2011 RoadSmart reports

The reports are written in news release format so that media outlets can use the information verbatim if they wish.

Get funding to improve safety in your community

The first deadline is approaching to apply for a grant that could help save lives and prevent injuries in your community.

Apply to SGI by Feb. 28 with your idea for a traffic safety or brain injury prevention program, and you may receive the money you need to get your program started.

Each year, SGI and the Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project distribute funds through the Community Grants Program for traffic safety and injury prevention initiatives at the community level.

"Throughout the years, local groups have been very successful at coming up with meaningful traffic safety and injury prevention solutions for their communities," said Shannon Ell, Manager of Traffic Safety Promotion at SGI. "Take a look around your community and see what traffic safety issues need to be addressed, then apply to SGI with your idea."

More than 1,500 grants have been awarded since the Community Grants Program began in 1997 - that's over $1 million used to help fund community traffic safety and brain injury prevention programs across Saskatchewan. This year, $100,000 in total grants is available.

Stuck for ideas? Consider what some past community grant recipients used the money for:

• The Yorkton Film Festival started the Golden Sheaf Award Tour, where a compilation of videos promoting traffic safety and brain injury prevention is shared with members of local communities.
• The Saskatoon Senior Players' 'Meri Misfits' developed a play on fall prevention, then performed the play at senior centres and other locations to teach seniors how to recognize fall risks.
• Ochapowace Health purchased child restraints for a loaner program for community members in need.

Keep in mind that the money can't be used to pay existing salaries, purchase food for participants or for capital expenses, such as fixing roads, improving playgrounds or buying equipment like helmets for the local skating rink.

There are two application deadlines each year: Feb. 28 and Oct. 31. Grants are awarded by the end of April for the February deadline, and by the end of the year for the October deadline. The average grant is about $1,200. Applications are available on our Community Grants program page.

"If you have an idea for something that will help promote traffic safety or injury prevention in your community, be sure to apply before Feb. 28," said Ell. "We're always looking for new and original programs to support, so be creative."

For more information on the Community Grants Program, contact Shannon Ell at 306-775-6179 in Regina or toll free 1-800-667-8015 ext. 6179.