CBT distributes over $1-million for non-profit tech

Just over $1-million will be spread across 178 non-profits, community and Indigenous organizations across the Columbia Basin to support technology-related initiatives.

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) said the funding from its Non-Profit Tech Grants will be used to increase operations, efficiency and community access to technology through new and updated equipment and infrastructure.

“Non-profits play an important role in community development, but we’ve heard that a lack of technological infrastructure can create barriers to delivering vital services to residents,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Delivery of Benefits Manager with the Trust. “We’re pleased to help so many groups close technology gaps and improve operations and service delivery in their communities.”

In Fort Steele, CBT will provide $6,048 to help pay for new laptops to support archival work, running the theatre and communication between staff and the public. Friends of Fort Steele will use the grant to better conserve present and teach local history.

“Fort Steele and the surrounding region has a rich history we would like to share and celebrate in our community and with visitors to the area,” said Jessica Marusyk, General Manager at Friends of Fort Steele Society. “Technology upgrades will support our work as a Society to document and honour the past and bring our message forward with the latest equipment.”

Some of the largest grants in the East Kootenay follows:

• Cranbrook:
  • Community Connections Society of Southeast BC
    • $19,689
• Creston area:
  • Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society
    • $5,000
• East Kootenay:
  • East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
    • $19,050
• Fernie:
  • Fernie Family Housing Society
    • $20,000
• Golden:
  • Golden Community Resources Society
    • $10,061
• Invermere:
  • Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley
    • $3,340
• Kimberley:
  • Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook Branch
    • $3,359
• Sparwood:
  • Elk Valley Seniors Housing Society
    • $8,550

More: 2021 Non-Profit Tech Grants list (CBT)