Grants
Congratulations to the 2026 Anna Rudyk-Oastrom Memorial Fund Recipients!
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council is proud to announce and congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Anna Rudyk-Oastrom Memorial Fund grants:
Kateryna Kostyniuk — UCC Youth Ambassador and Board Director, UCC Bow Valley
Supported for “Secret Story Room,” a literary and theatrical initiative that promotes contemporary Ukrainian books among youth and families in Canada. Led by Kateryna Kostyniuk, the project combines modern Ukrainian literature with creative readings, live theatrical performances, sound, costumes, and visual storytelling. It also creates opportunities for young Ukrainian artists to showcase their talents while helping newcomers, diaspora youth, and Canadian-born Ukrainians strengthen their connection to Ukrainian language, culture, and identity.
KoloGanku Ukrainian Art Space Centre
Supported for the “Alberta Ukrainian Youth Talent Showcase 2027,” a two-day cultural event in Calgary that will bring together Ukrainian children and youth from across Alberta through dance, song, instrumental music, poetry, and creative performance. KoloGanku creates inclusive opportunities for emerging Ukrainian artists to develop their talents, connect with their community, and strengthen their cultural identity.
Ukrainian Language Education Centre (ULEC)
Supported for the project “Supporting Ukrainian Language Retention at Home: Educational Videos for Ukrainian Newcomer Families.” Based at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta, ULEC develops research-based educational resources that strengthen Ukrainian-language learning and teaching. The project will create six short videos in Ukrainian and English, offering newcomer families practical guidance on maintaining Ukrainian at home and supporting children’s connection to their language, culture, and identity.
Ukrainian Performing Arts Society (UPAS)
Supported for “Station: A Provincial Touring Initiative Bringing Contemporary Ukrainian Theatre to Alberta Communities.” UPAS promotes Ukrainian performing arts by creating accessible, high-quality cultural programming and supporting Ukrainian Canadian artists and theatre professionals. Following the production’s successful Edmonton premiere, the project will bring the contemporary Ukrainian-language play Station to communities across Alberta, including Edmonton, Calgary, and Canmore. The performances explore themes of human connection, resilience, identity, and hope, and will be followed by public discussions with the director and cast to encourage community engagement and dialogue about contemporary Ukrainian culture.
These recipients were selected for their commitment to preserving, promoting, and strengthening Ukrainian language, arts, culture, and identity in Alberta.
The Anna Rudyk-Oastrom Memorial Fund was established in 1993 to support individuals and organizations working to promote, maintain, and expand Ukrainian language, arts, and dance throughout Alberta.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 2026 recipients and sincerely thank everyone who submitted an application. We commend the dedication, creativity, and meaningful contributions of all individuals and organizations working to enrich Ukrainian community life.
Your efforts help ensure that Ukrainian heritage continues to grow, evolve, and inspire future generations.
Stay tuned for the opening of applications for the 2027 intake!
Below, you can learn more about the Fund’s eligibility criteria and download the application form.
Are you an artist? Educator? Do you run Ukrainian dance classes? Our UCC-APC Memorial Fund is now open! A
total of $1 500 is available for distribution. Individual applications may request between $300 and $1,000. Apply now to be considered!
The Anna Rudyk-Oastrom Memorial Fund was established in 1993 to support organizations or individuals who work in the promotion, maintenance and proliferation of Ukrainian language, arts and dance in Alberta.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for support, applicants must:
- Applicants may apply as individuals, groups, or non-profit organizations.
- Meet the objectives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress- Alberta Provincial Council qualify within the following areas of funding (arts, dance, language)
General Criteria
- Only one application per project
- 50% of the project must be funded from other sources
- No funding will be provided to cover operating budgets or capital expenses
- No funding will be provided for the concept development stage of the project
Application Requirements
- Name of organization or individual
- The act incorporated under an incorporation number if applicable
- The mailing address of the applicant
- Applicant contact name, position and phone number
- Project information
- Provide a detailed description of the project (i.e. what, where, when, how, for whom), including a detailed budget with expected revenues and expenditures. Include a sample of work if available
- Outline the benefit to the Ukrainian community
- List the project partners, including financial support received; where possible, include letters of support from these partners.
- The documentation must be completed with the name and signature of the signing officers (applicable for organizations)
Deadlines
Applications for the 2026 intake must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Final Report Requirements
Recipients must file a financial statement and a final report upon completion of the project. Failure to do so will disqualify the applicant from any further funding from the foundation.
Provisions of Assistance
- The Board of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress- Alberta Provincial Council, will annually select the recipient of the grant to be awarded.
- If no suitable applications are received, the Board will have the authority to allow that year’s grant to be retained in the fund.
- The UCC-APC committee will review applications
- The decision of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress- Alberta Provincial Council will be final
Acknowledgement
The recipient will acknowledge Ukrainian Canadian Congress- Alberta Provincial Council for the grant received from Anna Rudyk- Oastrum Fund.
2025 Anna Rudyk-Oastrom Memorial Fund Recipients
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council is proud to recognize the recipients of this year’s Oastrum Fund grants. These outstanding organizations and initiatives were selected for their commitment to preserving, promoting, and evolving Ukrainian culture and identity across Alberta and beyond.
Awarded for their 50th Anniversary concert and video production in Calmar, Alberta. This initiative highlights five decades of cultural resilience and community engagement in rural Alberta—ensuring Ukrainian heritage is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company
Received funding to support their 2025 “Balkans Tour,” an international tour that will showcase Ukrainian folk-stage dance, foster artistic exchange, and strengthen global ties with Ukrainian communities across Eastern Europe.
Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Supported for their production “Korrinya” (“Roots”)—a major performance series in Saskatoon and Edmonton. The project includes public evening shows and special daytime matinees designed for school audiences, combining cultural education with professional dance artistry.
Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir
Funding awarded for their 30th Anniversary theatrical production, “Threads of Hope / Nitky Nadiyi.” This performance will merge dance, choral music, visual art, and poetry to tell powerful stories of Ukrainian resilience and identity.
Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Recognized for their Alberta and Saskatchewan tour, “Svitlo: Discover the Light Within.” This production not only features high-caliber performance but also engages schools through matinee shows, curriculum-linked materials, and cultural workshops to inspire and educate the next generation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all applicants and commend the efforts of each group dedicated to enriching Ukrainian life in Alberta. These projects reflect the passion, creativity, and perseverance that define our vibrant community.