The City of Castlegar has started the new year with a new grants-in-aid policy. If you have applied for city grants before, you will want to take a close look at the new guidelines because the rules have changed substantially.
Changes were made to the policy that favour initiatives and events that take place in Castlegar as many city councillors liked the idea of keeping the grant money local in order to further promote the Castlegar economy. The old policy saw a fair amount of the grants budget given to those travelling out of town for events such as sports tournaments.
For 2015 the city's budget for discretionary grants-in-aid was $9000.
Under the new rules no assistance will be provided for travel. Sports teams will still be able to apply for grants for events held in Castlegar, including fundraising events for tournament travel.
Applicants must be a not-for-profit society or organization.
Grants will not be given for payment of property taxes or for programs that are clearly within the legislated mandates of other levels of government. Proposals for research, staff training or professional development are also not eligible.
Proposals must involve activities that have not yet begun, but will be completed within 12 months. Prior year's operations or capital deficits are not eligible.
Proposals which duplicate projects or events already provided within the community will not be approved.
Another change is the introduction of four application deadlines. For 2017 those deadlines are Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. Decisions will be communicated to the applicant three months after the application deadline.
For 2018 and beyond the deadlines will move to the January, April, July and November.
Recipients will be required to report back to council about how the money was spent by Dec. 1 of the year funding was received. If applicable, the recipient must also acknowledge the support in print and publicity material related to the project.
The complete guidelines, application forms and report forms can be found at castlegar.ca/grants.php or at City Hall.