Community Investment

TransAlta invests in the communities we operate in to create a meaningful impact. Our investments fill a recognized need and support the sustainability, diversity and youth in the communities where we operate.

Community Investment Pillars that guide our corporate giving

Expand each pillar to see examples of some of TransAlta’s community investment partners and initiatives.

  • Building an Inclusive Economy

    Building an Inclusive Economy

    TransAlta Women in Trades Scholarship – Our Women in Trades Scholarship is designed to encourage and assist women in obtaining post-secondary industrial trades education. The Women in Trades Scholarships are open from April to June yearly.

    The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity – TransAlta has an ongoing partnership with the Banff Centre and supports scholarship funding for Indigenous community members to participate in leadership training.

    Diamond Willow Youth Lodge – In partnership with the United Way of Calgary & Area, we provide designated funding to the Diamond Willow Youth Lodge, a safe place for Calgary Indigenous youth to connect with peers and participate in a variety of programs that promote health and wellness, education and employment preparation.

    Mount Royal University Foundation – We have a continued partnership with the Mount Royal University Foundation in support of the Indigenous Family Housing Program, which features an Indigenous family tipi in an outdoor space dedicated to Indigenous students and supporting Indigenous cultural programming.

  • Supporting Youth and Education

    Supporting Youth and Education

    TransAlta Performing Arts Studio – In 2017, TransAlta, along with the Calgary Stampede Foundation, proudly unveiled the TransAlta Performing Arts Studio at Stampede Park. The 13,000 square-foot studio was designed to provide Calgary’s youth a year-round facility to rehearse, train and celebrate the arts. Open to both Calgary Stampede Foundation programming and Calgary’s youth performing arts groups, the TransAlta Performing Arts Studio supports both youth achievement and the community.

    HeartKids – TransAlta is a proud supporter of HeartKids, the only Australian not-for-profit organization focused solely on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood onset heart disease – the largest cause of infant death in Australia. HeartKids’ purpose is to help these infants and their families lead the most fulfilling life possible and to reach their personal goals.

    TransAlta has supported numerous HeartKids appeals, including its Charity Bike Build for Kids programs and its annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat charity walk.

    Centralia College – TransAlta (through the Centralia Coal Transition Board) invested $1.3 million in the Southwest Washington Flexible Training Center, located at the Centralia College campus. The center is a 12,000 square foot facility that will expand the college’s ability to train-on-demand in response to and in anticipation of industry needs.

    Dr. Bob Mohrbacher, President of Centralia College said, “This new facility gives Centralia College the ability to extend our existing partnerships with local industry, with potential new employers coming to the area, and with area high schools. We can build up the local workforce and respond quickly to new training needs.”

  • Powering Clean and Healthy Communities

    Powering Clean and Healthy Communities

    Calgary Health Foundation – TransAlta has a partnership with the Calgary Health Foundation to support the Newborn Needs campaign in support of the development of a new Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), serving all of southern Alberta. TransAlta provided an initial $1 million of support in 2021, as part of a $2 million total commitment over a five-year term. The NICU will be a Centre of Excellence for Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the world. The expanded, 58-bed, two-floor unit will double the NICU capacity and incorporate a hybrid model including both single rooms and open care spaces, ensuring each newborn is cared for in the most appropriate setting for their unique needs. In total, the roster of care providers and team members will exceed 350 individuals, all focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for every single newborn who needs the NICU. This project will transform newborn and maternal healthcare across southern Alberta.

    United Way – The United Way provides TransAlta employees and retirees the opportunity to strengthen their communities and support those most in need. Each year, our employees engage in United Way fundraising activities and volunteer initiatives, and the company donates funds to United Way organizations across Canada and in the United States topping-up generous employee and retiree donations.

    TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre – The TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre is a sporting and recreation destination for many active and involved residents from the communities of Parkland County, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in Alberta. At the facility, thousands of local residents and many of our employees participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities and join together in community causes.

Apply for the Women in Trades Scholarship

TransAlta is committed to investing in our communities through meaningful contributions and enhancing the quality of life where our employees work and live. With this in mind, we are introducing TransAlta’s Women in Trades Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500 for eligible students entering in post-secondary trade programs or apprenticeships. The program aims to assist women in obtaining an education in trades by showcasing and rewarding successful female role models. 

Applications now closed. 

Congratulations to our 2023 scholarship recipients!

Leigh E.
Jennifer M.
Alexandra T.
Gurpreet K.
Meredith H.
Brooklyn S.
Alexandra H.
Sarah J.
Vanessa J.
Kendra S.
Josephine H.
Sharon W.

  • Eligibility & selection criteria

    Eligibility & selection criteria
    • You identify as a woman;
    • You are a Canadian, Australian or American citizen or permanent resident;
    • You are enrolled in a post-secondary trades program or an applied apprenticeship program;
    • You maintain satisfactory academic standing throughout your program;
    • You have a plan for achieving your education and career goals;
    • You are committed to updating TransAlta on your progress throughout your program; and
    • You complete and provide the information as requested by TransAlta.

    When selecting award recipients, the selection committee will consider the following criteria:

    • The applicant is enrolled in a program of study or applied apprenticeship program that supports TransAlta’s operations;
    • The applicant has sufficient academic success and career goals;
    • The applicant may be a current student/intern at TransAlta;
    • The applicant may be a dependent of a TransAlta employee;
    • The applicant has a history of community and volunteer participation; and
    • The applicant’s essay content.
  • Application process & checklist

    Application process & checklist

    Application process: 

    You must submit the application form and all requested documentation by June 30, 2023, to be considered. Refer to the checklist on the application form for details of requirements. Incomplete applications and those without the requested documentation will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered. TransAlta is not responsible for lost applications. We do not return any of the documentation submitted. We recommend you keep copies for your records. Please contact People_Talent@transalta.com if you have any questions. 

    Application checklist: 

    • You identify as a woman  
    • Proof of enrollment in a full-time post-secondary trade program or proof of apprenticeship related to TransAlta’s operations
    • Transcripts of last academic year (if applicable) 
    • Essay 
  • Essay requirements

    Essay requirements

    Please submit a maximum 500-word essay detailing: 

    • Your academic and career goals 
    • Any information on community involvement and volunteerism, including any leadership roles 
    • How you plan to use your education to give back to the women in the community 
    • How you plan to keep TransAlta informed of your progress in school 
    • Why you should be the recipient of the bursary 
  • Application form

    Application form

    2023 Applications now closed.

    Recipients will be announced August 30, 2023.

Indigenous Relations at TransAlta

At TransAlta, we value and respect our Indigenous neighbours, aspiring to the highest standards in our relationships and partnerships with Indigenous people.

Indigenous Relations

Canada and United States Community Investment

We want to hear how we can make a difference in your community.

Submit your proposal

Australia Community Investment

Do you have a community investment idea for us?

Contact our Australian team