New RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund calls for applications

$50,000 fund takes successful in-school program to the community

TORONTO, August 2008 — The new RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund, which will support programs and projects to make the sport more accessible to Canadian youth, today began accepting grant applications for 2008.

“Cricket is one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada,” said Mark Whitmell, director, Cultural Markets, RBC. “When we launched the RBC Wicket Cricket program earlier this year, 1,300 classrooms registered for equipment and resources to help introduce and teach the sport to an estimated 35,000 school children. Building on that success, the new RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund will extend our support beyond the classroom and fill a need at the community level by providing funding to establish youth cricket programs.”

Community organizations may be eligible for an RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund grant if they provide a safe and welcoming environment for cricket; build awareness for the sport within their community; show strong community management with solid participation; and/or, demonstrate innovation in program delivery.

“With the support of the new RBC Wicket Cricket Community Fund, organizations like ours can reach out to promote cricket to youth in and beyond schools, and involve more kids in the game,” said Hugh Brodie, president of Pirates of the St. Lawrence Cricket Club in Montreal.

Grants will range from $500 - $1,000 each, up to a total of $50,000. Funding will be based on budget and need, preference will be given to programs or projects that are at the grassroots level, focus on young people 4 - 17 years of age, have the potential to improve the game of cricket in their communities, and show evidence of long-term sustainability.

Whitmell noted that RBC created the Fund to help promote, develop and grow the sport of cricket which is an integral part of the cultural heritage and identity of many Canadians and new immigrants, as well as enabling them to coach and play a sport many enjoyed prior to coming to Canada. This program is part of RBC’s ongoing efforts to build deeper connections with multicultural communities in Canada.

Grant applications will be accepted until October 31, 2008. For more information about the RBC Cricket Community Fund, or to apply for a grant, please visit: www.rbc.com/cricket.