The East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation has completed handing out grants to community organizations in its coverage area from Tarbutt Township near Sault Ste. Marie to Spanish.
Shawn Heard General Manager of East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation said the grants were part of a Canadian government program to assist community organizations impacted by a lack of fundraising and holding events over the past two years due to pandemic restrictions.
“East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation was proud to participate with our colleagues to deliver the program,” Heard said of the work the organization does as an independent non-profit corporation, governed by a board of local volunteers.
“We realized that as the economy began to re-open, many community non-profits which do great work had been unable to fundraise or hold the events that help them to keep their doors open,” he added.
The relief funding program ran from December of 2021 to March 31 and East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation worked with the federal government and FedNor to launch it locally to help community organizations re-open safely and sustainably.
In all, 22 projects applied and were approved for funding in East Algoma which saw over $95,000 in grants handed out. In Elliot Lake, the Elliot Lake Amateur Theatre Ensemble (ELATE) Phoenix project and the Elliot Lake Arts Club website and virtual training project received grants.
“Our Board was very happy to help these community organizations as they continue to service the area during the COVID-19 period,” Heard said.