Calgary Herald

New grant program aims to help girls and women

- YOLANDE COLE ycole@postmedia.com

A new grant program announced by the Alberta government Wednesday is aimed at helping community groups with projects that improve the lives of women and girls in the province.

Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean said the $500,000 program includes an enhancemen­t stream that will allow groups to apply for funding for unique shortterm projects, staff developmen­t or organizing events, conference­s or training.

An innovation stream of the program will give non-profits a chance to apply for up to $100,000 in funding to expand successful programs within Alberta, or set up mentoring between organizati­ons.

“We know community groups are best able to address community needs, so we’re supporting grassroots initiative­s here with seed funding to spark new ideas and strengthen the great work that they’re already doing,” McLean said. “We know the need is great and this is just the beginning.”

The grant program is focused on groups striving to increase women’s economic security, prevent and end gender-based violence and increase the number of women in leadership positions.

McLean made the comments at the start of Geeky Summit, a full-day event focused on women in technology and entreprene­urship.

Event organizer Kylie Toh said the grant program will enable “scrappy, strong, hungry organizati­ons” like her non-profit Chic Geek to increase their capacity.

McLean said this is the first grant program out of the Alberta Status of Women ministry.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the outcomes are and how it improves the lives of women and girls in Alberta, and we’ll certainly be taking that into account with future decisions,” she said.

The deadline for applicatio­ns is Dec. 16.

 ?? GAVIN YOUNG ?? Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean, left, and Kylie Toh, founder of Chic Geek and organizer at Geeky Summit, discuss a new $500,000 provincial grant program.
GAVIN YOUNG Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean, left, and Kylie Toh, founder of Chic Geek and organizer at Geeky Summit, discuss a new $500,000 provincial grant program.
 ?? YOUNG GAVIN ?? Calgary entreprene­ur Sophia Fairweathe­r, 8, talks Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean, after McLean announced a new grant program that will support organizati­ons that improve the lives of women and girls.
YOUNG GAVIN Calgary entreprene­ur Sophia Fairweathe­r, 8, talks Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean, after McLean announced a new grant program that will support organizati­ons that improve the lives of women and girls.

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