Community programs provided by not-for-profit arts, culture and sport organizations throughout the province are receiving support from the B.C. government’s Community Gaming Grants program.

Recipients represent not-for-profit organizations of all sizes, delivering programs such as concerts, community sports, and multicultural festivals. Every year, gaming revenues generate hundreds of millions of dollars that government invests in key services, including health care and education, for citizens and communities throughout the province.  

“Local and regional soccer organizations throughout British Columbia all benefit greatly from the Community Gaming Grants,” said Jason Elligott, executive director of BC Soccer. “The grants allow BC Soccer and our member groups to continue to plan with certainty, and be able to offer programs and services to support the individuals within the soccer community in B.C. This support allows the soccer community to collectively work together to develop, promote and grow the game to ensure every British Columbian has the opportunity to be involved in soccer as part of an active, healthy and involved lifestyle.”

“From childhood through to our senior years, engaging in arts, culture and sports activities improves our mental and physical health,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Not-for-profit organizations providing this type of programming are contributing to thriving communities, and I am proud that our government supports this excellent work.”

The Province is distributing $17.7 million to 725 organizations in the arts and culture sector, and $28.3 million to 895 organizations in the sport sector. This funding is part of the $140 million the Community Gaming Grants program provides annually to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations.

“Arts and culture experiences, and participation in sports, change people’s lives,” said Rob Gloor, chair of the B.C. Association for Charitable Gaming. “Not-for-profit organizations and charities focused on arts, culture and sport offer tremendous social benefits to their communities, and support from the Community Gaming Grant program helps enhance the services they deliver.”

To apply for a B.C. community gaming grant, visit: http://ow.ly/4PAY30fHvsR

Quick Facts:

• Eligible organizations can apply for gaming grant funding in one of the following six sectors: arts and culture; sport; environment; public safety; human and social services; and parent advisory councils/district parent advisory councils.
• The Community Gaming Grants program is accepting applications for the human and social services sector until Nov. 30, 2017.
• The next intake for the arts and culture, and sport sectors opens Feb. 1, 2018.
• To raise awareness of community gaming grants and assist organizations apply, the Community Gaming Grants branch hosts outreach events throughout the province.
• Upcoming presentations will be held in Penticton on Oct. 25 and Cranbrook on Nov. 2.
• Please visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants for more information.