Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) that provide support for extracurricular sports, arts, class trips and other school activities will share $11,334,300 in community gaming grants this year, funded by the B.C. government, Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said today.

B.C. community gaming grants will provide a total of $11,216,800 to 1,435 PACs and $117,500 to 47 District Parent Advisory Committees (DPACs) in communities throughout the province. Working in partnership with school staff, PACs and DPACs strive to enhance the educational experience for students at B.C.’s public and independent schools.

Community gaming grants help schools purchase items such as sports equipment and musical instruments to provide additional learning opportunities for students.

Gaming grant applicants must be the PAC or DPAC for a school that delivers the K-12 curriculum. There must be at least two parents willing to be accountable for the funds. Applicants can contact Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch at 250 387-5311 for advice about applications.

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

“Schools in British Columbia provide an excellent quality of education for children and youth in communities throughout the province. Community gaming grants help enrich the school experience with appropriate extra-curricular opportunities that parents can support through PACs and DPACs working together with teachers and school administrators.”

Education Minister Peter Fassbender -

“We know parents contribute directly to the success of their children, and their involvement in the education system plays a pivotal role in each community. These B.C. Gaming grants provide funding to local parent advisory committees so they can purchase playground and sports equipment, musical instruments and also support other opportunities for students.”

Quick Facts:

• The Province distributes $135 million in community gaming grants to benefit over 5,000 local organizations representing virtually every community in the province.
• For a full list of approved gaming grants, visit: https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/revenue/index.htm  
• Agricultural fairs, local festivals and celebrations, heritage associations and museums, arts and culture, sports, environmental organizations, human and social services, public safety, parent advisory councils and district parent advisory councils are all eligible for community gaming grants.
• There are more than 1,900 public and independent schools in 60 school districts throughout British Columba. Most are served by PACs and DPACs.

Learn More:

To apply for a B.C. community gaming grant, visit: https://www.gaming.gov.bc.ca/grants/index.htm

Check out the Government of British Columbia’s role in supporting sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462