The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF), a Special Purpose Fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act, continually supports projects across Saskatchewan and this year is no different as they have approved 502 grants provincially totalling $7,210,203.
The projects CIF are supporting include providing opportunities that “prepare youth for the future; celebrate community achievements; ensure communities have access to sport, culture, recreation, and other programming and services; and ultimately create a sense of belonging and pride in our communities,” a press release explained.
CIF works through its Community Grant Program which approved 214 grants, Summer Grants which approved 204, as well as 84 approved projects through Community Places and Spaces Program.
It has also been announced that the latter program has been extended to March 31, 2017, meaning two more applications Oct. 1, 2015 and Oct. 1, 2016 remains available according to the press release: “The [Community Places and Spaces Program] supports small capital renovations that improve the quality, sustainability, and long-term use of multi-purpose community facilities such as halls, recreation facilities, and playgrounds.”
CIF is important in many communities across Saskatchewan who are looking to improve aspects of their community.
“Our government is proud to support the Community Initiatives Fund,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. ”Projects supported through the CIF enhance our enviable quality of life and make our province stronger.”
Local projects have received support and approval for grants including Carlyle (totalling $60,000), Manor (totalling $1,310), Kenosee Lake (totalling $5,000), Redvers (totalling $5,000), Fairlight (totalling $570), Kennedy-Langbank (totalling $3,650), and Kipling (totalling $29,000).
Through the Summer Programs the Carlyle and District Leisure Complex (Crescent Point Leisure Complex) for $5,000; Cornerstone Family and Youth for $5,000; Manor Public Library for a summer reading program for $1,310; One Hope Ministries of Canada – Kenosee Lake Bible Camp for $5,000; to Redvers Early Learning and Child Care Centres for $5,000; Kipling and District Parks and Recreation Board was given $5,000; and to Regional Kids First/Southeast RIC for the MAIN (Moving Ahead in Neighbourhoods) Mobile Family Resources for $5,000.
Under the Community Grant Program Cornerstone Family and Youth received $25,000 for Community Programming and Education; the Fairlight Recreation Centre received $570 for the Labour Day ‘Spiel; IMPACT Early Childhood Committee was approved for $20,000; the Kennedy-Langbank Playschool received $3,650; and the Moose Mountain Community Literacy Group from Kipling was given $24,000.
“These projects truly bring people together which in turn builds stronger communities” says Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund. “The diversity of projects is a great demonstration of the creativity of community leaders in approaching local challenges and opportunities.”
