City council was briefed Monday in a report that summarizes the city’s plan for a revamped community grants program to fund the not-for-profit organizations to support the programs/services they offer and events they sponsor for the betterment of the community.
The report outlines guidelines which govern the application process for the various types of grants available, starting in January when the program is implemented.
The goal of the new plan is to enhance and simplify the process for applicants, increase efficiencies and address evolving community needs.
“This is a pilot year and we expect to learn a lot,” said Sarah Brown, the city’s supervisor of strategic initiatives and partnerships.
The city has allocated a total budget of $395,724 to pay for community grants in 2025.
Recommendations for the new structure were based on the responses of 104 participants in a survey of the not-for-profit sector, as well as input gathered in a Sept. 13 session with 11 representatives of non-profit groups who provided their insight for improving the grant program.
The new plan also implements a code of conduct all applicants must follow to be eligible for grants.
For more details on the community grant program go to the city website.
Grant guidelines
myPG (Project-Based) Grants
Applications are accepted twice per year with a due date of March 15 and October 15. Allocations are generally less than $10,000. The city will fund up to 15 per cent of project costs.
myPG grants fund such projects as: holiday parades, events celebrating local heritage or cultural diversity, youth workshops, community art projects, seniors luncheons, dance socials, all-ages fitness classes, gardening workshops, cooking lessons, music/dance workshops, earth day clean-up projects.
There is no requirement for new or enhanced projects.
Adjudication to determine grant amount will be conducted by the grant adjudication team.
City allocation: $233,148.
Limited Duration Two-Year Operating Grant
Will provide funding to registered not-for profits towards overall operating costs that are not designated for any specific project or activity. Applications are accepted once per year with a due date of January 31.
Will provide as much as 30 per cent of the overall operating budget to maximum of $30,000.
A committee of the whole will determine adjudication.
City allocation: $131,576.
Quick Response (Micro) Grant
Provides support for smaller projects or those with short timelines, ideal for new applicants. Applications are first-come, first-served, assessed throughout the year. Each organization is limited to one grant per applicant per year.
City administration will determine adjudication.
City allocation: $20,000
Capacity Building and Training Grant
To support registered not-for-profits to upgrading skills and knowledge of staff
and volunteers and improve performance to benefit the community. Only non-profits can apply.
Funds first-come, first-served until the budget is depleted. Allocation typically less than $1,500. Limit of one grant application per year.
City allocation: $6,000.
City Contribution to Community Funder Pooled Grant
To contribute to a community funder grant to support registered non- profits to responding to emerging needs or identified gaps in community services. Applications and allocations to be determined with community funders.
City allocation: $5,000
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