DIDSBURY - Town council has approved a number of principles recommended for a new community grant policy being developed by the municipality strategic planning committee.
The policy will guide the provision of grants to community groups and organizations.
The committee recommended seven principles that would become part of the policy:
• Funding for groups and organizations under this program is contingent on the approval of funds available through the prior year’s operating budget surplus.
• The funding available will be 10 per cent of the prior year’s year-end operation surplus for tax purposes up to a maximum of $30,000.
• All applications under the community grant program shall be assessed using the application and reviewed by the strategic planning committee which will make the recommendation to council.
• Preference will be given to organizations and groups that demonstrate community support, efficient use of resources, sound business practices and develop volunteer knowledge, skills and self-reliance.
• Usually organization receiving funding assistance should be incorporated as non-profit under the Societies Act. However, groups that are not incorporated but have a demonstrated need, and a positive history are eligible to make application for funding assistance.
• In some cases, a facility contains multiple spaces for the same building (such as kitchen, clubroom) that are used for social recreation purposes and are therefore eligible for funding.
• There will be two intakes of grant applications per year. The deadline for grant applications are May 15 or September 15. Late applications may only be reviewed after applications received by deadline have been proceeded.
Council passed a motion approving the principles to be included in the community grant program and referred the matter to the policy and governance committee.
