Province Awards Grants for Suicide Prevention

CANADA, September 10 - Released on September 10, 2026

The Government of Saskatchewan is awarding 44 grants to community partners to support suicide prevention initiatives across the province. 

The Suicide Prevention Grant Program encourages community partners to develop creative ways to support suicide prevention, with a focus on training and skills development, increasing awareness of resources, reducing stigma, and helping communities to take action.  

"Suicide is a serious issue that affects many families and communities across Saskatchewan," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. "I am encouraged by the strong response from groups across the province to the Suicide Prevention Grant Program. These grants are an important way to collaborate with partners to support the mental health of Saskatchewan residents." 

Funding totals more than $400,000, with each successful applicant receiving up to $10,000. 

Applications were accepted from groups such as community-based organizations, Indigenous communities, school divisions and municipalities. 

"This funding means a great deal to us because it gives us an opportunity to continue building conversations around mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive and accessible," Afro Tribes Festival Incorporated Founder & CEO Victor Ejike said. "Through our Stay Alive campaign, we want to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable talking about mental health, seeking support and, most importantly, knowing that they are not alone.

"We are grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for supporting this work and for recognizing the importance of community-led approaches to suicide prevention. This grant will help us reach more people, strengthen community connections and continue the conversation that can ultimately save lives."

Grants for the second year of the Suicide Prevention Grant Program come as the province recognizes September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.  

The grant program is part of Pillars for Life: The Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Plan. Released in 2020, Pillars for Life is a guide for government and partners to improve and expand suicide prevention efforts in the province. 

In addition to the Suicide Prevention Grant Program, several key provincial suicide prevention initiatives include: 

• funding the community-led Roots of Hope suicide prevention initiative in five northern Saskatchewan communities;
• funding a provincial Rapid Access Counselling for Suicide Loss program through Family Service Saskatchewan, which supports the immediate psychological needs of families and friends of people who have died by suicide or survived with significant injury or trauma;
• support of a family engagement group to gather feedback from families who have experienced suicide loss;
• development and distribution of suicide prevention wallet cards;
• support for suicide prevention public awareness campaigns to inform individuals that help is available for people thinking of, or affected by, suicide; and
• promotion of the national Suicide Crisis Helpline, 9-8-8.

This year, Saskatchewan is investing a record $674 million in mental health and addictions, which includes $2.3 million specifically for suicide prevention initiatives. 

For a list of groups receiving a Suicide Prevention Grant, visit: saskatchewan.ca/suicide-prevention-grant. 

To learn about resources available on suicide prevention and mental health, visit: saskatchewan.ca/suicide-prevention. 

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