CHCI round 2 applications now open

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support communities as they create and adapt public spaces in response to the realities of COVID-19. 

In Saskatchewan, the initiative is administered by Saskatoon Community Foundation and Community Foundations of Canada, and provides over $976,000 in funding for our province, including over $381,000 for the first round. The remaining $595,000 will be available for granting this summer.

Yorkton & District Community Foundation has partnered with the Saskatoon Community Foundation and community foundations throughout Saskatchewan to encourage local municipalities and charities to apply. 

The application process is simple and the rewards for our communities are great! 

The initiative directs funding to a broad range of organizations to create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health. Projects receiving funding range from enhanced walking trails, community gardens, and art installations to fitness programs.

Funding applications for the CHCI second round are now being accepted until June 25, 2021. To apply for CHCI Round 2, Saskatchewan organizations are invited to visit the Saskatoon Community Foundation website. 

Visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca for additional information, resources for applicants, and registration for community mobilization sessions.

In Saskatchewan, CHCI is being coordinated by Véronique Loewen. She can be contacted at 306-220-4360 or veronique@verolingo.com.

CHCI Round 1 received 146 applications from 61 cities, towns, villages, and Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan. 

Applications were reviewed by a nine-member committee representing northern, central, and southern Saskatchewan, with backgrounds in healthcare, urban planning, cooperatives management, finance, community engagement, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.

These recommendations went to the CHCI national committee for granting decisions. The first round of applications was highly competitive, and Community Foundations of Canada was unable to fund all eligible applications due to funding availability.