A funding option is available for those looking to improve and beautify the spaces in their communities.
For the second year in a row the Co-op Community Spaces program is available to provide up to $1.5 million to local organizations, up from $1 million last year.
Co-op Community Spaces was launched last year and provided program funding to 16 projects in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) on behalf of the Co-operative Retailing System (CRS).
According to a Co-op news release, organizations must be a registered non-profit, registered charity or community service co-operative in order to qualify. Co-op Community Spaces will provide donations to recipients in amounts between $25,000 and $100,000.
Funding is being increased, so the program will be able to support up to 60 community projects in 2016. Funding is available in three categories — recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture.
Recreation includes such items as recreation centres and playgrounds. Environmental conservation includes preserving natural spaces such as green spaces, parks and interpretive centres. And urban agriculture includes small-scale agricultural initiatives in rural and urban spaces — community gardens and food education facilities.
Those with projects in the Battlefords and area are being encouraged to apply.
“From creek rehabilitation to gardens to play spaces for toddlers, the projects selected for funding last year showcased the innovation and dedication of local community groups,” said Discovery Co-op General Manager Mike Nord in a statement.
“Because I know our communities in the Battlefords and area have their own unique ideas for spaces that could be built or improved, I would encourage our local community groups to consider applying.”
Applications are being accepted from Jan. 18 to Feb. 12. More details can be found at www.communityspaces.ca.
