Federal government doubles funding available through MMIWG+ program
Funding for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund has doubled thanks to federal funding given to Saskatchewan to address gender-based violence.
Launched in 2022, the fund provides up to $40,000 for “dedicated projects that enhance awareness, safety and empowerment within Indigenous communities.” That year it earmarked a total of $400,000 for at least 10 projects.
In addition to provincial funding, Women and Gender Equity Canada started contributing $400,000 in 2023, for a total of $800,000, the Government of Saskatchewan said in an emailed statement Thursday.
The federal funding is part of $20.3 million announced for Saskatchewan over four years through a national action plan, which in part aims to implement Indigenous-led approaches.
The program is open to local, grassroots Indigenous groups and Indigenous non-profit organizations; non-profit organizations and municipalities “seeking authentic partnerships” with Indigenous communities; and non-indigenous non-profit organizations with “Indigenous involvement and whose primary programs/services benefit First Nations or Métis clientele,” a news release issued Thursday said.
The fund is a reconciliation effort, which aims to address the issues highlighted by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the release noted.
“I am proud to announce the launch of the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund grant intake period,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don Mcmorris said in the release. “This funding supports important grassroots efforts and organizations in preventing violence and promoting safety that create tangible solutions and a safer future for all.”
Applications are being accepted for projects that “advance violence prevention efforts and foster safety for Indigenous women, girls, Two-spirit people, their families and communities.”
The spring deadline to submit is May 31.
In 2023-24, the funding was “fully allocated” to 23 different projects.