SUMMIT ACTION FUND – CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is seeking proposals for the Summit Action Fund (SAF).

SAF is designed to increase housing supply across the province, and is funded by the Government of Saskatchewan through SHC. Announced in April 2011, a total of $6 million has been made available to encourage housing stakeholders to propose creative housing solutions that are not currently covered by existing housing programs.

"The goal of the Summit Action Fund is to increase housing supply across the province through creative, flexible approaches and innovation in the housing sector," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "The fund will help encourage private sector development and stimulate new innovations in design, financing and partnerships. Most importantly, more housing will be created to meet the variety of housing needs in Saskatchewan and help ease housing pressures, which are challenges that our government is working hard to address."

There is no minimum requested funding amount, however, the fund will cover between 30 to 70 per cent of eligible project costs, or to a maximum of $500,000. All projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact on housing supply;
• Level of innovation;
• Level of private investment;
• Demonstration value;
• Value to the housing industry;
• Probability of success;
• Urgency;
• Long-term benefit; and
• Alignment with Summit Action Fund principles.

A Summit Action Fund Selection Committee is responsible for selecting proposals and making decisions regarding funding allocations. The Selection Committee is made up of representatives from the SHC Board and Canadian Home Builders' Association - Saskatchewan.

Two application intakes will occur. The first application deadline is September 1, 2011. Successful applicants will be notified within one month of the closing deadline. The second application deadline is January 16, 2012.

For further information on the Summit Action Fund, call Saskatchewan Housing Corporation toll-free at 1-800-667-7567 or email saf@gov.sk.ca. Application forms will also be available on the Ministry of Social Services web site at http://www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/summitactionfund.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Ministry of Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246