New grant program provides more responsive and flexible funding structure
Launched in July 2021, SaskCulture piloted the Small Grant Accessibility Program (SGAP) to support grassroots, unique and innovative cultural initiatives that respond to emergent needs or changes in the cultural sector, and increase access for first-time and under-served applicants.
SGAP allows for a more flexible and responsive program for first-time and underserved applicants who don’t yet meet the eligibility criteria of other SaskCulture grant programs, with a quicker turnaround for decisions.
“We understood the need for a new program for smaller cultural organizations that may be starting from the ground up,” Kenneth Nzeyimana, grants administrator, SaskCulture. “They might not have staff capacity or aren’t incorporated yet, so may not get a larger project grant or operational grant straight away. But they need to start somewhere.”
This past year saw three rounds of deadlines and a total of 16 applicants.
Moving forward SGAP will not only build capacity for organizations that are just starting out, it will help inform SaskCulture’s funding renewal process on what other support measures are needed.