Water Federation Funding for Training Programs

We’re pleased to announce the Water Federation is now offering training funding through the Training, Support and Seminars Project.  This initiative is all about helping support the success and development of the Rural Water Program. 

To receive approval for funding, applicants, trainees, and training providers must meet the established eligibility and entitlement criteria. To qualify for funding, you must:

1. Be a member in good standing with the Water Federation. 
   
2. Be incorporated in Alberta and conduct business as a Water Coop. 
   
3. Be up to date with annual reporting with Rural Utilities (if applicable). 
   
4. Provide safe working conditions and comply with all applicable legislation, including the Employment Standards Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, and other relevant regulations. 

Upon successful completion of the training, recipients must provide receipts detailing how the funding was used and a Completion Report outlining the results achieved must also be submitted. 

Please note: funds will only be released once the Completion Report has been received and reviewed by the Water Federation. 

Please review the Funding Request form for a complete list of application requirements and criteria.

Funding Request Application Form

Other training opportunities

AWWOA

The Alberta Federation of Rural Water Co-ops is proud to collaborate with the Alberta Water & Wastewater Operators Association (AWWOA) to connect our members with industry-leading training programs. AWWOA offers certified courses, workshops, and resources designed to enhance operational skills, safety practices, and regulatory compliance for water professionals across Alberta.

Whether you’re an operator seeking certification, a board member looking to expand your knowledge, or a co-op investing in team development, these training opportunities can help strengthen your water system’s resilience and efficiency.

Explore AWWOA’s upcoming courses: https://www.awwoa.ca/training  

For questions about training relevance to your co-op’s needs, contact us.

Alberta Federation of Rural Water Co-operatives Ltd.
8429 – 24 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6P 1L3
Tel: 780-416-6527
Fax: (780) 416-6544

Alberta Government Non-Profit Online Courses

The Alberta Government has prepared a number of short webinars to help small Albertan not-for-profit entities with governance issues. Governance is knowing your responsibilities as a board member to ensure that the water co-op's business is managed efficiently and safely in the interests of its members.

For new Board members, we recommend the courses on Fiduciary Duties, Board Roles and Responsibilities and Financial Responsibilities. Many of the other courses are very worthwhile and helpful to go deeper into some of these subjects.

These courses are all online and free of charge. We highly recommend that any Board members take a look and try out this valuable resource.

https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/non-profit-online-courses.aspx  

Co-operatives First

Co-operatives First offers a suite of free online courses designed to help co-operatives strengthen their governance, leadership, and overall effectiveness. These resources are ideal for new and experienced board members, managers, and anyone interested in learning more about how co-operatives work.

Some recommended courses include:

• Good Governance Matters – Learn the principles of good governance and how to apply them in a co-operative context to ensure accountability, transparency, and strong leadership.

• Introduction to Co-operatives – A great starting point for anyone new to the co-operative model or exploring whether a co-op is the right structure for their group.

• Co-ops in Canada – Gain a deeper understanding of the role and impact of co-operatives across Canada, including their history and community contributions.

All courses are online, self-paced, and free of charge. They provide a valuable opportunity for board members and volunteers to build their knowledge and contribute more effectively to their co-operative’s success.

In addition to these courses, Co-operatives First also offers a range of webinars on timely and practical topics relevant to co-operatives and their members. These sessions are a great way to learn from experts, explore current issues, and connect with others in the co-operative sector. Explore upcoming and past sessions at Co-operatives First Webinars.

Explore these and other courses at Co-operatives First Online Learning.