OUTLOOK - Quarterly gaming grants are beneficial for communities all across the province, with the charitable contributions serving as a way for groups and organizations in cities, towns and villages to continue doing the work that they do.
The latest numbers courtesy of Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan (LGS) show that $2.8 million was provided in the July 1-September 30 quarter, which will benefit more than 1,400 community organizations around the province.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that communities across Saskatchewan share in the benefits from gaming," Minister Responsible for LGS Jeremy Harrison said in a media release. "Hundreds of charitable and nonprofit groups throughout the province receive these funds every year, and we encourage more groups to apply."
Grants were paid to charitable groups and organizations in more than 280 Saskatchewan communities. More than $627,000 was paid to groups in Saskatoon and more than $524,000 was paid to groups in Regina.
Locally, the village of Beechy was one of the recipients of funding, receiving $206.63 for the local rec board and the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. In the town of Outlook, a total of $8,887.00 was paid out, being received by the Outlook Kinsmen Club and the Small Steps Early Learning Centre.
Groups in other regions also received funding, including:
Prince Albert and area received more than $357,000;
Humboldt, Melfort and area received more than $142,000;
Weyburn, Estevan and area received nearly $130,000;
Meadow Lake and area received more than $121,000;
Swift Current and area received nearly $106,000; and
Yorkton, Melville and area received nearly $81,000.
These quarterly grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold 'em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event, up to a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually.
The amount of each grant paid by LGS to each charity is calculated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) based on financial reports and other information submitted by the group or organization. Groups can apply through SLGA's charitable gaming licensing process online.
