Several area communities have received 20 grants worth $194,673 from the provincial government as part of the province’s bi-annual Community Initiatives Fund program.
The grants to area communities included:
Assiniboia
- $9,943 to the Shurniak Art Gallery for a community art program
- $17,000 to the Town of Assiniboia for a community wellness program
- $6,000 to the Assiniboia and District Arts Council for a summer arts camp
- $6,000 to the Town of Assiniboia for a summer day camp
Briercrest
- $6,000 to Palliser Regional Library for a summer fun program
Gravelbourg
- $6,000 to the Gravelbourg and District Early Childhood Coalition for a growing minds program
Moose Jaw
- $30,000 to the YMCA of Regina for a shared services membership program
- $5,000 to the YMCA of Regina for a summer mentorship camp
- $4,000 to the City of Moose Jaw for a 55-plus program
- $5,000 to the City of Moose Jaw for a summer program
- $5,000 to the Art Museum for an arts and culture program
- $6,000 to the Multicultural Council for a summer program
- $30,000 to Hunger in Moose Jaw for a community kitchens and junior chef program
- $25,000 to Family Services for child and youth counselling, support and education
- $4,230 to the Women’s Transition Association for governance training
- $5,000 to New Southern Plains Metis Local 160 for strategic planning
- $10,000 to the Tatawa Park indigenous heritage centre for stakeholder engagement
Mortlach
- $2,500 to the Mortlach Community Development and Agricultural Society for a kids’ day camp
Mossbank
- $6,000 to the Town of Moosbank for a summer camp
Riverhurst
- $6,000 to the Palliser Regional Park for a summer swimming program
Through its latest grant application intake, the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) approved 416 grants totalling $5,300,476. These grants will support innovative local initiatives, build vibrant communities and enrich the quality of life in 151 communities.
"Since 1995, the CIF has supported a wide range of programs, organizations, people and communities across the province to enhance the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people," said MLA Laura Ross, the minister responsible for Parks, Culture and Sport.
"These grants strengthen important community programs and support healthy lifestyles and inclusive communities. Our government is proud to support the CIF's important work by investing $8.5 million from casino revenues to the grant program in 2024-25."
The CIF approved 177 grants totalling $2,893,799 through its spring Community Grant Program to support programs that contribute to the well-being of children and youths, families and communities.
These programs offer opportunities for children and youths to gain knowledge, skills, and supports to promote positive mental health, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and to ensure families have access to supports and resources to create healthy and caring environments.
Another 238 summer grant programs were approved, totalling $1,219,677, to support camps and day programs offering positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities for Saskatchewan children and youth during the summer months.
Funding also helps non-profit organizations enhance their program delivery, governance, and leadership capacities and engage individuals as volunteers. For example, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Saskatchewan Division, will receive $1,187,000 in two-year funding support for the Gambling Awareness Program.
"The CIF supports a wide range of organizations, programs, people and communities in all regions of the province," said Tracey Mann, executive director of the Community Initiatives Fund. "The creativity and resilience of these organizations and communities strengthen our province and CIF is proud to provide its support."
The CIF is a special-purpose fund created through The Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act and is managed by a government-appointed board of community volunteers.
