ST. JOHN’S, NL – The provincial government has followed through on a commitment to take a multi-year approach to community grant funding.
An announcement was made on April 25 identifying the first 22 groups selected to take part in the initiative, which will see funding delivered for three years at a maximum of $20 million per year in total.
Penny Rowe, CEO of the Community Sector Council, one of the groups selected, said the move shows the provincial government values the role of community sector organizations.
“A longer-term planning perspective will be helpful in managing operations in a strategic manner. It will also provide an opportunity to focus on outcome measurement and impact,” she said in a news release.
“Making this shift requires careful policy direction and planning so it is important that government, as well as community organizations, make sure that the new approach rolls out carefully and is well-understood. Working with a limited number of groups will offer the opportunity to refine the new model.”
Each group will have one point of access with the province in the administration of their multi-year funding.
The news release stated the groups selected all have three things in common – a proven client-service focus with a clear social mandate that benefits individuals in need; a strong and committed board of directors with proven fiscal responsibility and effective management; and a demonstrated record of financial and program delivery effectiveness.
Accountability requirements and an evaluation plan will be developed to help determine if decisions made by selected community groups are fiscally responsible and are meeting the needs of residents of the province, the release noted.
Community groups selected for phase one for multi-year funding:
- Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle
- AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Association of New Canadians
- Bay St. George Status of Women Association
- Canadian Mental Health Association
- CNIB
- Coalition of Persons with Disabilities
- Community Sector Council
- Corner Brook Status of Women Council
- Choices for Youth
- CHANNAL
- Gateway Status of Women Council
- Gander Status of Women Council
- Kids Eat Smart
- Labrador West Status of Women Council
- Mokami Status of Women Council
- Newfoundland and Labrador Aboriginal Women’s Association
- SeniorsNL
- Status of Women – Central Inc.
- Stella’s Circle Community Services
- St. John’s Status of Women Council
- Vera Perlin Society Inc.
