A local foundation is accepting applications for projects celebrating a big national birthday next year.
The Windsor-Essex Community Foundation is seeking grant applications for Canada's 150th birthday celebration in 2017. The WECF is one of 191 foundations across Canada partnering with the federal government and Canada 150 to provide grants to local community projects and events throughout the birthday year.
Executive Director Lisa Kolody says the Windsor-Essex region is full of potential ideas.
"They want us to be able to have a local flavour," says Kolody. "We could have art exhibits, we could have musical celebrations. We could also do things around the environment."
Kolody says Canada 150 is encouraging grant applicantions from youth groups and those supporting the local Francophone population and indigenous groups, based on criteria set at the federal level.
"If we have projects that meet that criteria... then people are able to apply," says Kolody.
The WECF is already hearing from local organizations expressing interest in applying for grants, namely from youth programs and those dealing with arts and culture. Kolody says Canada 150 is seeking out legacy projects from local groups wanting to place a permanent stamp on the community that is inspired by the country's 150th birthday.
Kolody says federal funding will be provided to local community foundations in three increments throughout 2016, with Windsor-Essex being part of the second wave of funding which will be available by summer. Decisions on issuing grant applications will begin to be made soon after.
Complete information on the grant program can be found at the WECF's website, the Government of Canada's Canada 150 page or by calling (519)-255-6572.