The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce the recent approval of over $79,000 in grants to nine island charitable organizations. The projects funded this spring address a wide range of areas, including mental health, affordable housing, children and youth, and the arts. Since 1984, the Salt Spring Island Foundation has granted more than $1.5 million to local registered charities.
Island Arts Centre Society (ArtSpring)
To support the replacement of the ArtSpring roof, which has been in place for 20 years and has reached the end of its lifespan.
Island Pathways
To assist in the construction of two new sections of pathways on Upper Ganges Road. The project is part of Ganges Village Pathway Network, which promotes safe, non-motorized transportation on Salt Spring Island. This is the second year of a multi-year grant.
Island Women Against Violence (IWAV)/Salt Spring Island Abbeyfield Housing Society
To support the construction of a new bathroom for The Cedars, an 11-unit housing project for vulnerable women and children and low-income senior women.
NEED2 Suicide Prevention
For a community suicide awareness program that will be run in collaboration with Salt Spring Island Community Services and School District #64.
Salt Spring and Southern Gulf Islands Community Services Society
To assist with renovations and improvement costs for a multi-use building to support Seniors Wellness programs, including Better at Home and Salt Spring Island Hospice.
For the Yellow Submarine/New Beginnings programs, which support people with mental illness and/or addiction issues, providing vocational rehabilitation, employment mentorships and work opportunities for those deemed hard to employ. This is the second year of a multi-year grant.
Salt Spring Island Land Bank Society
To assist with the development of the lower level of Grandmaâs House transitional house for men, including the ceiling, interior walls, and electrical and plumbing connections. To install grease traps at Grandmaâs House and at the Dean Road house, which provides affordable rental housing.
School District #64
Fernwood Elementary: Toward the enhancement of the playground with natural playscapes. Boulders, gravel, stumps, plantings and shade trees will provide more spaces for children to connect to nature and learn to play creatively and cooperatively.
Fulford Elementary: For a storage shed in support of the school garden program.
GISS/Transition Salt Spring Community Energy Group: To support the installation of a 20kW photovoltaic grid-tiered solar system on the roof of Gulf Island Secondary School gymnasium. The value of the resulting electricity savings will be used to fund an annual renewable energy/climate change scholarship for GISS students.
Salt Spring Elementary: For a fire-safe and ventilated shed to house the schoolâs clay-firing kiln.
Salt Spring Arts Council
To repair the main entry ramp to Mahon Hall, which provides access to the building for those with disabilities.
SWOVA (Salt Spring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse) Community Development and Research Society
Toward curriculum development aimed at addressing internet safety.
These grants are made possible through the generosity of community members who share the Foundationâs goal of improving the quality of life for all Salt Spring residents. If you would like to learn how you can help the Foundation support the important work of island charities like these, please go to our website at http://www.saltspringislandfoundation.org or call 250-537-8305.
