Community Initiatives Fund supporting 130 programs across Saskatchewan

A total of $2.19 million in funding has been distributed to programs across the province through the Community Initiatives Fund’s fall Community Grant Program.

A total of 47 communities will benefit from grants provided through the Community Initiatives Fund’s October 1 deadline.

Thanks to an Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant from the Government of Saskatchewan, CIF was able to continue providing funding through the Community Grant Program to support the delivery of programs and services in communities throughout Saskatchewan. This grant helped offset the loss of more than $8 million the CIF expected to receive due to the temporary closure of Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw earlier this year from COVID-19.

Programs funded through the Community

Grant Program 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 support for nonprofit staff, Board members, and volunteers to improve program delivery, governance and leadership, and for individuals to become involved as active citizens, volunteers, and community leaders.

In the Southwest, a series of Community grants were awarded. A list of regional projects is as follows:

Consul

Reno Rascals Early Learning and Child Care Inc. - Reno Rascals After School Program - $15,450.

Gull Lake

Town of Gull Lake - Activity Sampling

Program 3.0 - $7,500.

Hazlet

Village of Hazlet - South West Skills Development - $6,000.

Hodgeville

Hodgeville Preschool Program Hodgeville Preschool Program - $5,000.

Success

Success Daycare Inc. - Success Preschool Program - $3,300.

Swift Current

City of Swift Current - United Way Active Play After School Program - $15,000.

City of Swift Current - Welcome to Sport Program - $10,000.

Saskatchewan Abilities Council Inc. SLYP-OUT Social Leisure Youth Program - $25,000.

Saskatchewan Health Authority - Southwest Mentoring Program $25,000.

Southwest Crisis Services Inc. - The Male Outreach Program - $25,000.

Swift Current Community Youth Initiative - After School Program - $12,500.

“The pandemic has affected all people and sectors in Saskatchewan, including the nonprofit sector. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the dedicated staff and volunteers navigating these unexpected challenges presented by the pandemic,” shared Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund. “We recognize the efforts that have gone in to dramatically adapting programming and continuing to provide services and supports to communities across Saskatchewan.”

The CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and managed by a government appointed board of community volunteers.

Additional information about the Community Initiatives Fund can be found at www.cifsask.org.