Sport and cultural groups chosen for grant program
Eighteen local non-profit sport and cultural organizations have been selected to participate in the City of Kelowna’s ’s one-time Recovery and Sustainability Grant program, giving them the opportunity to prepare for the future of their organizations post-COVID. For many in the sport and creative sectors, closures and cancelled seasons or events have created excessive strain on their viability.
“All participating organizations continue to be affected by the pandemic and are ready to start preparing for the future,” said Christine McWillis, Cultural Services Manager. “We are pleased to be able to offer this program to support them through the initial stages of the recovery process.”
Local consulting agency, EQ Development Group, has been engaged to support the organizations in exploring what recovery will look like for them and to develop an action plan to guide them moving forward. Upon completion of their action plans, organizations will also receive funding to support their recovery. The following organizations have been selected to participate in the program:
- Across the Lake Swim Society
- Ballet Kelowna
- Central Okanagan Heritage Society
- Central Okanagan Wrestling Association
- Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan
- Chamber Music Kelowna Society
- Kelowna Community Music School
- Kelowna Curling Club
- Kelowna Skating Club
- Kelowna Speed Skating Club
- Kelowna Visual Performing Arts Centre Society
- New Vintage Theatre Society
- Okanagan Artists Alternative Association
- Okanagan Athletics Club
- Okanagan Gymnastics Centre Society
- Okanagan Mainline Football Society
- Okanagan Mission Hall Association
- Opera Kelowna
Local non-profit organizations meeting the eligibility criteria were invited to apply earlier this year. Program funds varying between $5,000 and $10,000 are intended to support organizations that were impacted by lost participant fees, lost ticket sales, cancelled major fundraising events or cancelled community events and festivals. The organizations have already started the initial steps of this process to complete program requirements and will continue developing their action plans into the fall.
For more information about the Recovery and Sustainability Program or other funding opportunities with the City, visit kelowna.ca/grants.