In October of 2023, Sunrise Credit Union launched their Building Communities Grant Program where 4 organizations received funding in four different communities.
The Ledo Lake Eco Park in Erickson received $25,000, Swan Lake First Nations Pow Wow received $5,000, Oak Lake Care Centre $10,000 and Prairie Skills Centre Deloraine $10,000.
Applications for the fall intake is being accepted beginning October 1st.
"It's about $50,000 that we have available to award to different projects throughout the Westman Region where we are and so we encourage communities and folks working on projects and communities to check out our website," shares Sunrise President and CEO, Tim Klassen.
"The program is laid out on there and by all means send in an application," he adds.
"We're excited about this. Last year was the first year we launched the Building Communities Program, and we had some really fantastic applications. We were able to support four different projects, and it's now available again."
Klassen says there isn't necessarily a cap on the amount of funds being awarded. "It really is going to depend on the grant itself and the need and that what that project will do for the community and the surrounding area," he explains. "So, it's fairly open in that sense."
Sunrise Credit Union has a vetting process where a team goes through each application and "kind of ticks off the boxes that fit," he says. "It's tough because all of them are great things to support but the team does a pretty good job of focusing on the ones that maybe do check all of the boxes, so to speak."
Categories:
Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant
Projects involving facility construction, renovations, or rehabilitation, including, but not limited to, new construction, new space creation, renovation or existing space, grounds improvements, or a project that will substantially impact facilities operations, including energy conservation or green initiatives.
Individual and Community Wellbeing
Community projects or initiatives that address or support social programs that drive positive community impact. These programs support healthy lifestyles, supportive and inclusive communities, and provide access to programs and services. These programs and services could include learning, culture, and recreation programs and help provide knowledge, skills, and resources to prevent or address social issues such as food security, poverty, mental health and addiction.
Arts, Culture and Sport
It will support the arts, culture, and amateur sports sectors, enhance their contributions to the community, and increase opportunities for participation and engagement in programming and activities. It will also create opportunities to celebrate unique culture, heritage, and community.
For more information, visit the Sunrise Credit Union website Building Communities Program HERE!
"Folks should definitely check it out and send a grant application because they just might be that that one project that gets a grant from Sunrise," adds Klassen.
The application deadline is October 15, 2024, and all grants will be announced and awarded by November 8, 2024.