Community groups working on behalf of women will receive a boost of government funding this year.
On Thursday, the Yukon government announced an additional $521,000 in operational funding to women’s organizations over the next three years.
Transfers of money to the Women’s Equality Fund have increased from $175,000 per year to $300,000.
“There was overwhelming communication from recipients that they needed sustainable funding and capacity to carry out projects longer than a year,” said Shauna Curtin, acting director of the Yukon Women’s Directorate.
Until now, groups like the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle and the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre were only able to apply for year-to-year project funding.
“The aim is to build capacity,” said Curtin.
“This way these groups aren’t spending time writing proposals, they’re actually able to carry out projects.”
The announcement buys our staff time and security, said Julianna Scramstad, Victoria Faulkner program co-ordinator.
“Having access to operational funds provides continuity and a sense of stability; it’s pretty nice,” she said.
Additional funding is also welcome because there are more women’s equality groups in the Yukon vying for money, she added.
The Yukon government will also increase money to the Women’s Community Project Fund, doubling what is available annually to $10,000.
Groups to receive money from the directorate in 2010-13 include the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society, the Whitehorse Aboriginal Women’s Circle, Les EssentiELLES, Yukon Women in Trades and Technology, the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, the Yukon Status of Women Council and the Yukon Human Rights Commission.
The announcement comes on the heels of a 2009 decision to increase funding to the Prevention of Violence Against Aboriginal Women Fund. (Vivian Belik)