Community Initiatives Fund - Connect, Engage, Thrive

Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2017

Thinking of applying to our Community Grant Program? The next deadline is midnight October 1. 

You are strongly encouraged to read the guidelines before completing your application. You can find the guidelines as well as the Application Guide and Sample Application to help you through the grant writing process here. The Community Grant Program supports projects and initiatives that: 

• provide positive opportunities for children and youth to grow and develop skills, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle; 
• ensure families have access to support and resources to create healthy, caring and safe environments; 
• celebrate the accomplishments of Saskatchewan communities; 
• encourage and support individuals to become involved as active citizens, volunteers, and community leaders; and 
• strengthen Saskatchewan’s nonprofit sector. 

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. The CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Our records indicate you have registered with the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) or you have applied for a program grant through the CIF.  Questions? Email admin@cifsask.org. Address: 105 - 2550 12th Ave. Subscribe here. Unsubscribe here.

Is the Community Initiatives Fund in your community yet?

 CIF supports community projects that enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Projects may involve early childhood development, youth programming, volunteer leadership, physical activity, Aboriginal inclusion, and community celebrations.

Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2017

 Thinking of applying to our Community Grant Program? The next deadline is midnight October 1. Please refer to the guidelines before applying.

Community Grant Program: Community grants that enhance the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan's children, youth and families. Annual Deadlines: April 1 & October 1.

Summer Grant: Support activities for children and youth that occur between May 1 & August 31. The types of projects typically supported include summer camps and day programming during the summer months that offer positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities. Annual Deadline: February 1.

As a reminder, the Community Places and Spaces Program has ended. Please note that capital projects are not eligible under the Community Grant Program.  

Saskatchewan Nonprofit Organizations Research Survey

 Are you a Saskatchewan Nonprofit? Make your voice count! Participate in the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Organizations Research Survey to help gather baseline data about the size, scope, and contributions of the sector. The survey is intended to gather information to better understand and collectively communicate the scope and impact of our sector. Survey questions focus on human resources (paid and unpaid), financial, audiences served, and trends. This survey is being undertaken by Insightrix Research on behalf of the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership. To receive the survey link, please contact Tasha.Moskal@insightrix.com or visit www.sasknonprofit.ca for more information.

Please share this survey with your networks and through Facebook and Twitter!

Feature Story: 2017 P.A.R.T.Y Program, Safe Communities Humboldt & Area

 The P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol & Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program Day is a full day session where students follow the paths of injury survivors and meet professionals involved in trauma situations. Paramedics, RCMP, Therapists, Emergency Room Nurses, and Addictions Counselors assist students in experiencing the difficult journey of a trauma patient. Students have hands-on experience with the equipment used in trauma care and rehabilitation. They have the opportunity to witness a mock crash scene and learn about the harsh realities of not only sustaining an injury but other potential consequences of being involved in a vehicle crash. They also visit a local funeral home and morgue and hear from a coroner. To end the day, injury and trauma survivors share with students their own personal experiences as they describe their lives, before and after the injury and trauma. 

For the full story, click here. 
For a list of previous Feature Stories, click here. 

Resources & Events:

 Leap Registration Dates 
The deadline to register for SARC’s Leap program is Friday, September 8. If you’re interested in registering for individual Leap sessions, you can do so starting on Friday, September 1. Learn more about this management skills development program and the variety of sessions available, including topics in human resources, communications, and labour relations. Read more. 

Community Foundations Get Ready for Vital Signs Week in October 
38 community foundations across Canada are getting set for this year’s Vital Signs week taking place October 2-6. Over five days, foundations will launch local reports and host conversations about the well-being and sustainability of their communities. Community Foundations of Canada will also wrap up a three-part series on belonging this October with the release of its 2017 national Vital Signs report. Looking at the “systems” that influence belonging in our communities, the report will highlight a different area of focus each day during Vital Signs week. Further readings include Tracking Vital Signs for the Communal and Global Good and Vital Signs and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

UAKN Research Podcast Series 
The Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network has decided to launch a podcast series to highlight community driven research in the form of storytelling. The goal of these podcasts is to provide an in-depth perspective on how community driven research occurs on the ground and the importance that relationships and partnerships play in this process. These projects are creating community impacts on the ground while also providing policy recommendations that aim to further contribute to a better life for urban Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Read more. 

Re-focus, Re-group & Review – How to Prepare the Board for a Busy Fall 
Coming back from summer always feels like a fresh start. Optimize this renewed energy with the Board of Directors by having a strong plan in place for the busy months ahead.  Start the fall off right, by focusing on Board development. Keep the “3 R’s” in mind – Re-focus, Re-group, Review, when getting going. Read more. 

Connecting with Nature 
This collection from the Leisure Information Network looks at various ways to connect with nature, whether through school programs, municipal strategies, conservation efforts, and more, as well as the many benefits of nature connection, such as economic, social, health, ecological and others. Read more. 

Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Toolkit 
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) is excited to announce that Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) has partnered with MCoS on the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) initiative and endorsed the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) Toolkit as a “strong tool for Saskatchewan hometowns to move forward” (SUMA Statement). The WIC toolkit boasts a Saskatchewan perspective and multiple success stories taken from bigger centres to smaller municipalities in the province. Read more. 

My Cat Makes Me Happy: What Canada’s Youth Told Us About Their Well-being 
A new UNICEF Canada report highlights what Canada’s youth consider critical to their well-being. Among the insights, holistic health and a sense of belonging top the list. In My Cat Makes Me Happy, UNICEF Canada outlines the findings of workshops held across Canada to learn directly from youth what well-being means to them, and to gain a better sense about what it’s like to grow up in Canada. Read more. 

Other Funding Sources:  

 SaskFestivals (Deadline: October 15, 2017) 
The SaskFestivals program supports and encourages eligible festival organizations in the province that have a positive impact on the arts in Saskatchewan. This includes financial support for their artistic programs and services and governance, management, administrative and operational functions. Read more. 

Indigenous Pathways Initiative (Deadline: October 15, 2017) 
Independent Artists Projects support Indigenous artists to work independently on their own artistic/cultural practice, either in a traditional or contemporary art form. Community Projects support Indigenous artists and Traditional Knowledge Keepers/Elders to share their art, skills and teachings with their communities through activities such as workshops, gatherings or mentorships. Read more. 
 

CIF Grant Tip: Grant Application Checklist

CIF’s next grant deadline is coming up on October 1, 2017. We put together a checklist of things to remember as you fill out your application. 

Guidelines. You are strongly encouraged to read the guidelines before completing your application. You can find the guidelines as well as the Application Guide and Sample Application to help you through the grant writing process here. 

Online Application. We accept online applications only. The online application allows you to save work as you go so you can come back to your application as many times as you need before submitting. Be sure to click 'submit' when you finished completing your application.

Deadline. Our next application deadline is October 1, 2017. Be sure to start your application early and submit it with ample time to ensure there are no technology snags – they do happen! 

Contact Information. Be sure your contact information is correct. We may need to contact you for additional information about your grant, and will be informing you if your application has been successful by using the contact information you provide. 

Executive Summary. The executive summary is the first section that will be read in a grant proposal. The summary should explain the community problem and your proposed solution. Ensure you express the need of your program and the results you aim to achieve. Although it is listed at the beginning of your application, consider completing the summary last, as the summary provides the overview of the entire grant proposal. The summary of your proposed project must be clear and concise. You may also include a short description of your organization, but keep in mind CIF’s maximum word count of 500 words. Once you have completed the summary, be sure to do the Litmus Test by asking yourself: “if a person read only this description, would they be able to understand the entire intent and scope of the project?” 

Budget. The budget in your application is no different than any budget in that it needs to balance! When completing the budget in your CIF application form, please make sure that the total Grant Request amount matches the CIF Total Expenses Budget amount. Make sure your project’s expenses do not start until after December 1, 2017. It is important that you include the CIF grant when you are listing both potential and confirmed revenue sources for your project. When listing estimated Project Expenses, make sure that you provide a brief explanation of what it is that you are requesting funding for. For example, for Staff Salaries, make sure to tell us what staff you are requesting funding for. Furthermore, for Project Supplies, list what you are planning on purchasing (e.g., sports equipment, craft supplies, etc.). 

Overhead Expenses. A maximum of 20% of your CIF grant can go toward overhead expenses. Keep in mind, the final percent (up to 20%) for overhead expenses is determined based on the final grant approved. Overhead is defined as: supervision, accounting fees, administration, insurance, rent, repairs, office supplies, telephone, utilities, and fundraising expenses – those expenses generally incurred by an organization to maintain operations. You must include your request for overhead expense funding in the budget section of your grant application form. Claiming overhead is optional for applicants. Invoices or receipts for overhead costs are notrequired to claim overhead expenses. 

In-Kind Goods or Services. In-kind support indicates that there is community support for your project, so this is an important part of your application. In-kind goods and services are contributions that other organizations or businesses in your community are providing free of charge or at a reduced rate to your project. This could include project supplies, professional services, facility and equipment rentals, etc. Please note that in-kind contributions are listed here and not in the budget. If any in-kind goods or services will be contributed to your project, select ‘Yes’ to this question and provide the name of the person, company or organization, a brief description of their contribution, and its value. If volunteers will be involved in your project, indicate the number of people that will be volunteering, and a brief description of how they will be involved. 

If you have any questions while you are completing your application, please refer to the Guidelines, Application Guide, and Sample Application here. If these documents do not answer your question, please contact our Grants Administrator, Rhonda Newton, at 306.780.9308 or rnewton@cifsask.org. 

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. The CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Our records indicate you have registered with the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) or you have applied for a program grant through the CIF.  Questions? Email admin@cifsask.org. Address: 105 - 2550 12th Ave. Subscribe here. Unsubscribe here.

Is the Community Initiatives Fund in your community yet?

CIF supports community projects that enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Projects may involve early childhood development, youth programming, volunteer leadership, physical activity, Aboriginal inclusion, and community celebrations.

Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2017

Thinking of applying to our Community Grant Program? The next deadline is midnight October 1. Please refer to the guidelines before applying.

Community Grant Program: Community grants that enhance the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan's children, youth and families. Annual Deadlines: April 1 & October 1.

Summer Grant: Support activities for children and youth that occur between May 1 & August 31. The types of projects typically supported include summer camps and day programming during the summer months that offer positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities. Annual Deadline: February 1.

As a reminder, the Community Places and Spaces Program has ended. Please note that capital projects are not eligible under the Community Grant Program.  

Saskatchewan Nonprofit Organizations Research Survey

Are you a Saskatchewan Nonprofit? Make your voice count! Participate in the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Organizations Research Survey to help gather baseline data about the size, scope, and contributions of the sector. The survey is intended to gather information to better understand and collectively communicate the scope and impact of our sector. Survey questions focus on human resources (paid and unpaid), financial, audiences served, and trends. This survey is being undertaken by Insightrix Research on behalf of the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership. To receive the survey link, please contact Tasha.Moskal@insightrix.com or visit www.sasknonprofit.ca for more information.

Please share this survey with your networks and via Facebook and Twitter!

Feature Story: North Central Vibe Program

The North Central Vibe Program engages and empowers residents to become active and involved in their community through weekly arts, culture, and fitness programming. The program offers five hours a week of structured youth and family programming in North Central, totaling 250 programing hours a year. "Participants have the opportunity to channel their creativity through arts, culture, and fitness that they may not have access to at home. We provide a safe environment for people of the community to come and have a chance to interact with other community members in a positive way,” shares Louise.

For the full story, click here. 
Fo a list of previous Feature Stories, click here. 

Resources & Events:

Register for the 12th Annual Nonprofit Management Institute 
Stanford Social Innovation Review’s twelfth annual Nonprofit Management Institute—Leading Social Change in Turbulent Times—recognizes that organizational leaders face difficult and uncertain roads ahead. Through a mix of intensive sessions, hands-on workshops, and insightful interviews with thought leaders from academia, nonprofits, for-profits, and government, you’ll leave the conference feeling inspired and ready to take action. The program will take place September 12-13 at Stanford University. Read more. 

Canadians Invited to Share Ideas on How to Prevent & Reduce Homelessness 
The Government of Canada has announced the creation of the Advisory Committee on Homelessness. An online engagement process has been launched to gather feedback and ideas from Canadians on how to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada. All Canadians are invited to share their views and ideas through the online survey and by sharing their stories before the end of August 2017. The Advisory Committee will consider the feedback and ideas from the engagement process and will provide the Minister with options for the redesign of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. Read more. 

150 Years of Canadian Volunteering History 
Volunteers – what would we do without them? Since Canada’s earliest days as a nation, volunteers have continuously worked towards creating a better society for all. Here’s a recap of the last 150 years of volunteering history. Read more. 

UAKN 2016-2017 Summary of Research 
The Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) 2016-17 Summary of Research is now available online. Find out the latest key findings and information on the over 60 UAKN Research Projects taking place across the regions! Read more. 

Notification of Cessation of Leisure Information Network Services 
The Leisure Information Network is no longer able to secure the funding needed to maintain and grow the National Recreation Database and their suite of information web resources. As a result, LIN will wind down its operations ending September 30, 2017. Read more. 

Surveying the Field 2017 Summary 
SPRA conducted an online survey in January 2017, with support from InsightrixResearch, of more than 800 people from across the province. Respondents were asked a variety of questions related to the themes of Active Living, Inclusion and Access, and Supportive Environments. In Surveying the Field - 2017, a number of recent trends related to topics were identified, such as: sedentary behavior and inactivity, discrimination and harassment, healthy food choices, mental health, how income affects physical activity, and the recreation experiences of newcomers, LGBT, and Indigenous people. Read more. 

The Shifting Terrain: Nonprofit Policy Advocacy in Canada 
“Has advocacy become a dirty word in Canada? We believe it has and it is for this reason that we were inspired to write a book about it. Canadian advocacy has evolved over the past few decades. A core function of the nonprofit sector, advocacy endures in an unsympathetic neoliberal landscape - one dominated by a rise in government surveillance, ongoing government funding cuts, and confusion over what activities are permissible.” Read more.  

Diversity through Inclusive Practice 
In partnership with DAWN-RAFH Canada, the Community Inclusions and Exclusions theme group produced a toolkit to assist individuals and organizations with planning and carrying out inclusive processes and events. Based on shared knowledge, the Toolkit provides practical suggestions for creating spaces that are inclusive of all people, regardless of age, ability, ethno-cultural background, indigenous heritage, sexual orientation, or place of origin. Note that this is an evolving document that will be updated and added to in order to keep it current in the years to come. Read more. 

Other Funding Sources:  

Creative Kids (Deadline: August 18, 2017) 
Creative Kids believes all children and youth should have the opportunity to participate in cultural and creative activities regardless of economic or social barriers. They provide funding for Saskatchewan children and youth to participate in creative activities such as art, music, dance, theatre, and culture. Read more. 

The Youth Justice Fund (Deadline: August 31, 2017) 
This fund provides grants and contributions to projects that encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system. Projects addressing gaps in services for Indigenous youth in conflict with the law will be prioritized for funding in order to respond to the over-representation of young Indigenous Canadians in the criminal justice system. Read more. 
 

CIF Grant Tip: Support to Rural Programs

Are CIF's grants reaching rural communities? You bet! Supporting programs in rural and remote communities is a priority of the Community Initiatives Fund and we encourage organizations in small communities across Saskatchewan to apply for CIF grants. 

In 2016, 66% of regional grants from CIF’s April 1 and October 1 deadlines were awarded outside of Regina and Saskatoon and 40% of grants were awarded outside of Saskatchewan’s 17 cities. This added up to over $1.3 million invested in towns and villages across the province in regional grants. Almost 10% of regional grants approved were for programs located in Northern Saskatchewan, totaling over $500,000. In addition to regional grants, CIF also funded over $1.1 million for programs with a provincial scope, many of which also benefit smaller communities. 

CIF’s Community Grant Program adjudication committees are also composed of volunteers from across the province. CIF currently has committee members from 15 communities across Saskatchewan excluding Regina and Saskatoon, representing 66% of all adjudication committee members. 

CIF has an interactive map where you can search for specific communities that were awarded CIF grants! The map is currently showcasing grants from the Feb 1 & Apr 1, 2017 deadlines. Check the interactive map out here.

Have other questions about our grants? Drop us a line at admin@cifsask.org.

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. The CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Our records indicate you have registered with the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) or you have applied for a program grant through the CIF.  Questions? Email admin@cifsask.org. Address: 105 - 2550 12th Ave. Subscribe here. Unsubscribe here.

Is the Community Initiatives Fund in your community yet?

CIF supports community projects that enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Projects may involve early childhood development, youth programming, volunteer leadership, physical activity, Aboriginal inclusion, and community celebrations.

Next Application Deadline: October 1, 2017

Thinking of applying to our Community Grant Program? The next deadline is midnight October 1. Please refer to the guidelines before applying.

Community Grant Program: Community grants that enhance the health and wellbeing of Saskatchewan's children, youth and families. Annual Deadlines: April 1 & October 1.

Summer Grant: Support activities for children and youth that occur between May 1 & August 31. The types of projects typically supported include summer camps and day programming during the summer months that offer positive recreation, arts, culture and learning opportunities. Annual Deadline: February 1.

As a reminder, the Community Places and Spaces Program has ended. Please note that capital projects are not eligible under the Community Grant Program.  

CIF Media Release: $4.6 Million Awarded to 390 Projects

CIF is delighted to announce that Saskatchewan communities will benefit from 390 grants totaling $4,643,559 from CIF’s February 1st and April 1st deadlines. CIF supports initiatives that enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of people living throughout Saskatchewan. Check out our media release for more information as well as the complete list of grant recipients and their projects!

Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership

We’re excited to let you know the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership (SNP) is up and running! SNP began with a small group of Sask-based nonprofit professionals from six organizations, who decided to step in where the Saskatchewan Network of Nonprofit Organizations (SNNO) left off: to improve awareness of the impact the sector in Saskatchewan, enhance its efforts and reduce its challenges. The Partnership will benefit the sector, its employees and volunteers through collaboration in research, networking, public awareness, sector strategy development and thought leadership. 

Connect with the Saskatchewan Nonprofit Partnership on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up to date on SNP’s activities! For a general overview of the Partnership, you can also visit the website: www.sasknonprofit.ca. To receive e-updates on the work of the Partnership and other information relevant to the nonprofit sector email us at info@sasknonprofit.ca. Feel free to share this exciting news with your networks! 

The Partnership is excited to launch the first-ever survey of nonprofit organizations in the province! The survey is intended to gather information so that we can better understand and collectively communicate the scope and impact of our sector. Survey questions focus on human resources (paid and unpaid), financial, audiences served, and trends. The Partnership has contracted with Insightrix Research to conduct the survey over the summer. Anyone wanting additional information about the survey is welcome to contact Tracey Mann, Community Initiatives Fund, at tmann@cifsask.org or 306.780.9395. If you have not been contacted by Insightrix to participate in the survey and would like to participate please email Tasha Moskal at Tasha.Moskal@insightrix.com.

Feature Story: iMAGine Arts Visual Arts Education Program

The Mann Art Gallery is the only professional public art gallery in Prince Albert and the surrounding area. Designing and delivering a professional quality, diverse, relevant, and robust Art Education Program is one of the three core ways the Gallery fulfills its mandate and serves its city and region. Its mandate is to bridge art and community through excellence in art. The iMAGine Arts Visual Art Education Program is one of the fundamental ways through which the gallery achieves its mission: "to engage and facilitate the development, presentation, and preservation of the visual arts in a diverse and inclusive community." 

"Crucial project-based funding from granting organizations like the Community Initiatives Fund has enabled iMAGine Arts to engage over 3,500 participants per year in high-quality art education in our 10 program categories, designed to provide access to professional art, artists, and art-making opportunities regardless of age, ability, financial standing, family situation, or social status," shares Lana Wilson, Gallery Educator. "CIF grant funding enables the Gallery Educator position to exist to provide both long-term, ongoing, and on-demand programs for the entire community. In 2016 we delivered a record-breaking 237 education activities to 3,853 participants. Our programs are in high demand and we regularly receive new requests from school and community groups."

For the full story, click here. 
Fo a list of previous Feature Stories, click here. 

Resources & Events:

Participate in the 2017 Boland Survey 
The Boland Survey has provided the Canadian nonprofit sector with compensation data for 20 years. Human resource professionals, executive directors/CEOs, and board members look to the regional reports for annual data on salary trends and predictions, benefits, and human resource practices needed to make informed compensation decisions. This is the only survey in Canada that includes annual and equivalent hourly rates for the nonprofit sector. Read more. 

Call for Presenters - Gathering Strength: Framework for Recreation in Canada Forum
The Gathering Strength/Rassembler nos forces: Framework for Recreation in Canada Forum is happening in Regina in May 2018. This national Forum is focused on building relationships, continuing dialog and working in cooperation towards achieving the values, goals and priorities identified in the Framework for Recreation in Canada: 2015 Pathways to Wellbeing. The Program Sub-Committee for the Forum is accepting applications for concurrent session presenters. They are looking for thought provoking and engaging presenters and facilitators who can share knowledge from local, provincial and national levels and offer topics that are well aligned with the Framework for Recreation in Canada. Applications are due July 14, 2017. Read more. 

Interested in SARC’s Leap program? 
Learn about the Leap experience from none other than past Graduates of the program! Network with nonprofit leaders across Saskatchewan in this management skills development program. Registration is currently open for the 2017-2018 Leap year. Watch the video or learn more about Leap.

Generating Momentum 
This is a 4-day camp held at Camp Easter Seal, located on Little Manitou Lake (near Watrous), with a focus on providing the practical skills, knowledge, education, and networking opportunities necessary to make a difference in your community. If you are 18 to 35 years of age and are passionate about social, global, and environmental justice, this camp is for you! Read more. 

Report on Strengthening the Canadian Charitable Sector 
The Mowat Centre has released a report, Charting a Path Forward: Strengthening and Enabling the Charitable Sector in Canada. This paper explores the different dimensions of an ‘Enabling Environment’ in the relationship between the charitable and nonprofit sector and government. The paper defines the current challenge in the relationship between the federal government and the nonprofit and charitable sector; explores what an enabling environment could look like; identifies possible priorities; and presents different ways that the government and the sector can work together. Read more. 

Government of Canada Releases Report Based on Accessibility Consultations 
Over 6,000 people participated, both online and in-person, in the largest and most accessible consultation process on disability in Canada in the past 20 years. These consultations included 18 public meetings and 9 thematic roundtables where Canadians from across the country shared their personal stories and their challenges, successes, hopes and aspirations for a more inclusive society. The report summarizes what the Government of Canada learned from consulting with Canadians, experts, stakeholders and community organizations, and provides valuable insight on the barriers that Canadians with disabilities face in their daily lives. Read more. 

Other Funding Sources:  

Enabling Accessibility Fund (Deadline: July 26, 2017) 
The EAF funds organizations, businesses and other eligible recipients to improve accessibility and/or safety for people with disabilities by supporting the capital costs of renovation, construction and/or retrofit activities and the provision of accessible technologies in workplaces and communities across Canada. Read more. 

Communities at Risk - Security Infrastructure Program (Deadline: July 31, 2017) 
This program is designed to help communities at risk of hate-motivated crime improve their security infrastructure, which will help make Canada safer for all Canadians. Funding is available to not-for-profit organizations linked to a community at risk of being victimized by hate-motivated crime. The funds help with the costs of security infrastructure improvements for places of worship, provincially and territorially recognized educational institutions, and community centers. Read more. 

CIF Grant Tip: Building a Strong Grantee-Funder Relationship 

 The relationship between grantees and funders is an important one, but it can be difficult at times. Here are a few tips for grantees to help build a strong relationship with their funders. 

Do Your Research. Take the time to learn about the goals and mission of a funder, and make sure you have a solid understanding of the types of organizations and projects they fund. If your organization does not look like the best fit, it may be better to walk away than to make yourself fit the funder’s guidelines. Think of it like puzzle pieces - if you have to force them together, it’s probably not the right match. 

Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions. If you want to know more about a funder, their process, or what kind of projects they support, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or write an email. Funding agencies want to find great projects to support, so don’t be afraid to speak to them. If you are having trouble completing the application, or want to check on the status of your grant, you should feel comfortable asking. Just keep in mind that funders work with many organizations and they may not have time to meet individually with each organization to review draft applications in detail. 

Be Honest. Funders understand that non-profit work is messy, and not everything goes according to plan. Don’t try to cover up mistakes or overstate results. Showing that you are willing to change and can adapt to the needs of your community will have a far more positive impact than stretching the truth on the results of your program. Honesty will build far more trust, and continue to strengthen your relationship. 

Know that Mistakes Happen. Both funders and grantees are made up of regular people, and mistakes can and will happen. If you forgot to send in a final report on time or misplaced some receipts, talk to your funder and explain the situation. Also remember that funders make mistakes too, and if you think they have made an error, have a conversation about it. Being able to respectfully talk about mistakes is an important part of your relationship. 

Follow Recognition Guidelines. If you receive a grant from a funder, you will most likely be required to recognize the funder for providing a grant in support of your program. Be sure to follow any recognition guidelines they have and consider every opportunity to recognize the funder throughout your program delivery. Acknowledgement is important! We all like recognition for our work and funders are no different. 

Nurture the Relationship with Your Funder. Positively acknowledging your funders in public and following all reporting and acknowledgement requirements can help build a stronger relationship with your funder. If your application did not receive a grant, try to use the feedback from funders to improve your application in the future. Sometimes good applications are rejected simply because grant requests far exceeds the dollars available. As mentioned above, don't be afraid to ask funders any questions you may have and be sure to utilize resources they provide on their website. 

Have other questions about our grants? Drop us a line at admin@cifsask.org.

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. Our records indicate you have registered with the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) or you have applied for a CIF grant in the last two years. CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law.  Questions? Email admin@cifsask.org. Address: 105 - 2550 12th Ave. Regina, SK. Subscribe here. Unsubscribe here.

Imagine Canada is conducting a national survey to understand charities' and non-profits' experiences with the federal government's Canada Summer Jobs program. Let's make sure there is a strong representation from Saskatchewan!

This survey is being undertaken as part of their ongoing research into barriers to youth employment in the charitable and non-profit sector (Working Group on Youth Employment). The research findings will inform policy solutions about this issue, as well as targeted recommendations on how the Canada Summer Jobs program can best meet the needs of charitable or non-profit organizations and lead to improved youth employment outcomes.

Imagine Canada is inviting the best suited person at the organization (those with experience in applying to the program - CFO, CEO, HR lead, or Program Director) to complete the survey by Friday, June 16 at 5 p.m. ET. Doing so should take less than five minutes. Responses will only be presented in an aggregate fashion to protect participant anonymity. Imagine Canada will circulate an Infographic and Executive Summary of the findings within a few weeks of closing the survey. 

English-language survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/canadasummerjobsprogram
French-language survey link: https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/programmeemploisdetecanada



Share this survey opportunity with your networks using these sample tweets: 
- How's your experience been with Canada Summer Jobs? Your input will inform Imagine Canada’s policy recommendations: http://ow.ly/m9PP30c4qWK 
- How can the Canada Summer Jobs Program be improved for nonprofits? Please take 5 mins to share your experience: http://ow.ly/m9PP30c4qWK 
- We want to improve youth employment outcomes in the charitable sector. Tell us how Canada Summer Jobs can help: http://ow.ly/m9PP30c4qWK

Saskatchewan's Community Initiatives Fund (www.cifsask.org) is a Special Purpose Fund created through The Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and is accountable to the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. Our programs are funded through a portion of the Regina and Moose Jaw casino profits.

This Privacy Policy demonstrates our commitment to your privacy and the security and protection of your contact information. The CIF will not share or sell your contact information without your permission or unless ordered by a court of law. Our records indicate you have registered with the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) or you have applied for a program grant through the CIF.  Questions? Email admin@cifsask.org. Subscribe here. Unsubscribe here.