The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling recently announced it is offering grants of ,000 to ,000 to organizations for funding projects to reach more problem and compulsive gamblers. Although the council’s Problem Gambling Helpline—(800)-GAMBLE-5–receives about 14,000 calls a year, that’s just a small percentage of the actual number of individuals who need help for gambling issues.
WCPG Executive Director Rose Gruber said, “We’re looking for groups and organizations that are interested in reaching out in unique ways or targeting specific groups like teens, women, seniors or those who also have another addiction. Each time we find a new way to tell state residents about problem gambling and the resources available, we’ve seen a corresponding increase in calls to our helpline.”
Additionally, Gruber said, “We’re looking for resourceful ways of getting the word out that there are resources and services available and problem gamblers do have a place to turn to get help. We’ve found that local organizations can be very creative in developing and implementing public awareness programs in their communities.”
To be considered for a grant, an organization’s proposed project must be directed to Wisconsin residents; support WCPG’s mission of providing resources, public awareness and education on problem and pathological gambling disorders; follow WCPG’s policy of neutrality on the issue of legalized gambling; and include defined project outcomes and ways to measure and report those outcomes. The grants cannot be used for counseling services.
For more information or to receive a grant application, qualified 501C(3) tax-exempt groups are urged to call the council at (800) GAMBLE-5. Applications must be submitted by August 31.
In addition to the 24-hour helpline, the WCPG distributes informational brochures, organizes an annual statewide conference, makes presentations on problem gambling and conducts training sessions for treatment providers. It is funded by a public awareness grant from the State of Wisconsin and additional funding from Wisconsin Native American Tribes and other donors.
