Sixty not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C. will be able to better serve their communities for years to come thanks to provincial investment in capital projects through the Community Gaming Grants program.

“I have personally experienced the positive impact that not-for-profit organizations have in strengthening communities, and I consider it vitally important that our government supports their work,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The first round of community gaming grants for capital projects generated tremendous enthusiasm and I am impressed by the quality and diversity of applications. Congratulations to all!”

In the first yearly intake of the grants for capital projects, the Province is investing $5 million in not-for-profit organizations undertaking capital projects that provide a community benefit and are accessible to the public. Examples of the funded projects include:

• The Big Lake Community Association is receiving $150,000 to replace its 22-year-old fire truck.
• The Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society in Duncan is receiving $23,500 to buy a biodiesel fuelling truck that can be used throughout the community.
• The Little Prairie Elementary school parent advisory council in Chetwynd is receiving $36,000 to replace a playground used by local children as well as community members participating in fitness activities.
• The Kelowna and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is receiving $242,400 to buy a mobile health and mental health clinic.
• The Kimberley Arts Council Centre 64 is receiving $60,000 to buy and install an accessibility lift.
• The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia in Vancouver is receiving $59,000 for an upgrade to its telecommunications system to improve wait times and access to services.

The Wachiay Friendship Centre Society in Courtenay is receiving $250,000 to buy the Wachiay Building, giving the friendship centre a stable base of operations. “Our demographic includes children to seniors, the homeless, unemployed, and working poor families and individuals. We recorded close to 16,500 points of service last year,” said Michael Colclough, executive director of the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society. “Owning this building secures our future and the delivery of social programs and services to all people living our community.”

Funded capital projects represent all regions of B.C. and all six community gaming grant sectors: arts and culture, sport, parent advisory councils, public safety, environment, and human and social services.

“Investment in capital projects supports the longevity of the services that not-for-profit organizations provide,” said Diana Groffen, vice chair of the BC Association for Charitable Gaming. “The Capital Projects sector is a valuable addition to the Community Gaming Grants program by investing in the long-term success of B.C.’s charitable organizations.”

View the full list of Capital Projects sector recipients here: http://ow.ly/Ye3X30hfV4D

Quick Facts:

• The dates for the next intake for Capital Projects sector grants will be announced in early 2018.
• 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.
• More than 5,000 not-for-profit organizations, representing communities throughout British Columbia, benefit from $140 million in community gaming grants every year to directly deliver approved programs in their communities.
• Gaming grants go to a wide array of organizations that make life better for British Columbians, representing arts and culture groups, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services and parent advisory councils.

Learn More:

Learn more about Capital Projects sector grants at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/capital-project-grants 

Updated guidelines for 2018 Community Gaming Grants are now available at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/gambling/grants/guide-cgg.pdf