Citizens wanting financial assistance from the town's Community Grant Program can now apply twice a year.
The grant program previously had an annual application period with no set deadline date as long as applications were received within the calendar year.
The change was approved by town council at its regular Dec. 14 meeting.
In a report to council, Henry Wong, the town's director of community services, noted revisions to the program last year were “heavily promoted and a significant amount of its $10,000 budget was allocated to a variety of community events.”
Applications for community groups are limited to those that demonstrate a need for financial support from the town, held for the enjoyment and benefit of the general public and recognize significant milestone events.
The monies are not meant for capital facilities and equipment, school reunions, or private functions, such as those for religious or political events.
Wong added in his report the allocation policy was “somewhat flawed” in that applications were received throughout the year and the Community Services Committee (CSC) was at times hesitant about moving forward with them out of concern it would not have enough funds to address further event applications later in the year.
Council was told the CSC decided late last year to accept and review grant applications on a semi-annual basis with two set deadlines. The semi-annual application periods will be January to June and July to December, with deadlines of Oct. 31 and April 30, respectively.
Due to the timing of this amendment, the application deadline for the first period (January to June) of 2016 will be Jan. 31, for this year only.
Interested local organizations can find out more about the process and guidelines by phoning the town office at 403-227-3376.
