BURNABY – People will have better access to health and safety services, recreational opportunities and social programs in their communities as Community Gaming Grants will help not-for-profit organizations buy equipment and build or renovate their facilities.
“We love our communities! This capital project funding supports not-for-profit organizations that work to create vibrant and healthy communities,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Through Community Gaming Grants, we help ensure not-for-profit organizations can continue to provide the vital services people in the province depend on.”
The Community Gaming Grants program is providing a total of $5.3 million to 49 not-for-profit groups for capital projects in 2023.
Examples of the projects funded include:
* a new multi-service centre for expanded services through the Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities (MOSAIC) in Burnaby;
* a new search-and-rescue training, operations and storage facility for the Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue Society in Smithers;
* a new kitchen and accessible washroom to support programming for community members at the LUSH Valley Food Action Society’s new building in Courtenay;
* upgraded theatre lighting for the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre Society, which includes a new digital console and moving light fixtures; and
* a new kitchen for youth and their families at the new Foundry centre in Surrey, which will be the largest Foundry centre to date.
The B.C. government made changes to the capital projects program in 2020 in response to the pandemic-related challenges faced by not-for-profit organizations. Since many organizations have now made the necessary changes to program and service delivery, applications for COVID-19-related projects will be accepted if projects have matching contributions of 50% or more.
“This grant will allow us to open a new multi-service centre, increasing access and improving the variety of services we provide to newcomers of all ages,” said Olga Stachova, CEO, MOSAIC BC. “The expanded centre will allow us to support over 1,500 individuals yearly, help newcomers with employment skills, connect seniors combating social isolation, improve digital literacy skills, support youth mental health and more. This centre will be a lifeline to many.”
Eligible not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for one of the six sectors of grants, as well as a capital-project grant during each sector’s intake period.
Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people in British Columbia with $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.