The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) is now accepting applications for their brand new social grants program.
“It’s funding for any project that’s designed to strengthen social well being or address social issues in communities,” said Aimee Ambrosone, Manager of Planning and Development for CBT. “We recognize that could be anything from supporting isolated teenagers in a community to a project that’s helping early childhood development.”
Other projects that may be eligible for the program include those that address the Canadian social determinants of health, support individuals who face barriers in participating within their communities, and encourage innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the social service sector.
With an annual granting budget of $1 million, the program is a three year pilot that will offer two intakes per year. The first deadline for applications is October 12, and the second intake will take place sometime in the spring.
Ambrosone said the program is a way for the CBT to increase their support of social projects crucial to communities. “Strengthening social well being has always been an important part of CBT’s mandate, and we heard a message from the communities in the basin that this was something they needed. That really is what led to the creation of this program, is finding a way to dole out some funding to do that.”
A selection committee will be deciding what organizations and projects should be awarded grant funding. “They’re a volunteer group of basin residents with real expertise and experience in the social sector,” Ambrosone commented.
For further information on the social grants program, or for an application, visit www.cbt.org/sgp.