The government of Alberta is matching donations for sports and recreation programs.
Up to $350,000 in donations will be matched to eligible provincial sport, physical activity and recreation programs starting April 1.
“Research clearly indicates the importance of physical activity in maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being. I encourage Albertans to show their support and help build the capacity and resiliency of sport, physical activity and recreation programming in Alberta. These programs are, and will remain, an essential part of making our province stronger, healthier and more resilient,” Minister of Culture Ron Orr said in a media release.
The donation-matching campaign is part of the Creative Partnerships Alberta initiative that is working to find new ways to support not-for-profits.
The campaign is expected to increase private donations, and boost revenue for sports, physical activity and recreation organizations to enhance economic growth and recovery.
The initiative is working to build a thriving not-for-profit sector by encouraging private investment in not-for-profits, growing social enterprises, and increasing collaboration to find new solutions to social challenges, the release said.
The initiative’s goals are to increase private funding and support not-for-profit and art organizations, grow social innovation and social finance, and provide mentorship and coaching for not-for-profit organizations.
The initiative was developed to achieve the government’s goal of growing creative and cultural industries by 25 per cent over the next decade and is another step of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
Donations can be made through the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR) Donation Fund Program online portal from April 1 to Aug. 30.
“Albertans rely on the essential services sport, physical activity and recreation programs provide for their physical and mental health, and their quality of life,” the release said. “The sector’s access to timely revenue increases the ability of sector organizations to adapt and respond to organizational and community issues.”
Individual donations up to $1,000 will be accepted for matching until Aug. 30, or until the $350,000 is spent. Eligible donation recipients could receive up to $10,000 in matching donations.
“The Alberta Curling Federation was happy to have access to the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Donation Fund Program throughout the pandemic. The Donation Matching Campaign supported by the Government of Alberta will be an even greater incentive for Alberta curlers to support programs across the province as we return to curling,” executive director of the Alberta Curling Federation Jill Richard said.
