$2.1 Million in CIF Funding will Support 130 Saskatchewan Programs
Press Release
From the Community Initiatives Fund’s (CIF) October 1st deadline, $2,192,079 in funding will support
130 grants through its Community Grant Program. These community programs will contribute to the wellbeing of an estimated 93,206 participants across 47 communities in Saskatchewan. For the health and safety of all, programs are to adhere to current provincial public health orders and recommendations.
Thanks to an Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant from the Government of Saskatchewan, CIF was able to continue providing funding through our 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 are crucial, as they 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.
“These are truly unprecedented times and we have seen Saskatchewan people stepping up with determination and compassion to address the needs of those in difficulty,” the Honourable Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross said. “The Community Initiatives Fund will support community non-profit organizations, their staff, boards and the thousands of volunteers across the province who are out in these communities making a difference in people’s lives every day and keeping our province strong.”
“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.
A complete list of the grant recipients and their programs, as well as information about the Community Initiatives Fund can be found at www.cifsask.org.
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Contact:
Angela Tremka
Community Initiatives Fund
T: 306.780.9394
E: admin@cifsask.org
Sean St. George
Parks, Culture and Sport
T: 306.787.9087 C: 306.526.8635
E: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
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