February 9, 2021 -
The Prince George Community Foundation and Shuswap Community Foundation today announced they will work across Central and Northern BC, along with Vancouver Island and parts of the lower mainland, to provide $ 987,170.00 to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.
This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31 million Healthy Communities Initiative. This investment by the federal government will support community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more pandemic-resilient future.
Starting today, organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help their neighborhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free Wi-Fi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.
The Prince George Community Foundation and Shuswap Community Foundation are working alongside Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Urban Institute, and other partners to serve communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups interested in applying.
“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected” said Mindy Stroet, Director of Development with the Prince George Community Foundation and Roger Parenteau, Manager of the Shuswap Community Foundation, in a joint statement. “As these regions of BC face increased isolation due to COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents. We are very pleased to be working together on this initiative for our region.”
The application period for the first round of funding opens today and closes on March 9, 2021 at 5:00PM PST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.
“Organizations across our country have shown creativity and resourcefulness in improvising temporary and longer-lasting solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely. The Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting organizations in the Central, North & Island region of BC to bring people together in our communities both in person and digitally, while respecting public health measures.” - Andrea Dicks, President, Community Foundations of Canada
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About the Prince George Community Foundation:
True community development happens through the efforts of passionate citizens. Thanks to the vision and financial investment of residents, the Prince George Community Foundation was created in 1995 to serve Prince George and the region in perpetuity. With the sustainable management of an endowment, ongoing charitable donations and passion for community, the Foundation has provided more than $3.3 million to date for projects championed by local registered charities who work to build a livable, resilient community.
About the Shuswap Community Foundation:
Shuswap Community Foundation is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Shuswap. It connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. It attracts and manages a growing endowment, the invested earnings of which provide grants to charitable organizations.
The Foundation’s role is as neutral broker in support of all charitable causes that contribute to the community’s quality of life. With a growing profile, Shuswap Community Foundation has built an enviable reputation for astute financial management, high-quality donor services, strategic grant-making and innovative partnerships.
For media inquiries, contact:
Mindy Stroet, Director of Development
Prince George Community Foundation
Phone: 250-562-7772
mindy.stroet@pgcf.ca
www.pgcf.ca | @pgcommunityfoundation | #allforourcommunity
Roger Parenteau, Manager
Shuswap Community Foundation
Phone: 250-832-5428
manager@shuswapfoundation.ca
www.shuswapfoundation.ca I @shuswapfoundation