REGINA - The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) has approved 416 grants worth more than $5.3 million through its latest grant application intake.
According to a news release from the Government of Saskatchewan, these grants will support innovative local initiatives, build vibrant communities and enrich the quality of life in 151 Saskatchewan communities.
The CIF approved 177 grants, totalling $2,893,799 through its community grant program to support programs that contribute to the well-being of children and youth, families and communities.
These programs offer opportunities for children and youths to gain knowledge, skills and supports to promote positive mental health, self-esteem and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and to ensure families have access to supports and resources to create healthy and caring environments.
Another 238 summer grant programs were approved, totalling $1,219,677, to support camps and day programs offering positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities for Saskatchewan children and youths during the summer months.
Funding also helps non-profit organizations enhance their program delivery, governance and leadership capacities, and to engage individuals as volunteers. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Division, will receive $1.187 million in two-year funding support of the Gambling Awareness Program.
Three projects in Estevan received support through the community grant program: the Estevan Area Literacy Group received $11,300 for the Empower Literacy program; the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre, $15,000 for youth programming; and the Estevan Public Youth Centre, $20,000 for youth programming.
Also receiving support were Carlyle's Cornerstone Family and Youth Centre, $24,000 for early childhood learning and development; the Lampman Family Centre, $23,000 the Healthy Rural Family Project; and the Oxbow and District Recreation Board, $2,900 for its Connecting through Education and the Arts Program.
As for the summer grant program, six initiatives in Estevan received support: the City of Estevan ($5,000) for its summer playparks program; the Estevan Area Literacy Group ($3,480) for its Nature Smarts program; the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum ($6,000) for its visual arts camp; the Estevan Early Years Family Resource Centre ($6,000) for its summer day camp; the Souris Valley Museum ($6,000) for its summer day camp; and the Souris Valley Museum ($5,000) for its summer youth drama camp.
Others receiving support were the Town of Arcola ($3,192) for its summer camp; Carlyle's Cornerstone Family and Youth Centre ($5,000) for its summer camp; the Town of Carlyle ($6,000) for a summer swimming program; the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Regional Library's Manor branch ($1,200) for its summer day camp; the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Regional Library's Midale branch ($2,000) for its summer reading club; the Town of Midale ($6,000) for Keeping Cool in the Pool; the Oxbow and District Recreation Board ($6,000) for a summer swimming program; the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Regional Library's Oxbow branch ($1,300) for a summer reading program; the Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Regional Library's Redvers branch ($1,500) for a summer reading club; the Town of Redvers ($1,654) for a swimming program; and the Town of Stoughton ($6,000) for a summer day camp.
"Since 1995, the CIF has supported a wide range of programs, organizations, people and communities across the province to enhance the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said.
"These grants strengthen important community programs and support healthy lifestyles and inclusive communities. Our government is proud to support the CIF's important work by investing $8.5 million from casino revenues to the grant program in 2024-25."
"The CIF supports a wide range of organizations, programs, people and communities in all regions of the province," Community Initiatives Fund executive director Tracey Mann said. "The creativity and resilience of these organizations and communities strengthen our province and CIF is proud to provide its support."
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.
