ENMAX has announced a way its boosting non-profits and charities in Alberta.
Manager of Community Impact Krista Moroz said applications are open for the new ENMAX Community Spark Grant, which launched on Oct. 1.
The program offers 10 grants, with a maximum of $15,000 for each recipient.
She explained that the funding will help charities and non-profits improve their operations behind-the-scenes while continuing to deliver the services that help Albertans.
“This was really an opportunity to support organizations, non-profits [and] charities across Alberta in helping them build their own capacity,” Moroz told Vista Radio.
“We know that they are so important to supporting Albertans and if we can help them do their work, that’s what this grant was intended for.”
She said the company has been discussing ideas for a program like this for about a year, gathering feedback from various groups in the province. Moroz said their goal was to discover where gaps were in funding, and how they could help.
“Through those conversations, we really learned that there was a need for support beyond programs. There was a need for support for technology, training and development of staff, for infrastructure resources, so we really developed this grant around that identified need as a way to help organizations do what they do best,” Moroz explained.
“If we can help them with those types of capacity building support, then they can really focus on the programs that are so important to people across Alberta. They can continue to support them with whatever their needs are, they can continue to offer their programs and services, and we can continue to make our communities stronger.”
Grant applications are open until Oct. 31, and interested groups can learn more about eligibility and find an application link on the ENMAX website.
Moroz said they will review applications and plan to have recipients selected by the end of November. She added that funding will be provided by the end of the year.
“They have one year to spend it, so we really hope they have the time to fulfill whatever it is that they’re hoping to do with it,” she explained.
Moroz said ENMAX hopes to keep the program going for years to come.
“We know that these challenges around capacity building are not going to go away. “We want to continue to offer this support when it’s well-needed,” she stated.
Moroz added that staff will gather feedback from recipients of the inaugural grant to see if any changes are needed going forward.
Written by: Justin Goulet – Vista Radio
