CIF awards almost $5 million to Sask. communities

The Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) recently announced the approval of 464 grants totaling $4,911,259 in support of Saskatchewan communities.

CIF programs contribute to locally-led projects that enhance the quality of community life through leadership, development, inclusion, physical activity, facility improvements and celebrations in Saskatchewan communities.

The CIF is also celebrating its own milestone of accomplishment, having granted a cumulative total of over $100 million to Saskatchewan communities since their inception in 1996.

Through the Community Grant Program, the CIF announced 349 grants totaling $3,263,045 in support of the well being of children, youth, families and community. This includes 204 summer grants for projects totaling $941,254 and 145 program grants totaling $2,321,791.

Grant approvals through the Community Vitality Program total $971,635 for 92 grants that help to improve infrastructure and community facilities or support significant milestones and cultural community celebrations.

The CIF also approved 22 grants totaling $616,579 through its Physical Activity Grant Program, helping to encourage more physical activity for all Saskatchewan residents and increasing its support of local initiatives.

“This is extraordinary, a significant accomplishment in the history of the Community Initiatives Fund demonstrating our overwhelming support for Saskatchewan communities,” says Darlene Bessey, chairperson of the CIF Board of Trustees.

“Our Board is proud to be a part of this significant $100 million in grants milestone!”

The CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and governed by a volunteer board appointed through the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Grant recipients, their projects, and more CIF information is at www.cifsask.

Community Grant Program recipients in the Southwest:

Eastend - Eastend Historical Museum (Eastend Community Connections), $4,700.

Hazlet - Hazlet Early Learning Centre (Summer Kamps for Kids), $5,000.

Leader - Town of Leader Recreation Department (Parks Program and Summer Activities), $5,000.

Maple Creek - Cypress Hills Metis Cultural and Resource Centre, $10,000.

Ponteix - Southwest Food Security Committee (program funding), $20,000.

Shaunavon - Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre Inc. (Summer Art Programs), $5,000.

Shaunavon - Wellness and Leisure Committee/Town of Shaunavon (Summer Active), $4,000.

Swift Current - Family Resource Centre (Upgrade, Update, Rejuvenate), $5,000.

Swift Current - Parent Support Network, $10,000.

Swift Current - Saskatchewan Abilities Council (Summer Fun), $5,000.

Swift Current - Southwest Cultural Development Group Inc. (Summer Chautauqua Theatre Festival), $1,000.

Swift Current - Southwest Street Culture Foundation Committee (Shelter Project), $25,000.

Swift Current - Swift Current Community Youth Initiative (Outdoor Adventure and Character Development), $3,000.

Swift Current - The Center - Community Youth Initiative (Hub at The Center), $5,000.

Swift Current - The Center - Community Youth Initiative (On the Move), $5,000.

Val Marie - Prairie Learning Centre (Increased Access Program), $23,900.

Vanguard - Community Family Resource Centre (Summer Fun Program), $4,880.

Community Vitality Program, Small Capital Grant allocations: This program delivered $785,000 through 69 projects.

Glentworth - Glentworth Community Hall renovations, $15,000.

Hazlet - Hazlet School Playground Committee, $20,000.

Kyle - Kyle Community Sports Centre (plumbing retrofit and upgrade), $7,500.

Mankota - Mankota Agricultural Society Community Hall/Village of Mankota (install energy efficient lighting and improvement project), $20,000.

Maple Creek - Sidney Street School Playground Improvement Project, $20,000.

McCord - McCord and District Museum Committee (repair the old Holiness Movement Church), $2,500.

Community Vitality Program, Pride Projects and Events Grant allocations: A total of $186,635 was provided through 23 grants.

Abbey - Abbey Community Centennial Celebration, $6,500.

Consul - Consul Centennial Celebration Services, $8,759.

Hazlet - Hazlet Homecoming, $13,500.

Prelate - Prelate Centennial Celebrations 2013, $2,382.

Richmound - Richmound Volunteer Recognition Committee, $825.

RM of Mankota and Glen McPherson - RM 100th Celebration, $2,300.

RM of Whiska Creek - 100th Anniversary Celebration, $1,122.

Swift Current - Swift Current Centennial Planning and Celebration, $39,200.

Community Vitality Program, Physical Activity Grant allocations:

Hazlet - Hazlet Recreation Board (Hazlet Gets Active!), $10,000.