Applications for 2023 due in October
PEMBERTON, BC – Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 funding stream for the Pemberton and District Initiative Fund (PDIF).
Delivered by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) and the Village of Pemberton (VOP), the PDIF provides sustainable funding for community groups, and supports economic development in Pemberton and Area C of the SLRD.
The PDIF was established in 2020 as a means of assisting local, not-for-profit organizations offering programs that benefit the residents of Pemberton and Electoral Area C of the SLRD. The PDIF is administered by the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee (PVUS), a SLRD committee comprised of elected and appointed officials of the SLRD and the Village of Pemberton. Funding is approved by the SLRD Board of Directors and Village of Pemberton Council based on recommendations from PVUS.
The PDIF provides seed, long-term or one-time/single event funding to assist local not-for-profit organizations, entities or societies based within the Village of Pemberton and/or SLRD Electoral Area C that are contributing to the community through the development, advancement, or support of initiatives that enhance the well-being of the residents in these areas. The PDIF utilizes two funding streams – one stream for Economic Development-type programming and one stream for Arts, Culture and Recreation-type programming. The budget for the PDIF will be established annually by PVUS and approved by the SLRD Board of Directors. Applications for funding in 2023 are due by October 15, 2022 at 4:00 pm. More information about the PDIF, including how to apply, is available on the SLRD website: www.slrd.bc.ca/pdif
From 2020 to 2022, more than $300,000 has been provided to various local community groups and organizations. To view a current list of long and short term recipients visit: https://www.slrd.bc.ca/services/financial-services/grants-awards/pemberton-and-districtinitiative-
fund
“We are extremely proud of the work that has gone into developing this program, and in fostering the regional district’s relationship with the Village of Pemberton as we work, collectively, to support organizations and projects that benefit the residents of Pemberton, and the residents of Electoral Area C,” said SLRD Area C Director, Russell Mack. “We are pleased to be able to fund important projects and programs that benefit our communities, that have lasting impacts on our communities and that help make us stronger, together.”
Over the last two years the PDIF has supported some fantastic economic development, arts, culture and recreation projects that help to cultivate a more vibrant and dynamic community here in Pemberton,” said PVUS Chair and Village of Pemberton Mayor, Mike Richman. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the 2023 PDIF can assist local community groups in the development of more of these initiatives.”
The PVUS Committee disburses annually PDIF funds to support both community recreation, social and cultural activities and community economic development activities throughout Pemberton and SLRD Electoral Area C.
All organizations who receive this funding must be not-for-profit organizations, community groups, entities or societies based within the regional area of Pemberton (i.e. the Village and SLRD Electoral Area C) that are considered by PVUS to be contributing to the general interest, benefit and well-being of its residents. Applications from commercial/for-profit ventures will not be considered.
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About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District www.slrd.bc.ca
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 47,245 residents (2021 Census).
About the Village of Pemberton
Situated within the Traditional Territory of Líl’wat Nation, the Village of Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC and home to family farms, fresh outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. With over 3,400 residents and just 30km from Whistler, Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, neighbouring communities and key business and tourism partners such as Tourism Pemberton and the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. Pemberton’s mild winters, warm summers and unique pioneer heritage provide an ideal place to enjoy arts, culture, history, recreation, dining, shopping and comfortable lodging.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Vanessa Murphy
Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Telephone: (604) 894-6371 ext. 260
Email: vmurphy@slrd.bc.ca
Vinka Hutchinson
Communications and Grant Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
Telephone: (604) 894-6135 ext. 230
Email: vhutchinson@pemberton.bc.ca