Not-for-profit groups that deliver social services to people and families throughout the southern Interior are receiving support through B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

“Since the start of the pandemic, the not-for-profit sector has been a beacon for many British Columbians, guiding them through challenging times with programs that have made life better and helped keep communities resilient,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “We are stronger when we work together, and our government is committed to supporting these organizations and the people who rely on them – today, and as we move forward into recovery.”

The Province is contributing nearly $61 million to over 1,400 human and social services sector organizations that provide essential community services. These partner organizations make a difference in peoples’ lives through child care, support for people with disabilities, seniors’ activities, health education and more. The grants are also bringing a boost to programs that have seen a spike in demand since the pandemic, including food banks, shelters, mental health and addictions counselling, and services for women’s transition.

The following are examples of how Community Gaming Grant funding will help make a difference for people:

• Women in the Grand Forks region will have access to programs that link them with support services, counselling and education programs through the Boundary Women’s Coalition.
• Newcomers in the Kamloops area will benefit from programs that help them integrate into their new community through the Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society.
• Families, children and seniors in Revelstoke will benefit from a variety of programs, including food bank services through the Community Connections Revelstoke Society.  

“We are so fortunate to have so many great organizations supporting our communities in the southern Interior,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “From arts and culture, to mental health and everything in between, we are all better off for their work and I’m glad to see them receiving support.”

Since 2017, Community Gaming Grants have annually supported over 1,400 not-for-profit organizations in the human and social services sector throughout more than 160 B.C. communities.

“As our community and the world remain in crisis, we are seeing a steady increase in domestic violence,” said Allie Dickson, executive director of programs, Boundary Women’s Coalition. “We’ve had to adapt to a new way of operating during this pandemic in order for our doors to remain open. Our drop-in program provides critical services to women in need. This funding allows us to continue our work as a vital support for the women of the Boundary.”

Community Gaming Grants provide approximately $140 million each year to support nearly 5,000 not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to people throughout British Columbia.

See the full list of human and social services grant recipients here: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/5-21-21_HSSS.pdf

Quick Facts:

• Each year, Community Gaming Grants provide funding to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including arts and culture groups, sports, environment, public safety, and human and social services, as well as parent advisory councils in schools throughout B.C.
• The Community Gaming Grants program provides funding that benefits communities through the organizations that the program supports each year, including $5 million dedicated to funding the capital project sector.
• There has been no change to the Community Gaming Grants program budget for 2020-21.
• All Community Gaming Grant funding must comply with the provincial health officer’s orders. The program is providing flexibility for organizations to delay project and service delivery until they can do so safely.

Learn More:

For more information on how Community Gaming Grants respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/gaming-grants/cggupdates

StrongerBC: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan and other government resources and updates: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19