HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Grants - 5.56.pdf
Page 1 of 2 Policy 5.56 POLICY MANUAL Title: Community Grants Policy No : 5.56 Supersedes: New Authority: Legislative Operational Approval: Council CMT General Manager Effective Date:
February 27, 2013 Review Date: February 2014 Policy Statement: Council’s vision for a safe and livable community is supported by a network of organizations that contribute to the wellness
and vitality of the community. Funding will be allocated to the Community Grants program as part of the District’s business planning process and grants awarded to organizations that
provide valuable community services in support of Council’s objectives. Purpose: It is recognized that community organizations contribute significant value to the community. The purpose
of this policy is to establish open and transparent guidelines for the evaluation and distribution of Community Grants, respecting the limited financial resources available for this
purpose. Definitions: Community Grant Review Committee: refers to a committee of four staff members including representatives from Administration, Finance and Community Development,
Parks and Recreation. The work of the committee is to evaluate grant requests against Council’s guidelines and provide Council with recommendations for allocating the annual community
grant budget. Eligible Requests: The following requests, submitted on a completed application with financial statements from the most recently completed fiscal year, would be eligible
for funding from the Community Grant Program: requests to fund one-time items or events, or requests for bridge funding while an organization works to secure long-term stable funding,
or requests that will allow a community group to leverage additional funding from other agencies, or organizations denied a permissive tax exemption will be eligible to apply for
a community grant or requests for services that are not duplicated in the private sector Evaluation Criteria: The following criteria will be used to evaluate grant requests: The
organization is a registered not-for-profit or charitable community organization based in Maple Ridge that has been in operation for more than one year
Page 2 of 2 Policy 5.56 The purpose of the grant request is consistent with the District’s Vision Statement The proposed service, project or event supports one or more of the following
Council Key Strategies for a safe and livable community -Strive for quality of life and independence by citizens. -Develop and implement preventative as well as reactionary plans to
address the impacts of emerging issues on the local community and citizens -Encourage active and healthy living among citizens -Encourage a strong sense of community by providing citizens
with opportunities to connect The citizens of Maple Ridge are the primary beneficiaries of the services provided by the organization The proposed service, project or event will
be sustainable past the support of the grant funding The organization has a proven track record of working collaboratively with other community partners Key Areas of Responsibility
Action to Take 1. Review grant applications received 2. Prepare report to Council 3. Authorize distribution of Community Grants 4. Distribute grants 5. Report back Responsibility Review
committee Review committee Council Finance Recipient