Community projects and facility renovations are moving ahead, thanks to the Community Foundation of Portage and District. This week's CFPD celebration evening saw more than $60,000 in grants given to various non-profit organizations. The largest grant was $16,800, given to the Ad Hoc Ball Diamond Development Committee, and the Portage Regional Recreation Authority. PRRA General Manager David Sattler accepted the grant, noting the funding would be used to create a concession stand at Rotary Republic Park. Sattler says the use of the building would go far beyond sporting events, noting the Portage Potato Festival's already planning to use the stand. He says it was exciting to receive the funding from CFPD, to help them move this project forward.

"Larry Dewis and Mark Verwey approached the PRRA last fall. They had some funds from the Ad Hoc Ball Committee from building diamond nine, as well as some from the Power Smart Games in 2010. We knew we needed another large chunk, and the community foundation came through in spades. Without them, we wouldn't be able to complete this community project."

The Fort La Reine Museum was another local organization to receive a significant boost. Museum Board Chair Terry Simpson accepted the grant of $16,000 which will help with reconstruction and repairs on some of the site's older structures. He says they're incredibly grateful for the support from CFPD, noting the funding will be put to good use

"We're fixing up some of the older buildings there that need to be done. They've been left too many years without having any work done. We have a big project to do out there, and this is going to go a long way for reconstructing some of these buildings."

Youth For Christ in Portage la Prairie's also going to be getting a facelift. Executive Director Art Schroeder was thrilled to receive a grant for $15,000 to help revitalize their drop-in centre, including a new entrance, upgraded lightning, and replacing decades old furniture. Overall he feels the community foundation plays a vital role in improving life in Portage la Prairie.

"We're so thankful to be recipients of this grant. When I think about this grant, it's a community organization giving back to the community, to build the community. I think this money will go a long way."

Meanwhile the William Glesby Centre received $9,000, to purchase new carpeting and updated video equipment. Interim Board Chair Mickey Cuthbert says CFPD has been one of the centre's strongest supporters over the years, and expressed gratitude for their continued recognition of the centre's value in the community.

"We're ever so appreciative they gave us the nod again this year. A non-profit never has enough money, never, and we're in a building that always needs fixing."

A grant presented at the meeting will also improve training for those working with some of Portage's youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie received $1,200, which will allow their board of directors and staff to provide more comprehensive training for volunteers. Executive Dawn Froese says it's something they've wanted for a long time, and are thrilled to be recipients of the CFPD funding.

"We're really excited. We've been wanting one for a little while, a projector and laptop, for our training programs we have to offer through our organization. We know that it will benefit our kids and volunteers. It's just nice to be able to have someone help us to meet that little piece."

Big Brothers Big Sisters wasn't the only organization to receive a boost for some technical support. Herman Prior Centre Executive Director Hope Faschoway accepted a $1,150 grant from CFPD, which will aim to make the facility more user friendly, both for staff, and those who rent out the centre. Faschoway says they're grateful for the support, which will help update the location's electrical system.

"Right now they're currently on a breaker system, so we don't actually have switches. Any time there's a rental or anything, we have to use the breakers to shut lights off. We thought it would be more convenient and easier, for everyone just to be able to come in and flick a switch."

The Community Foundation of Portage and District has provided various community organizations grants valued at more than $250,000 over the last year.