A new City report recommends investing $3 million over the next three years ($1 million annually) to expand youth programming in neighbourhoods with high poverty rates – supporting thousands of children and teens across Winnipeg.
Following direction included in the City’s 2025 budget, the Public Service has recommended 17 youth-serving organizations to receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually from 2025 to 2027. The funding will support new and expanded programming focused on mental health, education, arts, recreation, leadership development, and cultural activities.
“Every young person in Winnipeg should have access to safe, supportive programming that helps them grow, connect, and thrive,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This investment targets neighbourhoods where the need is greatest and will create real opportunities for kids who need them most.”
The Youth Programming Fund prioritizes organizations serving wards with poverty rates of 8% or higher, with special focus on six wards with the highest poverty levels: Daniel McIntyre (18.3%), Mynarski (17.9%), Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry (16.75%), Point Douglas (12.9%), Waverley West (12.8%), and Elmwood-East Kildonan (12.35%).
The recommended funding supports a broad range of programming, including:
- Arts and Culture: Art City Inc. and Graffiti Art Programming Inc. will deliver accessible art programming at multiple satellite locations across the city
- After-School Programming: Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg will expand services in South Winnipeg, while Elmwood Community Resource Centre and others will increase hours and capacity
- Indigenous Programming: Rossbrook House will offer land-based cultural activities, while Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. will provide trauma-informed education for justice-involved Indigenous youth
- Newcomer Support: Bilal Community and Family Centre and IRCOM will expand programming for refugee and immigrant youth
- Mental Health and Wellness: Multiple organizations will offer programming focused on mental health, community care, and trauma recovery
The funding recommendations emerged from extensive consultation with Ward Councillors, analysis of poverty data using the latest 2021 Census information, and direct engagement with 118 local organizations and service providers.
“We took a data-driven approach to ensure this funding reaches the areas of greatest need, and by partnering with grassroots organizations that know their communities best, we can maximize the impact,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chair of Community Services. “This investment recognizes young people growing up in our city’s highest-needs neighbourhoods deserve more access, more opportunity, and more support. We’re not only investing in programs, we’re investing in potential.”
The report will be considered at the June 17th meeting of EPC. For a copy of the report see https://bit.ly/youthrecfunding.
List of Proposed Recipients of Youth Recreation Funding:
- Anishiative Inc. - $50,000/year
- Art City Inc. - $100,000/year
- Bilal Community and Family Centre Inc. - $50,000/year
- Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg Inc. - $100,000/year
- Canadian Yazidi Association - $50,000/year
- Community Helpers Unite Inc. - $50,000/year
- Elmwood Community Resource Centre Inc. - $50,000/year
- Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc. - $50,000/year
- Graffiti Art Programming Inc. - $100,000/year
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc. - $50,000/year
- Inner City Youth Alive Inc. - $50,000/year
- Maples Youth Activity Centre Inc. - $50,000/year
- Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. - $50,000/year
- Family Dynamics Inc. (Plessis Community Family Resource Centre) - $50,000/year
- Resource Assistance for Youth Inc. - $50,000/year
- Rossbrook House Inc. - $50,000/year
- Spirit Horse Initiative Inc. - $50,000/year