Pincher Planters was awarded $7,500. The Care Bears Society and SASCI each received $10,000.

The Community Hall and Handi Bus Society each received $15,000. Allied Arts Council was granted $20,000 and the Family Centre received the largest grant of $36,000.

The selection process involves a joint review by both municipal councils, which assess between 25 and 30 applications annually.

“I compile all the information along with the grant writer for the grant specialist here in town, and we give the binders to the councils,” McClelland told Shootin’ the Breeze.

“In September, we have a meeting where councils go through each of the applications and decide how much money is given to each organization.”

Eligible applicants must submit a completed form along with required financial documents and, if applicable, an interim report showing how previous funding was used and the impact on the community.

The form includes 10 questions. Applicants requesting less than $1,000 must answer questions 1 through 8. Those requesting between $1,001 and $5,000 must answer questions 1 through 9. Applications seeking more than $5,000 must complete all 10 questions and may be required to make a delegation presentation at a joint council meeting.

Completed applications and all supporting materials must be submitted to Liza Dawber, Pincher Creek’s community grant specialist, by Aug. 1, 2025. Applications can be emailed to grants@pccdi.ca or mailed to PO Box 1297, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0. Questions can be directed to Dawber at 403-682-7421.