Winnipeg, MB – A Winnipeg Wellness Fund has been proposed as part of the preliminary 2021 Balanced Budget Update that would support community initiatives to help reduce the physical, mental, and emotional distress caused by the pandemic.
“We can all use little bit more happy in our day and the Winnipeg Wellness Fund is a great way to support community wellness projects that give us some happiness this winter,” said John Orlikow, Deputy Mayor.
The $600,000 Winnipeg Wellness Fund would provide up to $40,000 per ward to support community led initiatives that address community mental health and allow residents to participate in fun, safe activities during the winter months.
“There are many creative people in Winnipeg and this fund supports their brilliant ideas that put a smile on neighbours faces during this winter,” said Orlikow.
The Winnipeg Wellness Fund will be available to businesses, business organizations, schools, community centres, and not-for-profit community entities, groups, or associations.
An online application form will be made available, and grants will be approved for successful applications by the area councillor in which the application is received. Successful applicants will receive confirmation of their grant amounts from the City of Winnipeg. Funds will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
All funding applications will be expected to demonstrate strict compliance with provincial public health orders. If a group is awarded funding for an activity that becomes restricted due to new provincial public health orders, the group will be given an opportunity to adjust in order to comply.
Examples of eligible activities that could be supported by the Wellness Grant include but not limited to:
- Skating trails
- Snow/ice sculpture contests
- Street lighting additions or lighting along walking paths
- Online activities
- School decorations
- Funding to support good deeds for seniors
All successful applicants will be expected to report back to the City within 60 days of the funding being expended with a statement outlining the use of the funds.
The program application deadline will be February 28, 2021 and all expenses must be incurred on or before April 30, 2021. Any unused funds from the Winnipeg Wellness Fund will be returned to the City’s General Revenue Fund by June 30, 2021.