SaskEnergy’s ‘Share the Warmth’ cash grant program, one of its main community support initiatives, has opened its annual application process for charitable organizations providing warm clothing, food, and shelter to those in need.
Dustin Duncan, the former Education Minister now responsible for SaskEnergy, said the program has been running for almost 30 years now. Duncan called the program “another great example of how our Crown sector is giving back to Saskatchewan communities.”
Applications can be made through the SaskEnergy website at www.saskenergy.com. The deadline is October 31, 2023, with grants awarded in November 2023.
While the program is targeted at organizations providing food, clothing, and shelter, mental health-related initiatives are also eligible.
In 2022/23, the following charitable programs in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas benefited from a Share the Warmth grant.
- The Empty Bowl Project — Square One Community Inc, $1,000
- Mental Health Programming for Seniors - Seniors Centre Without Walls Saskatchewan, $1,000.00
- Weekend Community Lunch Program - St. Aidan Anglican Church, $500.00
This year, a total of $50,000 is available for non-profit organizations, which will be distributed through grants of up to $1,000.
The program began in the 1990’s as the Sweater Recycling Project. In 2014, it evolved into a grant program. Since that time, SaskEnergy has provided $370,000 to support more than 340 Share the Warmth projects across Saskatchewan.
Over the years, the Share the Warmth Grant Program has enabled a wide cross-section of organizations to deliver creative and meaningful projects to communities and people that are important to them. Some of these initiatives have included connecting sewing volunteers with winter jackets that need mending so they can be re-used, delivering hot breakfasts to seniors, and providing warm winter clothing to children who are new to Canada.
Guidelines for the 2023-2024 Program
- Applicants must provide care and services to vulnerable citizens in Saskatchewan.
- Previously funded projects may apply.
- Applications should include documentation that highlights how the funds will be used and the impact on the community.
- A total of $50,000 is available which will be distributed through grants of up to $1,000.
- Projects are to be executed between November 2023 and March 31, 2024.
- Deadline to apply is October 31, 2023.
- Successful applicants will be notified by November 15, 2023.
