Salt Spring Island Foundation Fall Grants - Support Youth Services, Mental Health Initiatives and Much More. The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce over $60,000 in grants to nine local charitable organizations. The projects funded this fall aim to build a more sustainable, caring and sharing community through youth programs, mental health services, community safety, environmental protection and the recognition of Salt Spring’s history.

As part of its Smart & Caring Salt Spring initiative, the Foundation has established funds to target critical needs and help grow philanthropy on Salt Spring. This fall, our Smart & Caring funds have been granted to support volunteerism through the Volunteer Community Resources Salt Spring Society.

Gulf Islands Marine Rescue Society

For the purchase of optical equipment for use by RCMSAR Station 25 in searching and nighttime lookout.

Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Society

Toward riparian restoration of areas in Mouat and Duck Creek Parks that have been damaged by heavy pedestrian use. Schoolchildren will help with the planting and benefit from hands-on environmental learning.

Salt Spring Film Festival Society

For the purchase of projectors, portable screens, Blu-ray players and a public-address system. The film festival plays an important educational and awareness role in our community.

Salt Spring Farmers’ Heritage Foundation

For the acquisition and installation of an improved propane forge for the blacksmith group, which provides workshops and year-round skills development for children and youth, as well as demonstrations for Heritage Day and the Fall Fair.

Salt Spring Hospice/Bessie Dane Foundation

For the development of an enhanced bereavement education curriculum and training material for Hospice volunteers. This is an important program to address seniors’ mental health.

Salt Spring Island Community Services

• For the repair of decks and fire escapes at Family Place, which offers an important resource and support network for children and families.
• To fund a review of the Core Inn youth drop-in program
• To support the purchase of games for Friday Night Games Night, a popular youth program currently hosted by the Salt Spring Island Public Library that draws close to 50 young people to the library on Friday nights.
• To fund the position of Mental Health Navigator to provide families and individuals with assistance in navigating the new Island Health system and accessing the services they need. This is a multi-year grant.

Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue Society

For the purchase of rain jackets.

SWOVA

Toward the Healthy Masculinity for Boys and Young Men Project. This project will engage boys and young men in our community in age-appropriate round table discussions and activities to support their needs for healthy masculinity, allow their voices to be heard, and to determine ways to prevent behaviours that put them at risk of violence and/or abuse.

Volunteer Community Resources Salt Spring Society

To assist with organizational development. Volunteer Community Resources aims to

build connections between community members and organizations by promoting volunteerism on Salt Spring Island through leadership and education. This is a multi-year grant.