Westoba, a division of Assiniboine Credit Union is now accepting applications to their Inspire program for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00 until the March 31st deadline.
"We're really looking at projects that lend to the health and well-being of our communities, those projects that are infrastructure keeping in mind it's those things that bring people together," shares Community Engagement Lead, Marketing & Community Relations, Karen Buron. "We understand that when people come together gels connections and it creates a sense of belonging. So, we're looking to fund projects up to $10,000 for anything really that brings people together."
"We tend to focus on community centers, or sporting facilities within the community," she adds. "We recently just supported a brand-new Disc Golf course here in Brandon that is going to be created here in the spring. And that's just one of those opportunities for people to come together and to get to know each other and to create those opportunities for the greater community."
Typically, the INSPIRE spring intake allocates $10,000 towards one specific project within their trading area. However, Burton says they will consider a project that is beyond those borders as Westoba is now a sub-division of Assiniboine Credit Union.
"We recognize that Manitobans are taking their financial services all over the province and so we're really looking for those communities that need our assistance," adds Burton. "It could be something that's new to the community, or something that has depleted and needs to be renewed in their community. That's what we're looking for."
To be eligible for funding, requests need to support community infrastructure projects that:
- Are initiated locally or have a clear local impact;
- Are inclusive and bring people together;
- Are long-term or multi-functional; and promote staying, participating and engaging in an enriched community.
"Westoba is really committed to building communities in many different ways," adds Burton. "We have several donation areas and sponsorships that we do. Inspire is only a piece of that. It's amazing the applications that we get, the groups that pop up looking for funding to get something going. It's truly community-led and gives them the opportunity to tell us what matters to them."
For more information and application online visit Westoba Inspire webpage HERE.