Nonprofits are the intermediaries between generosity and social change. - Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen

Community Futures East Interlake works hard to stimulate community and regional economic development by supporting local community organizations implementing community and regional development projects. Two ways we do this work is through our B.I.G and B.I.G.R programs.

Build Interlake Growth (B.I.G.) Program 

The B.I.G. program supports organizations undertaking projects that will create direct or future economic development growth or employment in their communities. This program is open to all not-for-profit (non paid share) groups in the East Interlake region with duly elected board members including not-for-profits, local governments, First Nations communities and community development corporations. For-profit organizations in partnership with qualifying not-for-profit municipal or other agency may also qualify.

If your project creates permanent new or incremental capital development or leads to it, it would be eligible for this program. Projects that support growth and impacts on employment creation as well as sustainability that improves or increases the communities residential and business growth are also eligible.

Priority will be given to projects that address the local or regional priorities of Community Futures East Interlake as well as municipal/band governments, community development corporations, and chambers of commerce. Communities and regions are encouraged to undertake strategic planning to determine what projects are their highest priority.

Details of B.I.G. at a Glance

Amount: A maximum of $5,000 or 50% of total project costs, which ever is less for incremental capital projects or phases.
Project Scope: This amount will be no less than 5% of total project costs subject to the above limits. No project budgets over $100,000.
Matching: This amount must be matched by an equal local investment of actual dollars (not in-kind).
Deadline: December 15th.

Click here to download an application to our Build Interlake Growth program.

Building Interlake Growth Regionally (B.I.G.R) Program 

The B.I.G.R. program supports projects that are partnerships between municipalities and/or first nations council in the East Interlake region that seek to build regional economic capacity. Only new projects will be considered.

All East Interlake member municipalities and first nations council projects are eligible to apply. A municipality and/or First Nations council partnership is required along with a letter of support. Priority will be given to projects that address regional priorities. All projects must create employment, indirect employment spin-offs, or directly lead to the attraction of new permanent residents by making the community more attractive. Funded projects/initiatives must be accessible and available for everyone, not for specific social or single recreation group. Organizations must promote the contribution made by the program (such as permanent signage).

Details of B.I.G.R. at a Glance

Amount: A maximum of $25,000 or 25% of total project costs. BIGR will contribute a maximum of $50,000 annually to a region.
Matching: This amount must be matched by an equal local investment of actual dollars (not in-kind).
Deadline: First intake is April 30th. Subject to availability, second intake is December 15th.

Click here to download an application to our Building Interlake Growth Regionally program.

To learn more about Community Futures East Interlake can help your Not-For-Profit project, click here to contact our knowledgeable staff today.