Lighthouse Grants Call for Proposals

The province is taking more steps to prevent crime.

Justice Minister Ross Landry today, Dec. 16, invited community organizations focused on youth to apply for Lighthouses Program funding.

The Lighthouses Program is accepting proposals for five grants of $12,000 from community groups that provide recreational, educational, cultural and life-skills programs for youth across Nova Scotia. This will bring the number of Lighthouse grants to 20 for a total of $240,000.

"Government made a commitment to support crime prevention, and that is what we are doing through the Lighthouses Program," said Mr. Landry. "It starts with a positive direction and that is what this program provides.

"Our Lighthouses Program partners do great work in our communities and we are pleased to be able to offer five more grants to assist youth, their families and their communities. This is helping make life better for families in Nova Scotia."

Since the Lighthouses Program's launch in 2009, community organizations across the province have been awarded grants in areas ranging from anti-violence education, youth drop-in programming, leadership experience for young women and connecting with youth through the arts.

A current Lighthouses partner, Educational Program Innovations Charity (EPIC) Society of North Sydney, won the national William H. Donner Award for Excellence in the Delivery of Social Services, a $20,000 award for the highest-performing non-profit agency.

"For over 12 years, EPIC has partnered with 22 agencies to transform lives by matching volunteer mentors and tutors with youth," said Barry Waldman, supervisor of EPIC Society. "Securing funding has been a challenge, but the Lighthouse Program has been a game-changer. The grant money was substantial enough to promote stability, and encourage community-based innovation and resourcefulness."

To be eligible for a grant, the project must have:

• a strong focus on crime prevention
• youth involvement and collaboration
• interagency collaboration
• inclusiveness
• a strong commitment to program evaluation

Existing Lighthouse partners will have the opportunity to receive grants to continue their work after a year-end review in March.

The deadline for new applicants is Jan. 31, 2011. Grants will be awarded in March for 2011-12 programs. Applications and criteria can be downloaded at www.gov.ns.ca/just/prevention .