NORTHEAST - The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) has approved 150 grants totalling $2,495,454 through its latest grant application intake, which will benefit an estimated 90,000 participants and contribute to the well-being of 58 communities.
"By connecting individuals, families and communities with vital programming across the province, the Community Initiatives Fund enhances the quality of life for people in Saskatchewan," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "Our government is proud to support the Community Initiatives Fund. These grants strengthen important community programs, and we look forward to continuing this important relationship."
Among these communities, the northeast will be benefiting from these grants. These communities include:
- Birch Hills – Birch Hills Public School - $12,000 for nutrition program
- Bjorkdale – Village of Bjorkdale - $5,000 for an after-school program
- Melfort - North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS) for a youth evolution Hangout program
- Naicam – Naicam Kiddie Kollege Preschool - $2,000 for a Preschool program
- Porcupine Plain – Porcupine Opportunities Program -$18,788 for a “Moving Forward: Board Governance Training and strategic planning
- Tisdale – Jack and Jill Preschool Program - $7,500 for a preschool program
- Tisdale – Tisdale Middle and Secondary School - $6,000 for a nutrition program
Village of Bjorkdale councillor Orin Bratton said that by receiving these funds, they are able to offer a variety of after-school programming opportunities for children, such as cooking, baking, arts and crafts, sewing, knitting, pysanky (Ukrainian) egg decorating and Friday fun skates. This provides students and adults in the community an employment opportunity and enhances and enriches the lives of all the children in the community of Bjorkdale who attend the after-school programs.
“We would not be able to provide these programs otherwise,” he said.
With the support of CIF's Community Grant Program, Saskatchewan communities benefit by having access to local projects that encourage community well-being, inclusion, leadership and vitality. These projects provide opportunities for children and youth to gain the knowledge, skills and supports to develop positive mental health, self-esteem and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and ensure families have access to support and resources to create healthy and caring environments.
"The programs and initiatives funded by CIF have a profound impact on the well-being of communities across Saskatchewan," Community Initiatives Fund Executive Director Tracey Mann said. "We are continually amazed by the dedication and creativity of community leaders and organizations that work so tirelessly to enrich our province."
CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act and managed by a government-appointed board of community volunteers.
A complete list of the grant recipients and their projects, as well as information about the Community Initiatives Fund, can be found at www.cifsask.org.
