Twenty community organizations dedicated to reducing poverty and fostering social inclusion in Delta are sharing $505,000 in provincial grants.
On Thursday (Aug. 29), the Delta Community Foundation announced this year's Community Prosperity Fund grant recipients. The fund is a multi-year program granting $25 million to community foundations across B.C. for them to support organizations in their community that are making significant strides in areas such as education, health, arts and culture, food security, accessibility, seniors, and children and youth.
The fund, announced last October as part of a broader $60-million commitment by the B.C. government to invest in the non-profit sector, has a unique structure that allows communities and charities to decide how best to use the money, supporting both operational expenses and project delivery costs, according to a press release.
While the Vancouver Foundation administers the fund overall, the Delta Community Foundation was tasked with reviewing applications at the local level to decide which Delta-serving non-profits would have the greatest impact using the money.
“The Delta Community Foundation is deeply committed to supporting outstanding organizations that are driving positive change in Delta. Through the Community Prosperity Fund, the Delta Community Foundation is able to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our community of Delta by empowering those who are making a difference," DCF president and board chair Gail Martin said in a press release.
"This is an example of how the Delta Community Foundation has been recognized as critical in determining the needs in Delta that meet the poverty reduction and social inclusion mandate to distribute these important monies.”
Over $1.8 million in application requests were received locally, and after a thorough review process, the foundation chose 20 organizations to receive funding.
Those groups are: Deltassist, Better Cause Society, BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, Crossroads United Church, Delta Community Living Society, Delta Firefighter’s Charitable Society, Delta Gymnastics, Delta Stageworks, Delta Stroke Recovery, Eldercollege, Heron Hospice Society of Delta, KinVillage, Latino Workers Society, Mamas for Mamas, Starfish Pack Program North Delta, Reach Child & Youth Development Society, South Delta Food Bank, Starfish Pack Program South Delta, Step Forward Health Society, and St. David’s Society.
"We are inspired by the dedication and passion of these organizations," DCF director and grant chair Ammen Dhillon said in a press release. "Our goal is to amplify their impact and support their efforts to create a stronger, more vibrant Delta.
"The recipients all demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for marginalized communities in Delta. They are well-aligned with anticipated future needs and are leading in addressing these challenges.”
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