September 20, 2019

Manitobans can start planning for the province’s 150th anniversary with the launch of three programs that will fund celebrations, create long-lasting projects and honour unrecognized volunteers.

“Since we began work this past spring, we’ve been in touch with many groups and organizations that are excited to launch projects in their communities and just need some help to get their ideas off the ground,” said Monique LaCoste, co-chair of Manitoba 150. “By providing some co-funding, we can help make those projects happen.”

• The Build 150 program will provide approximately $1.2 million for projects that will leave a lasting legacy in communities across the province. Applicants will submit their ideas for infrastructure or “bricks and mortar” projects to their local community foundation. Each foundation will decide what projects to fund and will set their own application deadlines. Foundations will receive matching grants from the Build 150 program. Grant maximums per foundation will be based on the size of each foundation’s assets and will range from $5,000 to $300,000. Funding for the Build 150 program will be provided in part by James Richardson & Sons Limited and affiliated companies.
• The Celebrate 150 program will support communities and non-profit organizations in hosting events such as concerts, art shows and food festivals. Grants will range from $10,000 to $70,000 and will cover up to 70 per cent of an event’s total cost. Application deadline is November 12, 2019.
• The Honour 150 program will recognize 150 individual Manitobans for outstanding contributions to their communities. Manitobans are invited to nominate people whose volunteer work makes an extraordinary difference and whose contributions have not been honoured in the past. The Honour 150 program is supported by Canada Life.

“We hope Manitobans will take advantage of funding available through the Build 150 and Celebrate 150 programs and will think about who they’d like to nominate for Honour 150,” said Stuart Murray, Manitoba 150 co-chair. “We have more announcements coming up that we know will help instill a lasting pride in our home province.”

"We have so much to celebrate in Manitoba, and I look forward to joining in the excitement of our province's 150th anniversary," said Cathy Cox, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage. "I can hardly wait to see the list of amazing Manitobans that will be put forward for recognition in the Honour 150 program, and I would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the support of the generous sponsors."

2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the passing of the Manitoba Act by Parliament, which paved the way for Manitoba to become Canada’s fifth province. Manitoba 150 is an independent, non-profit organization overseeing commemorative activities in the province next year.

See Backgrounder

For further information:

Barbara Czech
204-803-9644
bczech@prhouse.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Build 150

• $1.22 million available in matching grants for community projects
• Funds available to 55 community foundations, which review and approve applications
• Projects should leave a lasting presence in the community and impact the largest number of residents possible
• Examples:
  • Amenities for a public space (park bench, bike racks, public art, etc.)
  • Equipment for a community space (community centre, medical facility, etc.)
  • Revitalization of something with historical significance (statue, building, etc.)
• Applications go to community foundations, with deadlines set by each foundation
• Endow Manitoba helps coordinate Build 150

Celebrate 150

• Funding is for one-time, event-based initiatives
• Non-profit organizations, municipalities and First Nations can apply.
• Available funding depends on the organization’s annual operating expenses:
  • Expenses under $250,000 --$10,000 maximum grant available
  • Expenses $250,000 to $1 million --$25,000 maximum grant available
  • Expenses in excess of $1 million --$70,000 maximum grant available
• Up to 70 per cent of the event’s eligible costs will be funded
• Application deadline: November 12, 2019
• Application forms at manitoba150.com

Honour 150

• Intended to honour 150 Manitobans who make outstanding contributions to their communities through their volunteer efforts
• Nominees must not have been formally recognized by an organization in the past
• Winners will receive a Manitoba 150 medal, be fêted at a gala dinner and participate in the Santa Claus parade.
• Nomination deadline: January 31, 2020
• Nomination forms at manitoba150.com
  

Further details on the above programs are available at www.manitoba150.com