British Columbians will have a variety of arts, culture and sport programs to enjoy in their community with support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants.

“These programs bring people together, fostering community connections through art, cultural programming and athletic activities for all ages and abilities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government is proud to support organizations contributing to vibrant, healthy communities across B.C.”

Over 700 not-for-profit organizations throughout the province are receiving approximately $18.3 million to deliver opportunities for people of all ages to participate in visual and performing arts, literature and festivals, as well as Indigenous and cultural programs.

“These art, culture and sport programs provide opportunities for people to build community, foster artistic expression and engage in healthy activities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Our government is proud to support these organizations to deliver programs that support inclusion and benefit people of all ages and backgrounds in communities across B.C.”

The Province is also providing approximately $27 million to more than 800 sports sector organizations in 2019-20. These community-based sports programs create opportunities for everyone to get active in programs such as soccer, swimming, hockey, cycling, martial arts, skiing and Special Olympics.

“Funding from Community Gaming Grants is absolutely vital to minor hockey in the Kelowna region,” said Steve Smith, executive director, Kelowna Minor Hockey Association. “Gaming support helps us reduce costs for families, access ice time, and support coaches and referees. The grant is essential to our program, allowing us to develop players and a love for the game, all while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle that builds life skills in a fun, safe environment.”

The Community Gaming Grants program provides up to $140 million to about 5,000 not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia each year.

Quick Facts:

• Every year, commercial gaming generates revenue that the Government of B.C. invests in key services. These include health care and education, as well as a wide array of organizations representing arts and culture groups, sport, environment, public safety, human and social services, and parent advisory councils.
• 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, with an added sector for capital projects.
• A portion of these revenues is allocated through the Community Gaming Grants program into community-based capital projects. This funding helps not-for-profit organizations invest in facilities, infrastructure and major acquisitions that provide direct benefit to their communities.

Learn More:

View the full list of arts and culture recipients here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/arts-culture-sector-funding-spreadsheet-2019-backgrounder.pdf

View the full list of sport sector recipients here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Sport-sector-funding-spreadsheet-2019-backgrounder.pdf

For more information about B.C. Community Gaming Grants, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/gaminggrants