Community Grant Opportunities

1. Review Eligibility & Grant Details

•  Ensure your initiative aligns with one of the Community Grants Streams (Arts, Culture & Heritage, Recreation, Personal Growth and Animal Wellness, Environmental Sustainability, Accessibility & Inclusion).
• Confirm your organization or initiative meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the
  program guidelines.

2. Complete the Application

• Fill out the Community Grants Application with details about your organization,
  project, budget, and expected community impact.

3. Attach any required supporting documents

May include:
• Additional Financial Documents
• Supporting Letters

4. Submit Your Application

• Individual with signing authority will sign the declaration
• Press the “Submit Grant Application”

5. Application Review

• Evaluation of your application will be completed within 10 working days of the submission deadline.
• Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, impact, financial feasibility, and alignment with community priorities.
• You may be contacted for additional information or clarification.

6. Funding Decision & Notification

• Applicants will receive a decision within 15 working days of the submission deadline.
• Approved applicants will receive funding within 10 working days of approval.

• Grant requests exceeding $2,500 must be approved by the Council. Please note that Council approval may take additional time due to the scheduling of Council meetings.

7. Final Report & Accountability

• Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing how the funds were used and
  the impact of the project.
• Failure to submit a report may affect future funding eligibility.

Support for initiatives that celebrate and preserve local arts, culture, and heritage, fostering community engagement and enriching the cultural landscape.

• Public Arts and Cultural Initiatives: Public exhibitions, performances, festivals, concerts, or other community-based initiatives that promote local or regional arts and culture and encourage public participation.

• Heritage Conservation and Education: Conservation, restoration, and interpretation of local heritage sites, artifacts, or traditions, as well as educational programs that raise awareness of cultural and historical significance.

• Recreational Heritage: Initiatives ensuring the continuation of regional traditions and hobbies (e.g., car culture, snowmobiling, rodeo, etc.).

• Creative Collaborations: Initiatives involving partnerships with local artists, cultural
  groups, or stakeholders to create innovative programs reflecting the community’s diverse cultural identity.

Support for Initiatives which encourage active participation in sports or activities and promote community health, personal growth, and social cohesion. 

• Large Regional or Provincial Initiatives: These are high-profile Initiatives that typically involve a significant number of participants from various regions or provinces, attract a large audience, and have substantial community, economic, or tourism impact. They may require complex planning, multiple partners, and broader resource allocation.
• Smaller Routine Initiatives: These Initiatives are localized in nature and focus primarily on participants from the immediate community or surrounding area. They may include activities like minor sports tournaments, school sports or drama competitions, or similar Initiatives that do not involve a large-scale audience or extensive logistical coordination. 
• Personal Growth: Initiatives that promote personal development, leadership skills, volunteerism and community involvement. 
• Animal Wellness Initiatives: Initiatives that promote the health and well-being of animals through education, awareness, and community engagement.

Initiatives aimed at environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and sustainable practices within the community.

• Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity: Funding for community gardens, green spaces, tree planting, or wildlife conservation efforts in urban areas.
• Environmental Education and Awareness: Community outreach programs, workshops, or educational initiatives increasing environmental awareness and sustainable practices among residents.
• STEM-Driven Environmental Initiatives: Support Initiatives that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to enhance urban green spaces, promote biodiversity, and raise environmental awareness. This could include Initiatives like using technology for environmental monitoring, renewable energy workshops, sustainable farming with tech, or community-driven STEM Initiatives focused on waste reduction and resource conservation. 

Initiatives creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in community life.

• Supporting Accessible Transportation: Organizations or initiatives providing public
  transportation to public buildings for seniors, vulnerable individuals, and persons with
  disabilities.
• Supporting Persons with Disabilities: Initiatives improving access to sports and
  recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, seniors, and underserved groups, including adaptive sports programs and efforts to reduce barriers to participation.

Registered non-profit organizations, including community groups, sports clubs, and social enterprises.

Public schools and other educational institutions hosting initiatives open to the community.

In certain cases, individuals with a strong community initiative proposal may be considered. A letter of reference from a recognized organization is required.

May be eligible if they demonstrate a clear public or community benefit through their initiative.

Eligible if they provide a direct community benefit beyond organizational operating expenses.

May apply for funding if they align with community-building goals.

Initiatives should support community well-being, inclusion, and sustainability. (Check Strategic plan here)

Please note: The total funding budget for 2025 is $55,000.

• The Town CAO may approve grant requests equal to or less than $2,500.

• Grant requests exceeding $2,500 must be approved by the Council. Please note that Council approval may take additional time due to the scheduling of Council meetings.

• The grant program will have three application periods per year to align with community programming needs. Deadlines are January 15, May 15 (extended to May 30) and August 15
• Applications will be reviewed within 10 working days of each submission deadline.
• Decision notifications will be sent within 15 working days of each deadline.
• Approved funds will be disbursed within 10 working days of approval provided the
  Agreement has been signed, and all financial information has been provided to the Town.

**Please note that Council approval may take additional time due to the scheduling of Council meetings.**

• All applications will be evaluated based on the criteria in the chart below:

Evaluation Criteria (100 Points Total)