Columbia Basin Trust is pumping $600,000 into a new program to support youth in Basin communities.
A statement from the CBT said Community Directed Youth Funds (CDYF) will be piloted in six communities and their surrounding areas this fall. The funds target youth ages 12-19 and will provide each area with $100,000 over four years to increase activities, opportunities and services for youth. The program will be available to the remainder of the Basin over the next two years.
“Basin communities have expressed the need for support in increasing activities or services to youth and this new program is a result of that feedback,” CBT President & CEO Neil Muth said in the statement. “We are pleased to support communities in their efforts to address and meet local youth priorities.”
The program is intended to bring added value to participating regions and to provide resources to communities that show the desire and the ability to work together to identify and address issues in their youth communities, the statement said.
“The intent of Community Directed Youth Funds is to put resources in the hands of communities so they can enhance local opportunities and meet local youth priorities in their regions,” CBT Chairman Garry Merkel said in the statement. “This is consistent with CBT’s belief that communities are best placed to make decisions regarding their priorities and consistent with our direction to provide resources and funding to communities to allow them to pursue their priorities.
“Youth are the future of the Basin and as such are an important area for CBT to be investing funds.”
Guidelines and applications will be available in the fall, but those wanting to better understand the program are encouraged to call Wayne Lundeberg at 1-250-304-1625 or email cdyf@cbt.org with “subscribe to CDYF info” in the subject line to be added to the email list to receive program updates.
The CBT works with youth and communities to increase youth opportunities and engagement through enhancing capacity, leadership and participation. In addition to this new program, CBT also funds youth developed projects through the Columbia Basin Youth Grants program and provides a forum for youth in the Columbia Basin to share their art, ideas and experiences with each other through SCRATCH magazine and www.scratchonline.ca.
Please go to www.cbt.org to learn more about the CBT’s programs or call 1.800.505.8998.
