Congratulations to our Sustainable Organization Grant recipients

Twice a year, community organizations working in the areas of community inclusion, environmental sustainability and community enterprise development are invited to apply to ACU for a grant of up to $5,000. The Sustainable Organization Grant can be used to carry out a project that will help their organization become more sustainable.

Now in its second year, the program continues to be in great demand, and the ACU employees who volunteer for our Community Grants Committee have the challenging task of choosing between many great applications.

30 recipients: $110K in funding

This spring, the grants committee was proud to be able to support 30 organizations. It’s typically hard to find funding for many of the programs and projects, but they are essential for organizations to operate effectively.

Projects were wide-ranging and included developing strategic plans, redesigning logos and updating organization websites. Others included replacing obsolete office equipment, developing a recycling and compost program, and updating wheelchair accessibility.

New chairs for Osborne Village Resource Centre

One such recipient was Osborne Village Resource Centre (OVRC), a Winnipeg non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting people to prepare for a successful job search or career change. The OVRC faced a challenge with its chairs, which were not only old and in poor shape, but were covered in cloth — creating some unexpected issues. On occasion, the organization would have to close its services for fumigation after a client brought in bed bugs.

Getting a $5,000 grant to purchase new mesh chairs with ergonomic support made a real difference for the organization.

This has made us so proud of sharing our space with our clients,” says Executive Director Keith Robinson. “The clients also were so happy with the look and the back support they received from the new chairs.”

Total grant funding $198K

In addition to the Sustainable Organization Grants, we also supported 11 organizations with strategic grants totalling $88,5000. You can see a full listing of ACU’s grant recipients in the first half of 2018 on our website.

The application process: Submit by November 1

This fall, ACU is accepting the second round of applications for the year, with a deadline of November 1. Applicants can visit the Sustainable Organization Grants page to learn about application criteria, selection process and to obtain an application form.

Moving one step forward to end homelessness in Winnipeg.

About Lorie-Anne Bretecher

Lorie-Anne is the Sponsorship Coordinator at Assiniboine Credit Union. She works with professionals in the community and at ACU to tell stories that will inspire and educate.

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