Community Initiatives Fund Grant
The Government of Saskatchewan will provide an emergency support grant to the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) of $4 million in 2021-22. This grant will help offset the significant loss of core funding the CIF faced due to the temporary closure of Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Community Initiatives Fund has an immediate financial impact on individuals, families and their communities across the province," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "Allocating this funding while community nonprofits and volunteers are adapting and revising their plans will be critical for communities to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow for many children and their families across Saskatchewan the ability to enjoy an eventful summer as our province is set to reopen."
The Community Initiatives Fund offers grants and support to Saskatchewan communities that focus on healthy development of youth, family well-being and non-profit and community leadership. Approximately 20 per cent of the province's population benefit from participating in more than 500 community programs and services supported annually by CIF.
"The CIF is extremely grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for providing the Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant which will allow us to support the delivery of approximately 400 community-based programs and services throughout the province," Community Initiatives Fund Executive Director Tracey Mann said. "With the many challenges of the past year, accessibility to those programs will ensure the wellbeing of children, youth and their families."
These programs provided by the CIF in Saskatchewan 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 lifestyles.
The CIF is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act, Part IV, and managed by a government-appointed board of community volunteers.
For more information on the Community Initiatives Fund and for a complete list of grant recipients and projects visit www.cifsask.org.