Thirteen local groups are splitting this year's allocation of social grant funds.
On Monday night, city council approved the distribution of $125,000 to the Carney Hill Neighbourhood Centre Society, PG and District Elizabeth Fry Society, Northern BC Children and Families Hearing Society, the P.G. branch of the BC Schizophrenia Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, St. Vincent de Paul Society, AWAC, Prince George Public Library, Positive Living North, PG New Hope Society, Canadian Red Cross, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Prince George.
The grants are handed out on an annual basis based on four criteria from the city's myPG Social Development Strategy. These policy directions include affordable housing, equity and inclusion, health and wellness and safe environment.
This year the largest share of $17,000 went to the Canadian Mental Health Association for their project, which links individuals impacted by mental illness or addiction issues to services allowing them to find and maintain secure housing.
A total of 23 organizations applied for $238,653 worth of social grant money this year.
On the arts side, 18 groups applied for 2013 cultural grant funds, with 10 successful applications for the pot.
The Alban Classical Artist Society, Community Arts Council, Le Cercle des Canadiens Francais, Lheidli T'enneh (B.C. Elders' Gathering), Multicultural Heritage Society, Prince George Conservatory of Music, Prince George Folkfest (Coldsnap), Prince George Rivers Day, Prince George Symphony Orchestra and Theatre North West will share the allocated $216,350.
Grant criteria encouraged arts groups to submit applications for programs or projects emphasizing youth and seniors, downtown revitalization, celebrations and special events downtown and community partnerships.
