Region of Waterloo accepting Innovation Grant submissions

Waterloo Region – The Region is now accepting applications for this year’s Community Innovation Grant (CIG).  This program was created to support new sustainable approaches to addressing social, community and health needs in Waterloo Region.

Now in its second year, the $50,000 CIG program will provide one-time grants to support not-for-profit community organizations, partnerships or groups undertaking innovative projects with potential to provide effective and sustainable solutions to existing or emerging needs within the Region.

“The CIG program is linked to our objectives as a Region,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “We are aiming to harness some of the region’s innovative energy and direct it towards our healthy, safe and inclusive communities focus area.” This includes three big ideas linked to the Wellbeing Waterloo Region initiative: affordable housing; healthy children and youth; and social inclusion.

The application process opens today and closes September 28, 2018. In any year, Regional council can decide to award the entire $50,000 to one eligible proposal or award lesser amounts to several projects. Successful candidates will have two years to complete the project.

Social or community innovations may include new products, processes, services, technology or some combination of these that provide real solutions. “The proposal needs to offer an idea that is more efficient, sustainable or effective than current approaches, and benefit a community as a whole rather than private individuals,” said Sean Strickland, Administration and Finance Committee Chair for the Region.

Applications can be accessed on the Region of Waterloo website: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/doing-business/key-initiatives.aspx

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For more information please contact:
Bryan Stortz, Director of Communications, at 519 575-4408 or bstortz@regionofwaterloo.ca