Small grants make a big difference in rural and remote communities 

May 27, 2026

Life in rural and remote communities comes with unique challenges, including when it comes to mental health. Long distances, limited access to services, cost of living, and harsh weather conditions can all create barriers to care. If you live in a rural or remote part of Canada, these realities can shape how, when, and whether you can connect to the care you need.    

In smaller or more remote communities, mental health supports may be few and far between. Reaching services can mean hours of travel and high costs. Inconsistent and short-term funding makes it harder for programs to plan, continue services, and build lasting trust with the people they support. Concerns about privacy or stigma in tight-knit communities can also make some people reluctant to seek help.  

Building Community-Led Solutions  

Through micro-grants sponsored by West Fraser, four branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in rural and remote communities are showing that small pockets of funding can have big impact on people’s mental health.  

CMHA South Cariboo used its micro-grant to hire a new Senior Outreach Coordinator in South Cariboo, British Columbia. The new Senior Outreach Coordinator helped move older adults out of isolation toward the care and support they need. 

“She answers all my questions, without using words I don’t understand… She does not make me feel belittled by any questions I have.” - a participating Senior    

CMHA Fort Frances (Ontario) used its micro-grant to create a new Waitlist Coordinator to provide necessary care to seniors waiting for mental health services in the community. The role helped ensure people were supported while they waited, while also easing staff concerns and streamlining administrative processes. 

“I learned how the system works. Learning the little things I could do to help [my loved one] was useful.” – A caregiver   

CMHA Alberta Northwest used the micro-grant to expand its Recovery College into Peace River, Alberta. The expansion provided much-needed services to this rural community. Participants reported greater resilience, more hope for the future and a stronger ability to seek help when they needed it. 

“And the really cool thing is, at the beginning, participants’ cameras were off. Now cameras are on, they’re answering the questions, they’re staying engaged.” – Lead Peer Supporter   

With its micro-grant, the CMHA branch of Northern BC is launching a Peer Support Program in Quesnel, BC that will be delivered by a Peer Support Worker and trained volunteers who have lived and living experience of a mental illness. The program will create space for people to connect, share experiences and support one another in their recovery. 

CMHAs have demonstrated that pilot projects can make a significant difference in the mental health of residents in rural and remote communities. We thank West Fraser Timber for their generosity and support of the micro-grant initiative.