“[O]ur participants are young people, who have little to no work experience, who are searching for the chance to gain work experience, to earn some money, and to belong. This LITE grant allowed us to actively engage youth in meaningful work experience and training. Through LITE funding, we have been capable of building community amongst our youth, building their confidence, and their trust during difficult times.” –Partner organization, 2021
“The work this grant supports is so incredibly important to our participants. These jobs have a huge impact on both our organization (they help to run the programs we need to support our community) and the participants themselves. The jobs provide a sense of purpose, help to grow and maintain confidence in individuals, and gives them a real opportunity to shine where other employers may not give them a chance because of their worn clothing or rough exterior.” –Partner organization, 2021
The jobs provide a sense of purpose, help to grow and maintain confidence in individuals, and gives them a real opportunity to shine
We are driven to create jobs for Winnipeggers who are overlooked or who have a world in the way of them getting a job.
Our granting program reaches people who have never been in the labour market or they have been unemployed for so long that they are no longer counted in unemployment data. Participants may identify and be working against a particular set of job barriers, but they are as likely to be excluded from many first opportunities to start building a reputation and solid work history. Our role, and that of our partners, is to get people started.
LITE grants are exclusively funded by individual donations. Your support for our granting empowers and provides income to community members who are struggling in Winnipeg.
Job Grants
The needs and capacity of participants and partner organizations shape the jobs created through granting. Job experiences and training can be spread over days, weeks, or months. Job Grants normally offer wages and/or honorariums to support participants in partner’s programs, but can also be used to supplement training costs, including work-readiness certifications, or to support wages in fledgling social enterprises.
Job Grants are normally distributed in the spring.
Springboard Jobs Fund
Springboard Jobs Fund is a non-competitive grant offered to partner organizations to create short-term job experiences for participants who are very low income and have a pressing need to earn money, access safe work, and whose service will support either the partner organization or their neighbourhood.
Funds are released periodically (as funding allows) and drawn down by qualifying partner organizations.
Fiscal Sponsorship Agreements
LITE’s grants can only be distributed to other registered charities. However, we can find ways to work with nonprofit organizations who have an employment and poverty reduction focus, and have an employment-based project that would positively impact low income communities.
If you’re a non-profit organization looking for a charitable partner or think LITE would be a good fit to help bring a project to fruition, contact us.