Saskatchewan communities will benefit from 358 grants totaling $3,985,127 through the Community Initiatives Fund’s (CIF) Feb. 1 and April 1 deadlines.
These grants will contribute to the wellbeing of 133 communities across Saskatchewan. For the health and safety of all, programs are to adhere to current provincial public health orders and recommendations.
As part of the CIF community grant program, the Estevan Family Resource Centre will receive $25,000 for its crisis counsellor and support services.
Other projects receiving support include the school nutrition program at Arcola School received $9,500; the Cornerstone Family and Youth Centre in Carlyle, $25,000 for its community programming and education; the Carnduff branch of the Southeast Regional Library, $1,250, for its craft corner; and the Lampman Family Centre, $18,000 for its Healthy Rural Family Project.
As for the summer grants, Estevan programs to receive support were: the City of Estevan’s summer playpark program, $5,000; the Estevan Area Literacy Group, $4,500, for Nature Smarts program; the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, $2,000, for its summer arts camps; the Estevan Family Resource Centre, $5,000, for summer discovery camps; the Souris Valley Museum, $5,000, for summer education and programming; and the Souris Valley Theatre, $5,000, for summer youth theatre camps.
Three projects in Carlyle also received support. The Carlyle and District Leisure Complex received $5,000 for its summer programs, the Cornerstone Family and Youth Centre also received $5,000 for its summer programming, and the Carlyle branch of the Southeast Regional Library received $1,250 for its summer programs.
Other projects to receive funds are the Arcola Daycare, $800, for Staying Active for all Ages; the RM of Benson, $2,500, for its summer camp; the Village of Carievale, $3,000, for its mobile playground; the Carnduff branch of the Southeast Regional Library, $1,250, for its summer reading program; the One Hope Ministries of Canada Kenosee Lake Bible Camp, $5,000, for its summer camp program; the Town of Midale, $5,000, for Keeping Cool in the Pool; the Midale branch of the Southeast Regional Library, $1,800, for its summer reading club; the Expressway Family Centre in Oxbow, $5,000 for community summer programming; and the Oxbow and District Recreation Board received $5,000 for its summer activities.
Some summer programs might not be able to happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects that won’t be able to proceed returned the funds.
Through its Community Grant Program’s April 1 deadline, CIF approved $2,966,134 in support of 122 grants, for programs that contribute to the wellbeing of children and youth, families, and communities, benefitting an estimated 205,000 participants.
These programs are crucial, as they provide opportunities for children and youth to gain knowledge, skills and supports to develop positive mental health, self- esteem, and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and ensure families have access to supports and resources to create healthy and caring environments.
Additionally, 236 summer grant programs were approved totaling $1,018,993, to support camps and day programs offering positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities for an estimated 59,000 children and youth during the summer months.
The CIF is a special purpose fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and managed by a government appointed Board of community volunteers.
Thanks to an Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant of $5 million from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Community Initiatives Fund is able to proceed with its regular Oct. 1 application deadline. This one-time grant to the CIF is intended to help offset the loss of more than $8 million the CIF expected to receive this year due to the temporary closure of Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw due to COVID-19.
