The Altona Community Foundation (ACF) is extending its application period from a deadline of April 30 to June 30.

"In light of everything that's going on right now regarding COVID-19 and the fact that we are facing unprecedented, and uncertain times, we wanted to be sure that all eligible organizations in Altona and the Municipality of Rhineland had every opportunity to take advantage of our Spring 2020 granting period," says ACF President Chris Sumner.

He says it gives boards and committees extra time to have virtual meetings, and then decide what they would like to apply for. It also gives the ACF proper time to process all additional applications.

In total, ACF will have $40,000 to disburse into the community; $20,000 in matching dollars from the Build 150 program, and $20,000 in interest from ACF's Endowment Fund.

The Build 150 program is available from the Provincial government to recognize Manitoba's 150th Anniversary in 2020.

Applicants who want to qualify for the Build 150 program need to note the following:

- Applicants must apply during the now extended ACF Spring 2020 grant application period ending June 30th, 2020.

- Applications must be for infrastructure, or bricks and mortar projects.

- These projects need to be completed by December 31st, 2020.

- The ACF will review all applications, and have the final say in approval.

"We want to provide as much flexibility as possible so that the organizations that were planning on moving ahead with bricks and mortar projects this year, still have the opportunity to come to us and possibly access some funding," adds Sumner.

Additionally, any application submitted during the extended intake will be considered for the Build 150 Program, unless the applicant specifically requests the project not be.

The application can be found on the Altona Community Foundation website.