FORT McMURRAY, Alta. — The Wood Buffalo Community Foundation says it has awarded $250,000 in grants to nine local social profit organizations as part of its 2025 granting cycle, aimed at strengthening mental health and community resilience across the region.
The foundation said the funding will support programs focused on physical, mental and emotional well-being in Fort McMurray and surrounding communities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
More than 20 separate endowment funds contributed to this year’s grants, which included Community Grants as well as the Shell Albian Sands Environmental Grant. The foundation said it received a record number of applications, underscoring continued demand for support among local social profits.
Grant recipients are delivering initiatives tied to youth sport, food programming, seniors support, social respite, resilience building and rural services.
Susan Goll, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Wood Buffalo, said the funding will help the organization continue offering spaces for connection and support.
She said staff and volunteers regularly meet people carrying grief, stress and burnout, and that even a single conversation can help spark hope and change the direction of someone’s life.
The foundation also confirmed it has finalized and approved a new strategic plan that will guide its work in the years ahead. The plan is expected to be shared publicly in the new year to outline priorities and long-term direction.
In a year-end message, the foundation thanked donors and community partners, noting the collective impact of pooled endowment funds in supporting local needs and building long-term community resilience.
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