CIF approves $3.3 million in funding in support of 324 projects

Saskatchewan communities will benefit from 324 grants totalling $3,369,832 from the Community Initiatives Fund’s (CIF) February 1st and April 1st deadlines. These grants will contribute to the wellbeing of 118 communities across Saskatchewan.

Through its Community Grant Program’s April 1st deadline, CIF approved $2,719,073 in support of 125 grants, for programs that contribute to the wellbeing of children and youth, families, and communities, benefiting an estimated 76,623 participants. These programs provide opportunities for children and youth to gain knowledge, skills, and supports to promote positive mental health, selfesteem, and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and to ensure families have access to supports and resources to create healthy and caring environments. Funding also supports nonprofit organizations to enhance their program delivery, governance and leadership capacities, and to engage individuals as volunteers.

Additionally, 199 Summer Grant programs were approved totalling $650,759 to support camps and day programs offering positive recreation, arts, culture, and learning opportunities for an estimated 46,763 children and youth during the summer months.

“For more than 25 years, the Community Initiatives Fund has been enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and their communities across the province,” Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross said. “Our government works closely with the Community Initiatives Fund to ensure our residents and communities benefit from investments in community-based programs and projects. Getting this funding out to community organizations and non-profits means that many children and families across our province will have a much brighter summer and fall to look forward to.”

“The CIF supports a wide range of organizations, programs, people, and communities in all regions of the province,” shared Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund. “As more programming is beginning to re-open, the CIF is grateful to be able to continue to provide funding to support availability of these programs that enrich communities and contribute to quality of life.”

The CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming 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.