You Make THE Difference Grant

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You Make THE Difference National Tour Application

Applications for the 2027 Spring Tour are now being accepted; events to be held between March 8, 2027 and April 11, 2027.  Apply Now to Bring the ‘You Make THE Difference’ National Initiative to Your Province or Territory! We’re awarding a limited number of provincial and territorial grants to associations ready to strengthen their fair boards and rural communities.

This application will help us understand your goals and how we can best support your fairs, exhibitions, and agricultural societies. Thank you for your interest in bringing the You Make THE Difference Tour to your region!

Apply Here
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Empowering the People Who Power Our Communities

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The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) is proud to have been a recipient of the You Make THE Difference Grant: a national initiative designed to strengthen the individuals who make our rural communities thrive.

Across Alberta, Agricultural Societies bring people together — hosting fairs, exhibitions, and community events that preserve local traditions and fuel rural pride. But behind every successful event are the Difference Makers: the volunteers, board members, and leaders who show up year after year to make it all happen.

Through the You Make THE Difference Grant, AAAS had the opportunity to further invest in these incredible individuals, providing access to leadership training, mentorship, and personal development that help sustain and grow our sector for years to come.

Ian Hill headshot with black tshirt and black background

 2027 Spring Tour locations to be announced soon

Join us for a You Make THE Difference session in your region — a free, in-person event designed to connect and support Alberta’s agricultural societies, and other volunteer organizations in your area! Each session includes valuable discussions, practical takeaways, and a complimentary lunch. 
 
WHAT IS "YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE?"
It is a national program- funded by a grant from Fairs.com, that brings valuable training to volunteer organizations hosted by AAAS.
 
Training by Ian Hill- gives you tools and information to be successful
  • Fundraising
  • Volunteer Recruitment & Retention
  • Board Alignment
  • Beating Burnout
  • Followed by 30 days online support
  • Additional training information
  • A mobile app that connects all Ag Societies across the province to share ideas and support.

This is open to ANY VOLUNTEER, not only Agricultural societies. PLEASE SHARE WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS IN YOUR AREA!

You Make THE Difference SessionsCOMING SOON

Who We Are...

Agricultural (Ag) Societies are volunteer driven, not-for-profit organizations whose mandate and diversity make them invaluable in the communities that they serve.
Download Our PDF >
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For a map of the Ag Societies, please see below (or download the PDF).  Please see below the map for a complete listing of the Agricultural Societies in Alberta.

MANDATE OF ALBERTA AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES (as per the Bill 14 Agricultural Societies Amendment Act, 2015)

“The object of a society is to encourage improvement in agriculture and enhanced quality of life for persons living in the community by developing educational programs, events, services and facilities”

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) is a not for profit, non-governmental, provincial association originally formed in 1905 and officially incorporated in 1947, that advocates and provides resources for the 291 Agricultural Societies in Alberta

( 1 Major / 7 Regionals / 283 Primary Ag Societies )

 

Frequently asked Questions

VISION

AAAS inspires in Alberta Communities

MISSION

Through education, facilitation and collaboration, AAAS empowers people to be leaders in high quality communities

VALUES

Excellence in direction and execution. Success through collaboration. Motivation through education and engagement. Advocacy through example. Dedicated to strengthen Agricultural Societies and their communities

Why it works

1. The people closest to the problem are best suited to solve it.

Rural communities know their own. Empowering locals as First Identifiers creates real, lasting change.

2. Upstream is better than downstream.

Early intervention—before a crisis—saves lives, preserves dignity, and protects community resilience.

Impact

The You Make THE Difference National Initiative is already making an impact from coast to coast! This list will continue to grow as more provinces are awarded. Stay tuned for updates!

BYLAWS 2020

Download a copy (PDF) >

AAAS History

Through the Decades to present day. Learn More >

STAFF

Meet the talented and friendly AAAS Team >

Bonnyville, A

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Athabasca

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Lac la Biche

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Additional Info

You Make THE Difference grant made possible by:

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