REGINA — Nearly $1.7 million in charitable gaming grants has been distributed across Saskatchewan, providing a fresh injection of funding to non-profit groups and charities in about 260 communities this quarter.
Money reaches hundreds of groups across the province
The payments represent first-quarter distributions for the 2026-27 fiscal year from Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan and will benefit roughly 1,000 organizations that host licensed charitable gaming activities.
Minister Responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said the government is pleased to deliver the funding to communities in “all four corners” of the province. The grants support a wide range of activities, including arts and culture, sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and health-focused groups.
Health groups among the recipients
One notable recipient in this funding cycle was Lung Saskatchewan, which received a grant to help deliver its programs and services provincewide. The organization advocates for people affected by lung conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, as well as those recovering from COVID-19.
"The charitable gaming grant helps the organization deliver programs and services that improve lung health across Saskatchewan," said Erin Kuan, president and chief executive officer of Lung Saskatchewan.
Kuan said the funding strengthens the organization’s capacity to reach more residents and supports programs that help people manage respiratory disease.
Funding distribution by region
While the grants were spread provincewide, the largest concentrations were in Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities. More than $164,000 went to groups in Regina and over $139,000 was distributed to organizations in Saskatoon.
Other regional totals announced included:
- Weyburn and Estevan area: more than $119,000
- Prince Albert area: more than $82,000
- Humboldt area: more than $76,000
- Melville area: more than $65,000
| Community/Area | Approximate funding |
|---|---|
| Regina | $164,000+ |
| Saskatoon | $139,000+ |
| Weyburn / Estevan area | $119,000+ |
| Prince Albert area | $82,000+ |
| Humboldt area | $76,000+ |
| Melville area | $65,000+ |
The province also said groups in the Meadow Lake and Swift Current regions received funding this quarter, though a specific total for those areas was not detailed in the media release.
What the grants mean locally
Charitable gaming grants are a substantial revenue source for many local non-profits. Funds typically help cover operating costs, expand programming and sustain services that rely on volunteer labour and community fundraising.
In smaller centres, clubs and service organizations use the grants to keep community halls open, run youth sports and maintain volunteer ambulance services. Hospital foundations and other health agencies can apply the payments to equipment, patient supports and outreach programs.
For organizations like Lung Saskatchewan, the grants translate directly into program delivery: education, support groups and resources intended to improve lung health and help people manage chronic respiratory conditions.
How groups receive money
Payments are regular quarterly distributions from Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan to groups that host licensed charitable gaming activities. Groups must be registered and meet eligibility rules to receive these funds. The province says the grants are designed to support a broad mix of community services and activities across urban and rural Saskatchewan.
With this round of funding now released, community leaders and non-profit boards will be able to plan for the coming months — whether that means expanding programs, replacing equipment or shoring up operating budgets that were strained during the pandemic and in the years since.
For many Saskatchewan communities, these grants remain a vital piece of local finance, supporting services that residents rely on every day.
