VICTORIA, B.C. — Solicitor General Rich Coleman says he's increasing the amount of grant money he hands over to B.C. community organizations this year, but admits the amount of cash has been dropping.

Coleman says in 2008-09 the government provided $156 million in gaming grants, and this year the number is $120 million despite the government taking in more than $1 billion in lottery and gaming revenues.

Coleman says more gaming money is going into general revenues and health.

Last year, community groups threatened class-action lawsuits over lost grants, and sports and arts organizations said they were teetering on the verge of bankruptcy.

Coleman suggests there could be further casualties this year as the government chooses to fund groups affiliated to youth, social services and people with disabilities, while axing grants to adult and environmental groups.

The opposition New Democrats say the government is taking more money from charities, arts and culture to fund its government.

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