The Building Sustainable Communities Program has been expanded for 2021 with up to $13 million available to support 305 community development projects.
The 2021 program intake has been expanded by over $5 million to include support for larger-scale capital projects with a maximum grant contribution of 50 per cent of eligible capital project costs of up to $300,000 as well as added funding to support pandemic recovery. The program continues to provide funding for other community projects at the current maximum grant of up to $75,000.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) commends the province for increasing funding this year for the Building Sustainable Communities Program,” said Kam Blight, president, AMM. “This program is essential for local communities across Manitoba and the projects announced today will help fuel our collective economic recovery.”
The province has completed its review of project applications and will begin to notify applicants of funding decisions shortly. Successful projects include community playground upgrades, expansion of community centres, pool or splash pad improvements, and community and youth programming activities.
It is estimated that for every dollar of a grant that is spent, Manitoba sees a total community investment of three dollars, the minister said. From 2019-20 to 2020-21 the program funded nearly 600 projects across the province, with almost $18.3 million.
Eligible applicants for the Building Sustainable Communities Program include non-profit organizations, charitable organizations, municipalities and northern affairs community councils. To receive funding, organizations must comply with physical distancing requirements and practices for the pandemic as directed by the chief provincial public health officer. Organizations that cannot comply with public health orders can request project changes to support community development activities. For more information about the program, visit www.manitobago.ca.