Deadline looms for federal grant program
Communities and not-for-profit organizations looking for money to help improve facilities should act fast if they want to take advantage of a new federal government program.
Applications are due Aug. 2 for the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, announced July 5 and available in the four western provinces. Work must be completed by March 31, 2014.
The fund will provide $46.2 million over the next two years and is part of a nationwide $150 million program being delivered regionally. Municipal, regional and First Nations governments and not-for-profit organizations can apply for project support on a cost-shared basis.
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Eligible projects include adding ramps to improve accessibility to a building, putting a roof on an outdoor rink or extending a bike path. According to the CIIF website, applicants looking for less than $250,000 will receive priority and total federal funding will not exceed 50 percent of the total eligible costs.
Eligible costs include the improvements themselves, fees paid to consultants and contractors, signs required by CIIF projects, environmental assessments and monitoring as required by legislation and other direct costs incurred between April 1, 2012, and the project end date.
Foundation aims to promote agriculture
OLDS, Alta. — Ellen Hondl wants to help youth stay involved in agriculture. The graduate of Olds College, who is now studying business administration at the University of Lethbridge, created The Agricultural Youth Engagement Foundation.
“Seventy-five percent of people are telling you agriculture is dead, but that 25 percent wants to be here and take the industry forward,” said Hondl.
The foundation’s first project was a conference for 12 to 21 year olds at Olds College in June.
It focused on topics, such as the beef industry, and offered hands on exercises, games and discussions on money management and marketing.
She said a sense of belonging is an important way to keep young people interested in life on the farm.
“This whole generation of youth does not know all the opportunities that are there for them,” she said.
