Manitoba’s NDP government is launching a new community development program it says will focus on revitalization and community building in ‘high-needs neighbourhoods.’
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie said Monday, “Our government believes in revitalizing, supporting and building communities from the ground up to create healthier and safer neighbourhoods in Manitoba. It is our goal to support Manitobans where and when they need us most. We encourage all eligible applicants to apply for the From the Ground Up program and thank everyone for their continued efforts in helping our communities grow and thrive.”
The Manitoba government is investing $12.5 million to launch the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for All program, which will focus on the revitalization of high-needs neighbourhoods throughout Manitoba and community infrastructure and initiatives to support poverty and crime reduction efforts.
Grants under the program will support initiatives in the areas of community capacity building, community economic development, well-being and recreation, and housing and safety co-ordination supports.
“As an organization with a mandate surrounding capacity building, advocacy, community development, recreation, housing and homelessness we are driven by the people that we serve.” said Rushana Newman, executive director, Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. “We strive to engage in initiatives aimed at community revitalization. From the Ground Up is clearly built in the true spirit of community revitalization. In every community there are a group of non-profits, businesses, residents and clients who are working with their municipal governments to develop and revitalize their communities but they are unable to do so without supports. A big thank you to our provincial partners for giving us hope by means of this new program. We look forward to leveraging these funds within our community to build a better Brandon.”
Intake for the program will launch today and eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, Northern Affairs community councils and municipalities. The intake deadline is May 31.
Under the program, applicants can apply for funding under the following three streams:
-Community Renewal Initiatives;
-Community Spaces; and
-Healthy, Safe, Connected Children and Youth.
In addition, the program will also invest in expanding and extending service for children and youth programs. The province has allocated $800,000 for non-application-based strategic partnerships to support after school and weekend programs in high-needs areas in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson.
The new program will repurpose the former Building Sustainable Communities program. From the Ground Up will focus on supporting community renewal initiatives and improving neighbourhoods and community spaces that are most in need, the minister noted.
This initiative aligns with commitments made in Budget 2024 to invest in community supports to build safe and healthy communities for all Manitobans.
To learn more and apply for the From the Ground Up program, visit Province of Manitoba | Manitoba Grants Online (gov.mb.ca)
