Communities will benefit from $2,177,971 from the Community Initiative Fund’s (CIF) Oct. 1, deadline.
The 137 Community Grant Program grants will contribute to the wellbeing of children and youth, families, and communities across Saskatchewan.
Included among the projects funded are three in Yorkton;
· Boys and Girls Club Family Engagement Project$3,400
· Sacred Heart High School Indigenous Cultural Club$1,000
· Yorkton Transitional Homes for Youth Outreach Program - Independent Living Coordinator$25,000
Other projects in the local region included;
· Bangor - Morris Lodge Society Community-Based Recreational, Art, Music and Active Aging Program$6,500
· Canora - Canora Nursery School Association Nursery School $3,000
· Carlyle - Carlyle Elementary School Family Fun Nights $2,000
· Carlyle - Southeast Regional Library Inter-generational Programming $2,500
· Foam Lake - Town of Foam LakeFoam Lake Break Camps $3,226
· Melville - Oasis Youth Centre Empowering youth $15,500
· Moosomin - Moosomin Family Resource Centre Partners in Play $12,500
· Porcupine Plain - Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School Porcupine Plain Girls Group $1,000
· Whitewood - Whitewood Action for Families Community Liaison Project $8,000
· Wynyard - Wynyard Seniors Dance Group An Afternoon of Fiddling, Fun and Dancing $3,600
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. Programs also provide imperative training and resources for nonprofit staff, Board members, and volunteers to improve program delivery, governance and leadership, and support individuals to become involved as active citizens, volunteers, and communityleaders.
“CIF strengthens the capacity of communities through effective investments in community-based initiatives,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said in a prepared release. “Providing a future of vibrant, resilient, sustainable and proud Saskatchewan communities across our province.”
“The supports and services that these programs provide are integral for the health and happiness of our province,” expressed Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund in the release. “CIF’s priorities reflect the eight inter-connected domains of the Saskatchewan Index of Wellbeing, working towards improving the quality of life of all Saskatchewan residents.”
The CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and managed by a government appointed board of community volunteers.
A complete list of the grant recipients and their programs, as well as information about the Community Initiatives Fund can be found at www.cifsask.org.
