Alberta government to give out $1M in grants to foster women's economic security

The Alberta government announced funding for 40 new grants on Thursday meant to promote women's economic security and leadership and prevent gender-based violence.

The Status of Women Community Grants program will see $1 million given out early next year to non-profit groups to expand successful programs.

Grants of up to $25,000 will help other non-profit groups organize events, conferences and training.

A Calgary-based mentorship program called Herland received $25,000 earlier this year for a series of sessions supporting young filmmakers.

"These new grants will help dozens of non-profits innovate in new ways, like Herland, which opens doors in TV and film that have too often been closed to most women," said Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley, who announced the new round of funding in Calgary.

Herland offers hands-on opportunities and mentoring to young Alberta filmmakers, like Gillian McKercher, who was at the announcement.

"Filmmaking is a high-risk endeavour, and Herland helped prepare me for the exhilarating waters of feature filmmaking. Mentors reduce the need for trial and error, validating your voice and point of view," said McKercher, who was laid off from an energy sector job two years ago.

She will debut her first feature film,Circle of Steel, at the Calgary International Film Festival later this month.

In its first two years, the Status of Women grant program has invested $2.4 million in 65 projects across Alberta that promote leadership, career and self-advocacy opportunities for women and girls, the province said in a release.

This year's funding application deadline is Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m.

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