REGINA — Non-profit organizations and charities across Saskatchewan are receiving a significant financial boost, with Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan distributing nearly $1.7 million in charitable gaming grants. The first-quarter payments for the 2026-27 fiscal year will benefit groups and organizations in about 260 communities across the province.
The quarterly grants support groups that host licensed charitable gaming activities. Minister Responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said the provincial government is proud to deliver another round of gaming grants to communities in all four corners of the province. Harrison emphasized that the grants go to groups engaged in a diverse range of activities, including arts, culture and sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and more.
About 1,000 charitable and non-profit groups received funding during the quarter. The province’s two largest cities saw the highest concentration of funding, with more than $164,000 going to groups in Regina and more than $139,000 distributed to organizations in Saskatoon.
Lung Saskatchewan emerged as a notable recipient during this funding cycle. Its organizational mission involves education, support and programs that improve lung health. The organization advocates for people suffering from lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and COVID-19. Erin Kuan, president and chief executive officer of Lung Saskatchewan, said the charitable gaming grant helps the organization deliver programs and services that improve lung health across Saskatchewan. Kuan expressed gratitude for the investment, noting that the financial support strengthens its ability to reach more people and helps residents breathe easier.
Beyond the major urban centres, funding flowed to communities in every region of the province. The Weyburn and Estevan area received more than $119,000, while groups in the Prince Albert area secured more than $82,000. The Humboldt area took in more than $76,000. Meanwhile, the Melville area received more than $65,000, and organizations in the Meadow Lake and Swift Current areas each received more than $60,000.
The grant program is designed to reward organizations that put in the effort to fundraise locally. The grants are paid to groups and organizations in good standing that conduct licensed charitable gaming activities such as bingos, raffles, breakopen ticket sales, Texas hold ’em poker tournaments and Monte Carlo events.
Groups do not need to fill out a separate application for the grant money. Instead, the amount paid to each charity is calculated directly by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority based on financial reports and other information submitted by the organization. The grants are equal to 25 per cent of the net revenue raised by each charitable event. The provincial government caps the funding at a maximum of $100,000 per group or organization annually. Organizations looking to participate in the future can apply through the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority’s charitable gaming licensing process.
