In recognition of the important work of local officials, the Manitoba government is officially proclaiming Nov. 21 to 25 as the second annual Municipal Government Awareness Week and inviting applications for two collaborative programs with local governments that strengthen the province for all Manitobans.
“We are proud to proclaim Municipal Government Awareness Week, as our government recognizes and appreciates the important role of municipal governments in providing essential front-line community services, local leadership and advocacy while unifying people and communities,” said Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. “As part of Municipal Government Awareness Week in Manitoba, we invite applications for two programs focused on supporting local priorities in community development by creating summer youth employment and enabling important projects with partners in communities.”
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-24 Building Sustainable Communities program. This program supports local community development priorities led by municipal leadership and non-profit organizations with leveraged funding from other public, private and philanthropic sources and the work of local volunteers, the minister noted.
Building Sustainable Communities provides a grant contribution of 50 per cent of eligible project costs up to $75,000 and up to $300,000 for large capital projects. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, charitable organizations, municipalities and Northern Affairs community councils. Since its launch in 2019, the program has committed more than $57 million to support over 1,300 community-led projects and leveraged approximately $135 million from other funding sources.
Grant applications are also now being accepted for the 2023-24 Urban/Hometown Green Team program, which allows organizations to hire youth for summer jobs across Manitoba.
The Urban/Hometown Green Team program provides opportunities to support the needs of community-based organizations and young Manitobans looking for summer employment. The program includes a broad range of employment activities including recreation and camps, as well as greening and beautification initiatives, the minister said.
The grants support the hiring of youth aged 15 to 29 to work on community projects between May 1 and Sept. 30. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba, and municipal governments in rural Manitoba.
The grants cover 100 per cent of wage costs plus $250 per position for non-profit organizations. Municipal governments receive 50 per cent of wage costs and $125 per position on a cost-shared basis.
The deadline for applications for both programs is Jan. 16, 2023. For more information visit www.manitobago.ca.
Municipal Government Awareness Week is aligned with the annual fall convention of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), which is taking place in Winnipeg from Nov. 21 to 23. The event brings together community leaders from across the province, reinforcing their commitment to learn, grow and build capacity to better serve their citizens.
