Ref: ________
Dear __________:
Thank you for taking the time to write about community gaming grants. I am pleased to respond.
The arts community definitely contributes to the wellbeing of our province. However, we are confronted with unprecedented global-economic challenges. These fiscal realities mean difficult decisions must be made to ensure core services and priorities are supported.
As such, the priorities for 2009/10 community gaming grants are:
· programs that support low income and disabled British Columbians;
· programs that provide food, shelter, and support to at risk individuals;
· programs that support community health services;
· programs that fund nutritional and similar programs in schools for underprivileged children;
· public-safety programs;
· a limited number of arts and culture activities;
· community education programs, such as daycares and preschools;
· public community facilities like community halls and recreation facilities;
· youth and disabled sports;
· non-sport youth groups, such as scouts and cadets; and
· written three-year commitments made to community groups.
Community gaming grants are allocated based on the funding available each fiscal year. This year, we are providing $23 million to support as many arts and culture groups as possible through community gaming grants. Of this amount, $10.9 million is for arts and culture grants approved by the BC Arts Council. To date, the Council has approved $5.1 million worth in grants for 338 groups. Additionally, the Province has approved $8.9 million in grants for another 350 groups.
Organizations with three-year funding commitments have received full funding.
Again, thank you for taking the time to write.
Sincerely yours,
Original signed by
Rich Coleman
Minister of Housing and Social Development
pc: Honourable Kevin Krueger
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Honourable Gordon Campbell
Premier
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