The Manitoba government is committing $100 million over three years to create the new Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund,  according to Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Andrew Smith. This fund could be of great interest to not for profit organizations and charities in many ethnic communities, including the Jewish community.

The Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund will provide grants to support the arts, culture (including heritage and ethnocultural organizations) and amateur sport sectors.

This year, as Minister Smith told the Winnipeg Jewish Review, “the fund will grant up to $34 million to community organizations, such that communities can not not only survive post-Covid but thrive post-Covid,” This fund will build capacity within these sectors to better meet the needs of Manitobans and provide increased access to community infrastructure, programs and services.

Minister Smith discussed the “Small Capital and Special Initiatives” program. Non-profit organizations or charities can apply  by Sept 26, 2022 for a contribution of up to $300,000 from the Province of Manitoba.  This program  will support initiatives such as organizational development opportunities, training, technology, volunteer and equipment development through initiatives that will enhance the organization’s ability to increase participation and engagement in arts, culture or sport programming. “For an application of up to $25,000, there are no matching funds required,” Minister Smith stated. "But if an applicant asks for between $25,000-$50,000, an applicant may be required to have up to $25,000 matching funds. Matching funds can not be from the Province of Manitoba but can be from the federal or municipal governments or from private sources,” Minister Smith explained. "If your application is between $50,000-$300,000 then you need 50% matching funds," he added.

There is also the “Large Capital Projects” program, for large projects that support the development and renewal of spaces and facilities used for arts, culture, and sporting programming and activities. Applicants can be a municipality, First Nations or not for profit organizations or charities, who can apply for between $300,000 to $5 million.  Applicants must have  50% matching funds, that can come from federal, municipal or private funds but not funds from the Manitoba government. The application deadline for this is Oct 31, 2022.

Minister Smith added that “Every  project can be be broken down into 3 phases and applicants can apply for each different phase. Just because phase one is funded doesn’t mean phase 2 will be funded.” Minister Smith emphasized, however, that there is an opportunity to apply for phase 1,2 and 3, since there are three intakes.” 

Minister Smith also outlined that there is a “community celebrations” program, which allows for not for profit organizations and charities to apply for funding for a community celebration, event or festival of up to $5000, and applicants do not need matching funds. "A non-profit organization or charity can apply for this once a year and there is no specific deadline. Each application comes in when it comes in,” Minister Smith told the Winnipeg Jewish Review. The celebrations, events or festivals ought to promote cultural exchanges and be rooted in inclusion and belonging.

If anyone has a question about the ASFC fund, they can call 1866 626 4866 or email [email protected]