Community Investment

TransAlta actively invests in the communities where we operate, creating lasting, meaningful impact. 

Three community investment pillars help TransAlta align corporate giving with recognized needs — supporting diversity, youth and education, and sustainability to build stronger, more resilient communities. Read more about some of TransAlta’s community investment partners and initiatives within each pillar.

  1. Building an inclusive economy
  2. Supporting youth and education
  3. Powering clean and healthy communities
 

1. Building an inclusive economy

NEW: TransAlta Women in Trades Scholarship
Alberta, Canada

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. Learn more

Diamond Willow Youth Lodge
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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.

 

2. Supporting youth and education

TransAlta Performing Arts Studio
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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
Australia

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
Washington, USA

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.”

 

3. Powering clean and healthy communities

STARS Air Ambulance
Alberta, Canada

TransAlta’s partnership with STARS began in 1989 and has been instrumental in helping STARS fulfill its mission: delivering critical care, anywhere, to patients across Western Canada. From generous contributions toward critical care operations to transformative investments in major initiatives, TransAlta has played a vital role in ensuring STARS is always ready to respond when the call comes in.

In 2025, TransAlta committed $400,000 toward essential upgrades to STARS’ helicopters. This funding helps enable the conversion of several STARS’ Airbus H145 D2 models into the enhanced D3 configuration. The upgrades bring significant performance and reliability improvements, greater capabilities, increased efficiency and unparalleled stability. These advancements will help STARS deliver even more precise and effective care when it matters most.

Since STARS’ inception in 1985, more than 63,000 missions have been completed. Each one offers a second chance for patients to see their loved ones again—thanks to the steadfast support and investment from community champions like TransAlta.

Calgary Health Foundation
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

TransAlta’s 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. In 2023, TransAlta donated the final $200,000 of its $2 million commitment. 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
Canada and USA

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. In 2023, TransAlta employees, retirees, contractors and the Company raised over $1.5 million for the United Way across Canada and the US.

TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre
Edmonton Metropolitan Area, Alberta, Canada

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.

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. 

Indigenous relations

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

 

See our policy

Making an impact where we live and work

See how we’ve been recognized throughout the years.

 

Awards and recognition

Future community investment

Do you have a community investment idea for us?

 

Contact us