Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 and 2013 Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) administers the Programs on behalf of CBT.

“Applications may be submitted by registered non-profit organizations, or individuals and groups that are sponsored by a qualified organization”, says Shannon Moskal, RDEK Community Services Manager.

“The programs are intended to be flexible to help address the needs of individual communities and support projects identified as priorities within those communities.”

Application forms and proposal guidelines are available at the RDEK’s Cranbrook and Columbia Valley offices and on its website at rdek.bc.ca.

This year’s application deadline is Monday, February 20.

Last year, over $1.06 million in funding was approved for various projects around the region.

For more information, contact the RDEK or visitrdek.bc.ca. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Proposals given funding last year include $2,500  to the Akisqnuknik Development Corporation for a National Aboriginal Day Festival and $12,000 to the Canal Flats Wilderness Club for a rifle range.