Nearly 250 organizations providing public safety and environmental programming for British Columbians are getting support from the Government of British Columbia’s Community Gaming Grants program.

“British Columbians from every corner of the province benefit from safe communities and a healthy natural environment,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Through the Community Gaming Grants program, our government is proud to support the excellent work of not-for-profit organizations that help protect our environment and literally save lives, from flood zones to mountaintops to wildfire emergencies.”

The Province is distributing $5.8 million to 137 organizations in the public safety sector, and $3.5 million to 110 organizations in the environment sector. The funding is part of the $140 million that the Community Gaming Grants program provides annually to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations.

Public safety programs provide emergency and life-saving services, including search and rescue activities, volunteer fire departments, emergency preparedness and community and restorative justice. Environmental programming gives British Columbians the opportunity to learn about and connect with nature. Other programs that benefit from these grants make a difference in the lives of animals through the running of animal shelters.

“Community gaming grants are vital to our 80 search and rescue groups across B.C.,” said Chris Kelly, president of the BC Search and Rescue Association. “These critical funds help the groups and their volunteers pay for important things such as training, personal protective equipment and rescue gear used in 1,600 search and rescue tasks annually.”

Community gaming grants support every region of British Columbia. Organizations receiving public safety and environment grants this year represent approximately 100 communities throughout the province.

“Reliable public safety and a healthy natural environment are key to quality of life everywhere in our province,” said Rob Gloor, chair of the BC Association for Charitable Gaming. “Community Gaming Grants help support the not-for-profit organizations that work hard every day to protect British Columbians, as well as our animals and wild places.”

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

Quick Facts:

• Every year, gaming revenues generate hundreds of millions of dollars that Government invests in key services — including health care and education — for people and communities throughout the province.
• 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 next intake for the public safety and environment sectors opens July 1, 2018.

Learn More:

For more information on community gaming grants, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants