Meta is extending its Data Centre Community Action Grants program to Sturgeon County and neighbouring First Nations, offering funding for local projects before its first Canadian data centre becomes operational.
The program supports projects that use technology for community benefit, help build strong and sustainable communities, or improve local science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education. Eligible applicants include schools, registered non-profits, Indigenous communities and other qualifying organizations.
The initiative adds a community investment component to Meta’s previously announced Sturgeon County development. As DataCentre.ca reported in July, the $13-billion-plus project marks Meta’s first Canadian data centre and one of the country’s largest announced data centre investments.
The company expects approximately 3,000 skilled trade workers onsite at peak construction and roughly 300 operational jobs once the facility is completed.
In her post, Curran emphasized that Meta’s community giving would begin well before the site opens.
“We’re thrilled to expand our community giving program to Sturgeon County to meet the needs of local residents, long before our site is operational,” wrote Rachel Curran, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Canada.
According to Meta, its Community Action Grants program has provided US$94 million to support more than 3,700 projects globally. Those figures reflect the company’s worldwide program; Curran’s post did not specify the funding available for Sturgeon County.
For local organizations, the application window offers an opportunity to seek support for community priorities as the region prepares to host a major new technology campus.
Applications for the 2027 program close on October 19, 2026. Organizations can review eligibility requirements and apply through the Sturgeon Data Centre Community Action Grants page.