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Thursday, February 28, 2013

RBC Children’s Mental Health Project funding


RBC Children's Mental Health Project

All kids should feel healthy inside and out. That's why we created the RBC Children's Mental Health Project, which has provided more than $16 million to organizations dedicated to providing early intervention, increasing public awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness. Early intervention and public education to reduce stigma are the key areas of focus for our funding.

http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/community/childrens-mental-health/index.html

 

Cultural Industries Guarantee Fund

The Cultural Industries Guarantee Fund has been created by the Alberta Cultural Industries Association with funds from the Alberta Foundation of the Arts and Canadian Heritage, to provide guarantees with financial institutions for companies working in the cultural industries ? book publishers, film/video producers, sound recording companies and magazine publishers.

Any small company faces challenges in securing strong relationships with financial institutions for corporate growth. The organizations which created the Cultural Industries Fund believe the Fund will act as a partner for companies that have the potential for growth to take advantage of those opportunities.

The form is available for download.

http://www.bookpublishers.ab.ca/cigf.html


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Bob Ward Memorial Fellowship to support outstanding research on the role and impact of volunteers in international development

Cuso International's Second Annual Bob Ward Memorial Fellowship – Call For Applications

Cuso International has announced the call for applications for the Second Annual "Bob Ward Memorial Fellowship" to support outstanding research on the role and impact of volunteers in international development. Open to candidates globally, the Fellowship will be awarded to an individual who is or has been engaged in social change work in the NGO/non-profit sector. Valued at up to $25,000 for up to one year, the award is to allow the recipient to make a significant contribution to the sector through research that demonstrates the impact of volunteering and advances our understanding of related issues of policy and practice.

You can find full details here.

National Volunteer Week 2013, April 21 to 27 Campaign Kit Now Available

National Volunteer Week 2013 Campaign Kit Now Available

National Volunteer Week (NVW) 2013 takes place April 21 to 27, and Volunteer Canada wants to support organizations in their celebrations and efforts to thank volunteers. For starters, there is an extensive suite of tools available to support your NVW campaign planning in our brand new Campaign Kit. From our comprehensive Campaign Planner to a variety of general communications templates, video seminars, and other more specific resources on event planning, media relations, social media and government relations, the Campaign Kit is the place to start planning your NVW 2013 activities!

Library Services in the Digital Age by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project

Library Services in the Digital Age

Patrons embrace new technologies – and would welcome more. But many still want printed books to hold their central place

Summary of findings

The internet has already had a major impact on how people find and access information, and now the rising popularity of e-books is helping transform Americans' reading habits. In this changing landscape, public libraries are trying to adjust their services to these new realities while still serving the needs of patrons who rely on more traditional resources. In a new survey of Americans' attitudes and expectations for public libraries, the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project finds that many library patrons are eager to see libraries' digital services expand, yet also feel that print books remain important in the digital age.

The availability of free computers and internet access now rivals book lending and reference expertise as a vital service of libraries. In a national survey of Americans ages 16 and older:

  • 80% of Americans say borrowing books is a "very important" service libraries provide.
  • 77% say free access to computers and the internet is a "very important" service of libraries.


Who reads e-books

In the book-reading population, those most likely to read e-books include those with college or graduate degrees, those who live in households earning more than $75,000, and those whose ages fall between 30 and 49.


http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/


Visit Timmins Honda to pick up a free tree seedling in April

Visit Timmins Honda to pick up a free tree seedling.  Millson Forestry Service will again supply locations around North Eastern Ontario for Early Earth Day Events. This year it looks like the ground will be warm enough to plant your tree seedling when you pick it up on April 16th.

http://oxyengrowsontrees.blogspot.ca/2012/04/early-earth-day-free-tree-seedling.html

Health Canada Online's Calendar of Health-Related Days

Health Canada Online's Calendar of Health-Related Days lists health-related days, weeks and months that have been announced by recognized health organizations and are recognized throughout the health professional community. We list only days that are recognized in Canada or days that are recognized internationally.

Should you wish to submit an awareness event that meets these criteria, please send information about this event in both English and French to general inquiries. The submitted information will be forwarded for final decision to Health Canada issue experts of the related field.


http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/calend/index-eng.php#december

Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge

The Canadian Aboriginal Writing Challenge was born in 2005 out of the success of Our Story: Aboriginal Voices on Canada's Past published by Doubleday Canada in which nine leading Aboriginal authors from across the country, including Tantoo Cardinal, Tom King and Tomson Highway, contributed a short fictional story about a defining moment in Aboriginal history. Since then, the Challenge has quickly become the largest and most recognizable essay writing competition in Canada for Aboriginal youth. It has earned large scale support from Aboriginal Arts and Literary community, including those that comprise the Patrons and Advisory committee. More than 1,000 emerging Aboriginal writers from every province and territory in Canada have submitted essays to the Challenge since 2005.

In 2010, The Historica-Dominion Institute announced the launch of an expanded Challenge in 2010-11 called the Canadian Aboriginal Writing and Arts Challenge. This expansion has made the Challenge available to a new audience of Aboriginal youth – those who are not writers, but instead express themselves through painting, drawing and photography. We believe that the expanded Challenge gives a start to the next generation of both great Aboriginal authors and artists.

The program is organized by The Historica-Dominion Institute, a national charitable organization that was launched in September 2009 through the amalgamation of two existing organizations: The Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute. Our mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. For more information, visit historica-dominion.ca

http://www.our-story.ca/ac/guidelines-ac

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Library of Congress Literacy Awards

Reading and success are inextricably linked. Those who read well and widely throughout their lifetimes are much more likely to achieve success and satisfaction in life. Our nation was founded on the written word, and reading is fundamental to maintaining our dynamic democracy.

The Library of Congress Literacy Awards is a new program that will recognize and support individuals and institutions in the United States and abroad that have made significant contributions to combating illiteracy and aliteracy (having the ability to read but simply not exercising the skill).

The literacy awards program is administered by the Library's Center for the Book. Final selection of prize winners will be made by the Librarian of Congress, who will solicit recommendations from literacy experts on an Advisory Board.

Beginning in 2013, three prizes will be awarded annually:

  • The David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000), for a groundbreaking contribution to the sustained advancement of literacy by any individual or entity worldwide
  •  The American Prize ($50,000), for a project developed and implemented during the past decade with special emphasis on combating aliteracy
  • The International Prize ($50,000), for the work of an individual, nation or nongovernmental organization working in a specific country or region

Deadline:

All applications must be complete and received by midnight (in Washington, D.C.), April 15, 2013. You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received.

Questions:

Please send all completed applications and inquiries to literacyawards@loc.gov


http://www.read.gov/literacyawards/



UWinnipeg, World Literacy Canada, Centura Custom Homes, Village of Bhanohar Support Education of Young Women in India.

January 31

Premier Greg Selinger attended the Mata Gujri Memorial Library and Learning Centre in Bhanohar village this week where he provided a selection of books about Manitoba and Canada. 

This contribution to the library, on behalf of the province, kick starts the latest phase of a partnership between the University of Winnipeg, World Literacy Canada, Ventura Custom Homes and the village to support children's literacy and young women's education in India.  The new facility will be open to individuals of all economic strata, particularly young women, who are attending schools in the immediate Bhanohar area of the Punjab region.

"This library establishes a vital educational resource for young women and girls in the Punjab, and promises to be a touchstone for ongoing initiatives that are bringing our communities closer together," said Selinger.  "This partnership will strengthen our connections with India as more young women look to Manitoba as a great place to continue their education."

The creation of the Mata Gujri Memorial Library and Learning Centrewas initially made possible by a donation of $70,000 in 2010 by Cliff Penner, president and owner of Ventura Custom Homes to the University of Winnipeg and symbolizes the university's desire to strengthen ties with India

There are currently eight young women from Bhanohar studying at UWinnipeg, a trend the University aims to further strengthen through the centre.  In addition to supporting literacy and education of village youth, the university anticipates the centre will serve as a field site for the UWinnipeg faculty of education, masters in development practice program, and Global College students, as well as for students enrolled in International Development Studies (via Menno Simons College).


http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=16472

Ministry of Education provides more than $480,000 to support community literacy programming

The SSIF was established to provide financial assistance to Saskatchewan communities to create innovative ways to address their literacy needs and provide programming in both family and adult/ workplace literacy. Funding is for one year only and communities must be able to show in-kind or additional funding support.

Successful applicants this year include the First Nations University of Canada in partnership with Cote First Nation in Kamsack; the Makwa Lake Development Co. in partnership with Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Loon Lake; the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Leask; the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Co-operative; the Prince Albert Literacy Network; the Saskatoon Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health; and the North Central Family Centre in Regina.

Elementary Literacy Friends tutoring program

Investment in community-based literacy initiative for elementary children

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The work of volunteer literacy tutors of the Elementary Literacy Inc. foundation was highlighted by Premier David Alward today during a celebration honouring the success of six Grade 2 students at Nashwaaksis Memorial Elementary School in Fredericton who have benefited from the Elementary Literacy Friends tutoring program.

"These innovative literacy programs depend on the commitment and support of important partners, and their success is a testament to how we can create a better future for our children by working together," said Alward. "I encourage individuals, families, organizations and businesses across New Brunswick to contribute in their own way to this grassroots initiative. These programs need more volunteers to help more New Brunswick children get the best start toward a future they deserve."

Alward, along with Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr, used the occasion honouring the students and their volunteer tutors to express the provincial government's commitment to improve literacy levels in New Brunswick.

The premier also highlighted the provincial government's $2.5 million investment in Elementary Literacy Inc., a non-profit foundation, to support its Elementary Literacy Friends/Communauté-littératie-enfants-francophones volunteer tutoring programs.

This private-sector led initiative was created to raise literacy levels among children in elementary schools across the province.

"Reading is a fundamental part of learning and academic success for our children," said Carr. "The earlier we help our children with their learning, the more opportunities they will have to reach their full potential and thus contribute to our economy and enhance their quality of life."

Established in 2009, Elementary Literacy Inc. ensures the recruitment, screening and training of volunteers who will provide one-on-one literacy mentoring to elementary school children struggling with reading. Volunteers who participate commit to working with a student for one hour, twice a week, for 10 weeks outside regular classroom hours.

As literacy is a foundation for learning, students who do not develop basic literacy skills by the end of Grade 2 may struggle in other subjects.

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2013.02.0106.html

http://www.elementaryliteracynb.com/

Monday, February 25, 2013

Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP)

Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP)

Partners for Newcomer Success

Immigration is vital to Canada's population growth and economic prosperity. Yet, while demand for their skills grows, many highly competent newcomers to Canada remain underemployed.

To address this problem, the Government of Canada funded the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) to develop and implement the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) which prepares newcomers for economic integration while still in their country of origin. Launched as a pilot project in 2007, CIIP is now a four-year program (2010-2014) that is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

CIIP provides free pre-departure orientation to Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominees, their spouses and adult dependents, while they are still overseas during the final stages of the immigration process.

CIIP helps immigrants prepare for economic success by providing information, planning and online support through partners in Canada.

CIIP offices are located in China, India, Philippines and the United Kingdom and services are available in additional service delivery locations. Click here to get a complete list of CIIP service delivery locations.

http://www.newcomersuccess.ca/index.php/about-ciip?lang=en-GB



Peace Hills Trust is pleased to present the 31st Annual Native Art Contest

Peace Hills Trust is pleased to present the 31st Annual Native Art Contest.  This contest is a definite highlight for the company, one that is anticipated by many across the country.  This year we are excited to announce our prize money has doubled from years past.  This year's winner will receive $5000.00 along with a feature on our wall calendar.  2nd Place will win $3000.00 and will be featured on our desk calendars and 3rd Place receives $2000.00 and their art will be on our Christmas card.  That's $10,000.00 total prize money.


This year will be our 31st Anniversary of the Art Competition.  Year after year, we are constantly impressed with the quality of art that is submitted.  All entries are displayed at our coinciding Art Show and are viewed by potential buyers and art connoisseurs alike.  100% of the proceeds of sales goes directly back to the artist to support and encourage First Nations culture and tradtions.


We are very proud of the success of the many artists that began their profession by submitting art in our contest over the years.  We look forward to seeing what 2013 will bring.  Please note the deadline for this year has been moved up one month and the date is August 16, 2013.  Mark it on your calendar.  Watch for our Contest poster and entry form to be coming soon. 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Tree Canada's Edible Trees program. The deadline to apply for funding is February 22, 2013.


Edible Tree Program

Clean the air, beautify your neighbourhood, and bring fresh fruits or nuts to your community with Tree Canada's Edible Trees program. The deadline to apply for funding is February 22, 2013.
 

Edible Trees

Clean the air, beautify your neighbourhood, and bring fresh fruits or nuts to your community all at the same timeEdible_Trees_trunk.png with our Edible Trees program. Your community gardening group, arboretum, school, housing project, or other organization can apply to have a project funded. Tree Canada will consider projects that meet the following criteria:

  • Increases equitable access to healthy food
  • Strengthens communities by empowering neighbors to share in the harvest and care of city-grown food resources
  • Benefits the local community by providing access to the trees and their fruit by the public ( i.e. food banks, volunteers, community kitchens)
  • Meets the needs of the community and includes creative plans for the produce grown
  • Takes place within a geographic area suitable for growing fruit and nut trees
  • Protects and preserves the Canadian environment
  • Assists residents in understanding and participating in
  • environmental activities in local communities.
 
 

World Read Aloud Day is March 6th

World Read Aloud Day is a day to connect with another person through the joy of reading together. Now is the time to get your entire community involved in WRAD to make reading visible to the world. The simplest, easiest thing you can do to invest in a child's future is to read aloud to her.
 

Walmart – Evergreen Green Grants deadline to apply is March 1

Walmart – Evergreen Green Grants

Walmart Canada and Evergreen have partnered to offer this national program, funding community-based initiatives across Canada. Projects supported through the Green Grants program include, but are not limited to:

  • Native planting initiatives
  • Invasive species removal
  • Community food gardens
  • Youth-based and intergenerational projects
  • Wildlife habitat restoration
  • Aquatic stewardship projects
  • Environmental workshops and educational events
  • Community skills sharing workshops
  • Projects serving underserved communities

Amount offered: up to $10,000 (up to 50% of project budget)

Application deadline: March 1, 2013, 5pm

Please note that applicants must submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy. Both copies must be received by our office by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility

Available to Canadian community groups and non-profit organizations working on community development and environmental initiatives such as those listed above.

  • Eligible groups must be working collaboratively with a local municipality, institutional or other project partner(s).
  • Projects must be located on publicly accessible lands.
  • Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply again. There is no preference given to previously granted organizations and all applications will go through the same review process.
  • Projects developed on land belonging to a public school board are only eligible for funding through the Toyota Evergreen Learning Grounds funding program.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

  • Native plant material (plants, trees, shrubs, wildflowers)
  • Gardening supplies and tools and other building materials
  • Educational and communication materials
  • Volunteer expenses
  • Health and safety supplies
  • Transportation
  • Wages, salaries, honoraria and professional consulting services (up to 20% of Green Grant funding requested)

For a full list of what's eligible and what's not, please see our Application Guide below.

How To Apply

http://www.evergreen.ca/en/funding/grants/walmart.sn

 

RBC After School Project

Learning shouldn't have to end when the school bell rings. That's why we created the RBC After School Project, which extends learning beyond the school day. To date, we have given more than $27 million in donations to provide children with a safe place to go after school, where they can develop knowledge, social skills and self-esteem.
 

Funding Guidelines

Each year we put out a call for proposals, where organizations can apply for an RBC After School Project grant. Working with local community panels, we select programs that will receive funding for the granting year as new RBC After School Project grant recipients.