The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation is inviting eligible organizations to consider funding through its 2009 – 2010 Community Projects I and II grant competition.  Grants of up to $10,000 are available for Community Project I applicants and up to $60,000 in grant support is available for Community Project II applicants.  The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation is also accepting applications for a new research studentship.  Grants of up to $5,000 are available for Masters and PhD students who are pursuing research the area of problem gambling in Nova Scotia.

A primary purpose of the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation is to disburse "seed money" for projects that will address the unmet needs of problem gamblers, their families and their communities in Nova Scotia.  Grants will be considered by qualified applicants who propose time-limited and/or self-sustaining projects in prevention, treatment, education, remedial intervention, and research.

Prior to submitting a Community Projects I or II application, applicants must provide, in writing, a “Statement of Intent” highlighting their name, the name of their organization, the amount requested, and a brief description of the project. The statement of intent is due by February 27, 2009.  The deadline for formal applications is May 15, 2009.  This two-step process allows applicants to discuss and hone their project idea with Foundation staff before completing and submitting their final proposal. 

Applications for the first round of NSGF Research Studentships are due on February 6, 2009.  A letter of intent is not required.  Studentships will be awarded in April 2009.

Additional information on the grant application process can be found on the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation website at www.nsgamingfoundation.org.

 “We look forward to hearing from applicants to discuss possible project ideas,” said Celeste Gotell, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation.  “We also look forward to granting our very first studentships and to helping develop a new generation of problem gambling researchers in Nova Scotia.”

All community groups or charities registered with Revenue Canada and other non-profit and/or self-help organizations in Nova Scotia are eligible for grants from the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation.  Selected government departments, District Health Authorities, agencies and Crown corporations at federal, provincial and municipal levels, hospitals, schools and universities, as well as boards of these educational institutions, are also eligible.  Individuals, businesses, political organizations, labour unions, labour associations, private counseling firms and business associations are not eligible.

The Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation is an arms-length, government, not-for-profit organization that provides funding and support for community and research projects aimed at problem gambling.  Since its inception in 1998, the NSGF has provided almost $7 million in funding and support for problem gambling initiatives designed to help individuals, families and communities throughout Nova Scotia