Council approves community grant allocations

May 6, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Angela Gismondi
King Council has approved a few more grants to support local community groups.
Through the 2015 budget process, $20,000 was set aside for community grant allocations, of which $5,500 was approved through the budget, and $14,500 had yet to be allocated. The deadline for grant applications was March 31.
Various groups applied but only certain groups were granted funding. A selection panel, consisting of the Township’s Chief Administrative Officer, treasurer and clerk, reviewed the applications submitted and assessed the requests in accordance with the eligibility requirements of the Community Grants Policy. The panel recommends which groups should receive funding and how much they should receive based on community benefit of the organization and council’s past commitments to their cause.
In addition to the community grants approved by council at through the budget process, council allocated an additional $10,000 in funding for various groups at the meeting on April 27, including $2,500 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of York, $500 for Community Home Assistance to Seniors, $750 to the Dufferin Marsh Native Connection, $750 for Hospice King-Aurora, $500 for the Kettleby Cemetery, $2,500 for the Southlake Regional Health Care Centre Foundation, $1,000 for the York Environmental Alliance, $500 for the York Region 55+ Games and $1,000 for an arts bursary program.
Other groups that applied but did not receive funding include the Nobleton Public School Council, the Nobleton Tennis Club, the Nobleton Village Association for the tree lighting and toy drive, the Schomberg Community Farm for a honey bee colony for the farm, the Schomberg Village Association’s scarecrow competition and tree lighting ceremony. Most of these groups and community events are supported through the Township’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department and are advised to discuss the matter with the department.
Councillor David Boyd said while he understands why the Nobleton Tennis Club did not receive a grant, he asked that the Township consider providing a loan to the club to help them make improvements to their facility. In 2008, the Township loaned the King City Tennis Club the funds to resurface their court with the understanding that the funds be repaid in full over a 10-year term, he pointed out. Boyd asked that the same model be made available to the Nobleton Tennis club.
Staff will bring forward an additional report for council’s consideration of grant allocations upon receipt of additional applications. Council has access to residual grant funding for additional requests as they arise throughout the year.