Rural communities and non-profit organizations across Canada interested in providing mental health education locally can now apply for the 2026 Community Fund for Mental Health.
The fund, going into its eighth year, is managed by a partnership between the Do More Agriculture Foundation and Farm Credit Canada.
Executive Director of Do More Ag Merle Massie says the application window opened Monday and the deadline is April 30.
She said a kinsmen club, a faith-based group, or any community group tied to "rural agricultural communities" can apply. Once approved, communities can then decide when the workshop will be held.
Massie said the funding helps to cover the cost of hosting the workshops, such as booking a venue and food. Do More Ag and FCC cover the expense of bringing the "Talk, Ask, Listen" workshop and a guest speaker to the community.
She said the "Talk, Ask, Listen" workshop has been revised to run from the typical four hours to between one and three hours, depending on the needs of the community.
The workshop is designed to "help a community have conversation", Massie said, whether it's about dealing with drought, floods, or a fire, to the loss of a well-known person from the community and how it affects the mental health of others.
In a news release, Do More Ag states in 2025, " the Community Fund received applications from nearly 80 communities across 11 provinces and territories, resulting in 42 workshops delivered across 7 provinces — a 31 per cent increase from 2024."
For Massie, it means more people are "recognizing that this conversation matters" and are willing to take a proactive approach to "find a good path forward."
Anyone interested in applying can head to www.domore.ag/community-fund.
