Department of Canadian Heritage to match revenues collected in arts organizations' fundraising campaigns
BANFF, March 27, 2004 -- The Department of Canadian Heritage will match the funds that Canadian arts organizations receive from the private sector during their various fundraising campaigns. The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, Minister of Canadian Heritage, made this announcement today while taking part in the Canadian Arts Summit in Banff, Alberta.Last Tuesday, the Government of Canada renewed its funding for the Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program, which helps organizations improve their management methods and diversify their sources of revenue. Through this program, the Government of Canada will provide more than $9 million in 2003Ñ2004 to various arts organizations.
"For many individuals and private-sector institutions, the cultural vitality of their region is synonymous with their quality of life. For this reason, they make financial investments in their community's artistic organizations," said Minister Chalifour Scherrer. "Through the Sustainability Program, the Government will contribute one dollar for every dollar raised this year. This will ensure that the organizations who contribute to the cultural life of our communitiesÑincluding dance troupes, theatres, and symphony orchestrasÑhave access to more sources of funding."
Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Endowment Incentives component of its Canadian Arts and Heritage Sustainability Program. Under this initiative, government funding is added to match funds already raised. The aim is to encourage private-sector donations to the endowment funds of arts organizations so that they have access to new and predictable sources of funds. The program was established under the Tomorrow Starts Today initiative, whose funding has been renewed for 2004Ñ2005 (its fourth year), in the amount of $207 million.
Funding for this initiative is provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Mylène Dupéré
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-3618
[ Media Room ]
