Farm Credit Canada is giving $1 million through its fcc agrispirit fund to 78 community groups across Canada to support rural capital projects.

Fifteen communities in Alberta will in just under $200,000.

The FCC Agrispirit Fund awards between $5,000 and $25,000 for community improvement projects, such as hospitals and medical centres, childcare facilities, fire and rescue equipment, playgrounds, food banks, libraries, recreation centres, and community gardens.

Nationally, 1,013 applications were received this year.

Over the past 13 years, the FCC Agrispirit Fund has supported over 1,000 projects, providing more than $10.5 million.

The next application period opens in spring 2017.

A complete national listing of selected projects can be found at www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.

The next application period opens in spring 2017. Registered charities and non-profit organizations interested in funding can visit www.fccagrispiritfund.ca for eligibility requirements and to apply online.

In Alberta, the following projects are receiving funding:

Organization                                                       Amount              Project

Barrhead and District Agrena Soc                      $25,000             Construct an aquatic centre
La Glace & District Agricultural Society               $25,000             Replace the community recreational centre
Crossfield Fire Department                               $19,500             Purchase emergency services communication radios
Penhold Volunteer Fire department                    $15,500             Purchase a fire truck
Fort Macleod Kids First Family Centre                 $15,000             Construct a new children and family centre
Stettler Health Services Foundation                    $10,000             Upgrade delivery services and emergency room
Lloydminster Search and Rescue Inc                  $10,000             Purchase rescue air and water drones
Vilna & District Agricultural Society                    $10,000             Replace the arena roof
Bonnyville Health Foundation/Bonnyville
Health Centre                                                  $10,000              Purchase operating room equipment
Kinuso and District Fire Department                  $10,000              Purchase a fire and rescue ATV and trailer
Girouxville Enhancement Committee                 $10,000             Upgrade the outdoor ice rink into a year-round facility
Friends of Coalhurst Elementary School
Society                                                          $10,000              Purchase accessible playground equipment
Sunnyside School                                           $10,000              Construct a new playground
Calmar and District Ag Society                         $7,500               Upgrade the facility's lighting, heating and plumbing
Hazel Bluff Community Agricultural Society       $7,500               Construct perimeter safety fencing