A27 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY December 16 - 31 , 2016

Alberta non-profit organizations will have a clearer path to funding as a result of changes to two primary Community Grant programs - the Community Facility

Enhancement Program ( CFEP ) and the Community Initiatives Program ( CIP ).

“ Investment in Alberta ’ s non-profit and voluntary sector helps to build strong families and communities and creates new business and employment opportunities . Changes to both CFEP and CIP will help better meet the needs of non-profits by addressing funding gaps , streamlining access and providing clarity to the grants process . For Albertans , these changes mean greater transparency , accountability and effective use of resources , and a greater return on public dollars ,” according to Ricardo Miranda , Minister of Culture and Tourism .

The program helps support construction and renovation of public-use community facilities . Two distinct grant funding streams have been established ; the Small Funding Stream provides a maximum of $ 125,000 in project support ; and the new Large Funding Stream will support projects of more than $ 125,000 to a maximum of $ 1 million .

A new Major Cultural and Sport Events stream will support national and international events with significant community benefit , such as boosting the local economy and helping tourism grow . A maximum grant of $ 250,000 will be available to eligible applicants .

Funding of the International Development grant stream has been increased to help Albertabased non-profits involved in international development projects and also to address growing program demand .

“ We are pleased the Community Grants program engaged with the non-profit sector to redesign funding programs that will be based on clear principles , well defined outcomes , and enhanced value of volunteerism . It will provide equitable opportunity for the sector .”

Guidelines and applications have been updated to reflect the changes and are available online at : culture . alberta . ca / c o m m u n i t y / c o m m u n i t y - grants . The new approach comes into effect on December 15 to allow applicants to fully benefit from the positive changes , such as increased hourly rates for donated labour .

The changes stem from an extensive internal review of the Community Grants program and discussions with non-profitsector partners and previous grant recipients .

The review highlighted the fact that Community Grants programs provide equitable distribution of funding across the province to help stimulate local economic activity , and that funding programs are flexible , simple , and support community infrastructure .

Source : alberta . news @ gov . ab . ca

T h e Quezon Province Association of Manitoba or QPAM celebrated its Paskuhang P a s a s a l a m a t 2016 , the annual Christmas Party at the Filipino Seniors Hall .

Emceed by Justin Conchada and Hannah Chan Urbano , the Christmas party was attended by family members and some special guests who participated in the various games and activities .

Oly Merluza , who dressed as Santa Claus gave the children , the youth and even the adults gifts donated by QPAM Youth , Filipino Journal / Ron Cantiveros , Le Kim , Kim Vit Travel , Sonny Puache , Federico Hinanay , KIMVY Fashion- VyVy Nguyen , Sarbit Travel and Insurance , Farmking , Vickar Chevrolet , Mr . & Mrs . Rowena Lopez Arquero and

Maggie Chan Urbano , president of QPAM , said that the celebration for all the families and guests is a greatest tradition of sharing and giving . She thanks the QPAM Youth members who were responsible hosting party as well as the gift sponsors .

Part of the celebration is the selection of scholars for 2017 and the winning Quezon towns , namely , Alabat and Lucena , where the scholars will be selected .

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