CIF_SK: Celebrating 25 Years

by ahnationtalk on December 1, 2021163 Views

The Community Initiatives Fund is celebrating twenty-five years of granting and leadership in Saskatchewan. A lot has changed over the past twenty-five years, but what hasn’t changed is CIF’s commitment to supporting community-based, community-led initiatives that enhance wellbeing for Saskatchewan citizens.

As of March 31, 2021, CIF has approved a total of $175 million in grants to support the delivery of programming, services, commemorative events, and facility improvements in 510 communities across the province. Looking to the future, CIF will continue to support initiatives that enable participation in inclusive programming that supports the wellbeing of Saskatchewan individuals, families, and communities.

Join us as we take a look back at CIF’s longstanding history and reflect on the years to come. These milestones, relationships, and learnings are explored through the Celebrating 25 Years publication.

Celebrating 25 Years Publication | Celebrating 25 Years Video

Feature Story: Promoting Community Resiliency

The Pandemic has emphasized how important sport, recreation, and cultural programming is to our overall wellbeing. The focus of our program has been to enhance mental, physical, and social wellbeing, while encouraging smaller group activities, individual family activities, social distancing, and safety for all.

After the major lockdown that started in March of 2020 everyone in the community has been very grateful for any and all programming that we have been able to offer. We have found it challenging but rewarding to be able to adapt our programs to whatever restrictions are in place. We have become very good at quickly making changes to programs to fit the protocols, at the time – it has made us better, ore creative and more flexible programmers which will be a benefit into the future.

We are extremely appreciative of the Government of Saskatchewan for an Emergency Pandemic Response Gaming Grant of $4 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year. This grant to the CIF is intended to help offset the loss of $8 million the CIF would normally receive due to the temporary closure of Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw. This will allow us to continue providing funding through our regular Community Grant Program to support the delivery of programs and services in communities throughout Saskatchewan.

COVID-19 may present unexpected challenges for Saskatchewan organizations that have received or are seeking CIF grants to support programs. For the health and safety of all, please adhere to current provincial regulations as well as the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan when considering your programming. We recognize that your CIF funded programs may be impacted and encourage you to check out CIF’s Response to COVID-19 FAQ and contact us (rnewton@cifsask.org or asawatzky@cifsask.org) to discuss any anticipated changes and we’ll work with you to explore options.

For updates on CIF’s grant programs, continue to visit our website, sign up to receive our e-updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Scam Alert!

There is someone that we believe is from the US posing as staff from the Community Initiatives Fund. They contact people through Facebook claiming that the person’s name is listed on CIF’s ‘winners list’ and request bank information to transfer their winnings. If you are contacted by someone in regard to this, we urge you to contact your local authorities.

To be clear, this is NOT the Community Initiatives Fund. We ONLY fund incorporated Saskatchewan nonprofit organizations through a rigorous application and review process. We do not provide funds to individuals. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Executive Director, Tracey Mann at 306.780.9395.

NT5