.png)
CIF is Celebrating 25 Years!
The Community Initiatives Fund is grateful for the opportunity to support the many community programs and initiatives that benefit residents throughout our province over the past 25 years. These milestones, relationships, and learnings will be explored in the upcoming months.
In June we shared our quick reference timeline to highlight and guide you through some of CIF's main relationships and accomplishments. This month, take a walk with us through the past 25 years as we highlight stories of programs we have helped fund. Since 1997 we have been sharing and celebrating these unique programs and projects, showcasing the important work of these organizations throughout the province.
.png)
CIF Approves $2.6 Million in Support of 271 Programs
Saskatchewan communities will benefit from 271 grants totaling $2,617,814 from the Community Initiatives Fund's (CIF) February 1st and April 1st deadlines. These grants will contribute to the wellbeing of 40 communities across Saskatchewan.
"Community organizations are critical contributors to wellbeing in our province, providing programs, services, and opportunities to individuals of all ages and their families," shared Tracey Mann, Executive Director of the Community Initiatives Fund. "With the many challenges of the past year, accessibility to those programs and services is especially important, and CIF funding ensures organizations can continue to offer programming in response to community needs."
We are extremely appreciative of the Government of Saskatchewan for an Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant of $4 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year. This grant to the CIF is intended to help offset the loss of $8 million the CIF would normally receive due to the temporary closure of Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw. This will allow us to continue providing funding through our regular Community Grant Program to support the delivery of programs and services in communities throughout Saskatchewan.
COVID-19 may present unexpected challenges for Saskatchewan organizations that have received or are seeking CIF grants to support programs. For the health and safety of all, please adhere to current provincial regulations as well as the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan when considering your programming. We recognize that your CIF funded programs may be impacted and encourage you to check out CIF's Response to COVID-19 FAQ and contact us (rnewton@cifsask.org or asawatzky@cifsask.org) to discuss any anticipated changes and we'll work with you to explore options.
For updates on CIF's grant programs, continue to visit our website, sign up to receive our e-updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
.png)
Reshaping Community Programming
Join our Facebook Group! How has your organization adapted programing in response to COVID? Do you know of resources or tools to help nonprofit organizations adapt their programming? We have created a space for Saskatchewan community program and service providers to share best practices, ask questions, network, collaborate, provide support for one another, and build connections across the province. We encourage you to start conversations, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share your success stories with each other.
CIF also has gathered some tips, tools, and questions to consider.
Feature Story:
Building ParaSport in Saskatchewan
ParaSport306, offered by the Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association (SWSA), is designed to introduce youth and adults living with physical disabilities to a variety of adaptive sport opportunities including Athletics, Basketball, Tennis, Rugby, Skiing, and Sledge Hockey.
The program moved virtually, with the advantage of reaching rural communities in Saskatchewan. The Virtual Youth Wheelchair Sports Camp focused on youth 18 and under with a physical disability. Each participant received a “Sport Camp Kit” with all the equipment they would need for the program. Equipment and instructions were provided by Provincial Sport Organizations around Saskatchewan and SWSA.
Scam Alert!
There is someone that we believe is from the US posing as staff from the Community Initiatives Fund. They contact people through Facebook claiming that the person’s name is listed on CIF’s ‘winners list’ and request bank information to transfer their winnings. If you are contacted by someone in regard to this, we urge you to contact your local authorities.
To be clear, this is NOT the Community Initiatives Fund. We ONLY fund incorporated Saskatchewan nonprofit organizations through a rigorous application and review process. We do not provide funds to individuals. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Executive Director, Tracey Mann at 306.780.9395.