NORTHEAST – The Community Initiatives Fund put $2.9 million into 165 projects across Saskatchewan. In the northeast, 16 organizations and eight communities received $264,080.
"Their mission is to strengthen the capacity of communities and promote healthy lifestyles, the work they do enhances the quality of life for everyone in Saskatchewan.”
These funded programs provide essential knowledge and skills that promote positive mental health, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle choices for children and youth, while also ensuring families have access to necessary resources to nurture supportive environments.
Northeast organizations that received funding were:
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Bjorkdale - Village of Bjorkdale, After School Program $8,000
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Hudson Bay - Hudson Bay Interagency Foundation Early Years Program $4,900
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Humboldt - Humboldt Community Soup Kitchen Together We Shine $30,000
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Humboldt - Prairie Sky Trails Association, Women’s Wellness Initiative $9,520
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Humboldt - St. Dominic School Breakfast Program $10,000
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Humboldt - Wapiti Regional Library Chair Fitness for Seniors $1,100
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La Ronge - Air Ronge Community Library Board Art at the Library $30,000
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La Ronge - Children North Early Intervention Program Collaborative Connection Hub $30,000
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La Ronge - Gordon Denny Community School Nutrition Program $25,000
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La Ronge - La Ronge Childcare Cooperative Nutrition Program $30,000
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La Ronge - La Ronge Ski Club Youth Ski Program $13,000
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La Ronge - Tri-Community Homeless Shelter Homeless Outreach $30,000
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Melfort - North East Outreach and Support Services Youth Programs $25,000
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Muenster - Muenster Seniors Club Community Wellness Program $3,060
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Naicam - Naicam Kiddie Kollege Preschool Preschool Program $7,000
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Tisdale - Jack and Jill Preschool Cooperative Preschool Program $7,500
Mayor of Bjorkdale, Orin Bratton, said, “This funding has positively impacted our community by providing many opportunities for kids to learn how to cook, have fun working with community volunteers learning how to sew, knit, paint and even decorate pysanky eggs. It’s been a great benefit to be able to hire a student to help lead these after-school activities as well.”
These grants empower innovative local initiatives that promote vibrant community development and enhance the quality of life for residents. With a focus on responsiveness and creativity, this funding goes to projects that address local needs and foster collaboration, driving positive change across Saskatchewan. This grant program has two intake dates for applications, Oct.1 and April 1 annually.
Kathryn Carswell, Youth Coordinator with the Northeast Outreach and Support Services said, “We are very thankful for the Community Initiatives Fund's support, which makes it possible for us to offer free, inclusive youth programming here in Melfort. Alongside Melfort Youth Evolution —a group of incredible local youth who help to shape and deliver programming, we have created a safe space where young people can connect, build healthy relationships, and develop life skills. Thanks to CIF's funding, we can continue to focus on mental wellness, self-worth, and supportive connections which helps youth to thrive while enhancing their sense of community.”
“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. “We acknowledge the dedication and skills of the hardworking staff and volunteers who make these vital programs possible, ensuring that our communities thrive and the quality of life for residents continues to improve.”
The 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. It is funded through a portion of the net profits from Casino’s Regina and Moose Jaw. 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
