NS Government: Applications Open for Building Vibrant Communities Grants

October 1, 2019

A grant program that opens today, Oct. 1, will strengthen community programs and services that help Nova Scotians struggling to make ends meet.

The Building Vibrant Communities grant is available to community groups that deliver, enhance or expand programs that tackle poverty. This includes projects that address workforce attachment, housing, mental health and addictions, food security, youth transition and transportation. This year there will be a stronger focus on projects that promote inclusive economic growth and social well-being for low income families with children.

“All Nova Scotians deserve a chance to build a better life for themselves and their families,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services. “With this grant program, the province is taking another step toward continuing to build a stronger Nova Scotia where everyone can find opportunities for success.”

The program is accepting grant applications until midnight Nov. 4.

Quotes:

“Our organization received Building Vibrant Communities Grants in 2017 and 2018. With this support we have been able to provide free voicemail to hundreds of people across Nova Scotia. Many may not understand how vital access to voice mail is for those who are economically disadvantaged. This service has, for example, made it possible for people to secure employment and housing, and ultimately make positive changes in their lives.” Carla Conrod, executive director of Red Bear Healing Home Society

“Reaching Out has become the program I am most proud of. It has had one of the strongest and most lasting impacts on the youth in our area who are experiencing homelessness. The Building Vibrant Communities Grant allowed us to travel to meet with the youth, bring them healthy snacks and visit with them while engaging in activities such as arts and crafts. We discovered through this project the impact of loneliness on youth living in poverty, something we don’t always consider and now which inspires us to keep moving forward and to work towards changing the social construct of loneliness and poverty.” Amy Woolvett, executive director of the Shelburne County Youth Health and Support Association

Quick Facts:

• $1.4 million is available for the Building Vibrant Communities grants in 2019-20, including funding for some new projects and expansion of selected existing projects
• funding of up to $100,000 per project is available and organizations may submit applications for more than one project
• eligible applicants include community organizations, First Nations communities, registered charities, municipalities and social enterprises
• this is the third year of the grant program, which is part of government’s multi-year poverty reduction commitment
• last year, 58 projects were funded through these grants for a total investment of over $1.4 million

Additional Resources:

— the application and program guidelines are available at https://cch.novascotia.ca/building-vibrant-communities-grant

— for a list of last year’s grant recipients, visit https://cch.novascotia.ca/building-vibrant-communities-grant

Media Contacts:

Shannon Kerr
Community Services
902-717-6061
Email: Shannon.Kerr@novascotia.ca

Lynette MacLeod
Communities, Culture and Heritage
902-229-0785
Email: lynette.macleod@novascotia.ca

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