Humboldt and District Community Services adult bowling night. (Photo courtesy/Lisa Selinger)

By Ben Tompkins

Community Initiatives Fund

Various northeast organizations receive CIF grants

Jul 5, 2023 | 4:24 PM

Over 100 communities across Saskatchewan have recently benefitted from over 350 Community Initiatives Fund grants.

A total of just over $4.5 million was funded, which will serve an estimated 100,000+ individuals in the province.

Handfuls of these non-profit organizations, schools, libraries and more hail from northeast communities, which include the Humboldt and District Community Services (HDCS).

They received $14,000 for their inclusive social programming, which includes both an adult and youth social club.

“For the participants, I think they look forward to it. They tell me the next time that they come, they can’t wait for the next one, they ask what we are doing, and if so and so is gonna be there. It’s kind of fun to listen and to hear them,” Lisa Selinger, office manager and program coordinator for HDCS told northeastNOW.

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These projects, among others, contribute to the wellbeing of children and youth, families, and communities.

They also provide opportunities for children and youth to gain the knowledge, skills, and supports to develop positive mental health, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and ensure families have access to support and resources to create healthy and caring environments.

“If we didn’t have the CIF grant, there would be no way that we would be able to run the program.They’re the reason that we can do what we do and it’s very gratifying to be able to offer the program every year and know that you’re making a difference in people’s lives,” Selinger added.

Projects also provide training and resources for non-profit staff, board members, and volunteers to improve program delivery, governance and leadership, and support individuals to become involved as active citizens, volunteers, and community leaders.

Additionally, summer grant programs were approved to support camps and day programs offering positive recreation, arts, culture, and learning opportunities for children and youth during the summer months.

““The Community Initiatives Fund enhances the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Our government works closely with the Community Initiatives Fund to ensure that Saskatchewan residents and communities are benefitting from investments in community-based programs and projects throughout our province – and we look forward to continuing this important working relationship.”

The CIF is a special purpose fund created through the Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation Act and managed by a government-appointed board of community volunteers.

Other northeast communities include Bjorkdale ($2,000), Carrot River ($9,000), Creighton ($35,400), Hudson Bay ($5,000), other Humboldt organizations ($17,000), Melfort ($12,650), Naicam ($5,000), Nipawin ($5,000), Porcupine Plain ($5,000), Tisdale ($30,000), Wakaw ($5,000), and Watson ($15,000).

“The range of programs, organizations, and communities supported by the CIF is truly inspiring,” mentioned Tracey Mann, executive director of the Community Initiatives Fund. “The projects supported reflect the contribution of community-based organizations across Saskatchewan who ensure that individuals have access to services, supports and programming designed to improve their wellbeing.”

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