I am very pleased to announce that a second granting workshop for non-profits will be held at the Cedar Centre, 2316 Lakeview Dr in Blind Bay, Monday Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
All non-profit groups in the South Shuswap are encouraged to participate in this free workshop. No pre-registration is required.
Our first workshop in May, focused on grants available to non-profits from the CSRD and was very well-received.
Participants suggested that future workshops review non-CSRD granting opportunities, and this has led to our Oct. 17 session.
Our three hour workshop agenda will focus on three granting opportunities for non-profit groups including BC Community Gaming Grants, BC Rural Dividend Fund and the Shuswap Community Foundation.
Our distinguished panel includes:
• Gaming Grants are available each year to non-profit groups, including service organizations and Parent Advisory Councils. Annual applications are available for programs in support of arts and culture, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services and PAC initiatives. This program will be updated at our session.
•The new BC Rural Dividend program will invest $25 million in rural BC in each of the next three years.
Eligible programs focus on community capacity building, community and economic development, workforce development, and business sector development.
This program got off to a bit of a slow start, and since then several changes have been made to help streamline the process.
The Shuswap Community Foundation was established as a philanthropic partnership with donors in 1994. It provides grants to charities and partnerships whose projects will improve the wellbeing of Shuswap residents in the categories of animal welfare, arts and cultural activities, education, environment, health and wellness, heritage, safety and social programs.
I encourage all non-profit groups, PACs and charities in the South Shuswap to participate in the Oct. 17 meeting. Non-profit groups do terrific work in our community, and build and sustain our community. Funding is a key and essential requirement for non-profits, and these granting programs provide a big opportunity for South Shuswap non-profits to continue their good work.
I look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
-Paul Demenok is the Area C Director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.