The City of Estevan is encouraging local organizations to apply for funding through the Saskatchewan Lotteries Corporation Community Grants Program.
Erin Wilson, who is the program manager for leisure services, said a number of user groups in the community have taken advantage of the grants program in the past, including the Estevan Minor Hockey Association, the Estevan Sharks water polo program, the Estevan Public Library, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum, the Estevan Arts Council and more.
Winter-related activities are more likely to apply for grants at this time of year.
“Any of the organizations that run their programs, basically from fall until early spring, to apply,” said Wilson. “And then the next set (of funding) would occur in spring, and so those programs would run from April until generally the end of September.”
But the city would like to see more organizations apply.
Youth organizations aren't the only ones eligible to apply, Wilson said. Adult programs are also eligible to seek funding.
The application process does take some time, she said, and there is criteria that has to be met. Based on the criteria, the funds are then divided accordingly.
The community grant program is a partnership of Sask. Sport, SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association to assist the development of sport, culture and recreation programs by providing funds to non-profit community organizations operated by volunteers.
“It is something they provide to communities for culture, recreation, sports and arts programs,” said Wilson.
After the organization has held the event or the program approved for the funding, there will be a followup.
“The program is designed to help bring activities, or maintain or keep activities in our community,” said Wilson.
The deadline to apply is Sept. 29. Applications can be brought to the Leisure Services office.
Wilson noted that these grants are different from organizations such as KidSport and Jump Start, which provide funding to youth trying to enter sport. These grants are for organizations that provide a variety of services for youth and adults in the community.
