Starting a social enterprise or nonprofit organization is not only fulfilling but also contributes significantly to the community. Yet, one of the significant challenges these organizations face is financing their operations. Saskatchewan, fortunately, has several community grants and foundations specifically designed to aid these organizations. This article dives into these funding opportunities, aiming to assist you in starting a new venture or providing the financial backing to sustain and grow your existing organization.
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Saskatchewan Community Initiatives Fund (CIF)
- Overview: The Saskatchewan Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) is committed to supporting various community-based initiatives and nonprofits across the province. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, CIF awarded more than $6.6 million to 448 different projects.
- Grant Programs: CIF offers multiple grants, including the Community Grant Program, the Community Places and Spaces Program, and the Culture Section Development Grant Program.
- Eligibility: Social enterprises and nonprofit organizations that align with the specific criteria of each grant are eligible to apply.
- Funding Amount: Funding can range from smaller grants to larger ones in the thousands. For example, in the previous fiscal year, the smallest grant was $1,000, while the largest amounted to $50,000.
Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program
- Overview: The Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program offers funding to nonprofits and social enterprises contributing to residents’ well-being and enhancing Saskatchewan’s quality of life.
- Program Objectives: This program focuses on providing financial assistance to projects and initiatives that build community spirit, enable community participation, increase community capacity and maximize the use of community resources.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be non-profit organizations, and the funds are to be used for sports, culture, and recreation programs.
- Funding Amount: The amount varies depending on the project’s scope and objectives, with grants ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada)
- Overview: CDF Canada is a charitable organization supporting cooperative development initiatives across the country.
- Funding Opportunities: It offers grant funding to cooperative development projects, which include social enterprises operating under a cooperative model.
- Focus Areas: The organization emphasizes community development, food security, gender equality, and youth engagement.
- Eligibility: Social enterprises that operate as cooperatives and meet CDF Canada’s specific eligibility criteria may apply for funding.
North Sask. River Basin Council (NSRBC)
- Overview: NSRBC is a collaborative partnership focusing on integrated water management in the North Saskatchewan River Basin.
- Grant Programs: The NSRBC offers grants like the Watershed Stewardship Grant and the Community Investment Grant, aimed at supporting projects contributing to the sustainable use and management of water resources.
- Eligibility: Social enterprises and nonprofits working on projects related to water stewardship and environmental initiatives may apply for funding.
- Funding Amount: Depending on the project scope and the grant program, grants typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Rural Economic Development Fund (REDF)
- Overview: REDF supports economic development initiatives in Saskatchewan’s rural areas.
- Funding Opportunities: While primarily backing economic development projects, social enterprises contributing to rural economic development may qualify for funding.
- Eligibility: Social enterprises and nonprofits operating in rural areas and meeting the specific criteria for each program may apply.
- Funding Amount: The funding varies, with grants ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars.
Saskatchewan offers a range of community grants and foundations to fuel social enterprises and nonprofit organizations. These funding opportunities help kickstart, sustain, and expand your venture, enabling you to make a positive societal impact. Consider exploring the funding programs offered by organizations like the Saskatchewan Community Initiatives Fund, the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant Program, the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada, the North Sask. River Basin Council, and the Rural Economic Development Fund. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and requirements for each grant to maximize your chances of securing funding.
