The Do More Agriculture Foundation, with the support of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), has announced the launch of the 2025 Community Fund aimed at enhancing mental health education in rural communities across Canada. This initiative seeks to provide resources and create spaces for open conversations surrounding mental health, with a focus on promoting learning, hope, and positive change in rural areas.
Empowering Rural Communities to Address Mental Health
The Community Fund is designed to support a variety of mental health initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of rural communities. The fund will offer financial backing for workshops and programs that promote mental health awareness and provide training to equip individuals and organizations with the tools to recognize and address mental health challenges.
“Mental health supports are a critical component in building strong and resilient rural communities,” said Justine Hendricks, FCC President and CEO. “This partnership underscores FCC’s commitment to the mental health of Canadian farm families,” she added, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in supporting the rural population.
Workshops and Training Supported by the Fund
The 2025 Community Fund will support various educational programs, including:
- Talk Ask Listen and In the Know sessions aimed at fostering open conversations about mental health.
- SafeTALK suicide support workshops, providing tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk.
- Mental Health First Aid training, which equips individuals with the skills to assist others in crisis situations.
- Specialized AgCulture courses for mental health professionals, focused on understanding the unique challenges of those in the agricultural sector.
These workshops and training sessions will help raise awareness and provide tangible resources for improving mental health support in rural communities.
Encouraging Local Involvement
The Do More Agriculture Foundation encourages community champions—whether from agricultural associations, rural businesses, faith groups, or other local organizations—to apply for funding. This initiative aims to empower local leaders and groups to take charge in promoting mental health education and support in their communities.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Community Fund are open until March 2 at 5 p.m. CST, giving rural communities across Canada the opportunity to apply for support in mental health education and training.
Conclusion
The 2025 Community Fund represents a significant step toward improving mental health awareness and education in rural Canada. With the support of FCC and the Do More Agriculture Foundation, this initiative provides vital resources for rural communities, offering training and tools to foster understanding, support, and resilience in the face of mental health challenges.
