Selwyn Township has drafted a new Community Partnership and Development Fund Program for non-profits within the township.
The draft policy for the program was presented to council at Tuesday afternoon’s meeting for feedback.
The program was developed from a resolution last October where council asked staff to divert funds from the Community Improvement Program (CIP) in the amount of $10,000 to create a program that would support and promote volunteer growth and viability within the municipality.
According to a report to council by Angela Chittick, Manager of Community & Corporate Services/Clerk, the purpose of the program is to provide financial support for Community Organizations for minor capital projects or to support an initiative/program to develop internal capacity and/or enhance service delivery.
The policy outlines that there would be $10,000 set aside each year for the program with it being topped up should some funding remain from the previous year.
This year, there was no impact on the tax budget from this program as it was funded through money from the CIP.
Staff asked council for their input on whether the deadline for submissions should be semi-fixed date or a fixed date.
Option one was a semi fixed date for applications meaning that any application submitted after the deadline set out by council may still be considered if there are funds left over in the program.
Option two was a fixed submission date meaning only applications submitted by the chosen deadline may be considered for the funding. Staff also asked council if they wanted to implement a maximum allocation per applicant. The draft policy suggested a maximum of $2,500.
Deputy Mayor Ron Black said that to fairly assess all applications, they would need to have a fixed submission date and not limit the amount of funds being allocated. He said that some projects may need more funds then others and that have a maximum amount the township can provide may impact certain applications.
It was also discussed at council that there is criteria required for the funding and staff would create a list so organizations would know what is needed. The criteria include providing a budget and demonstrate proof of contributory funds to be considered eligible for funding allotment. This means that the organization must also be contributing to the project weather that be cash, or in-kind services.
It was also mentioned that the funds are not intended to be used for annual operating purposes (maintenance, insurance, meeting expenses etc.).
The program would start this year with a deadline for applications being May 31 should the draft policy be adopted.
A motion was presented by Coun. John Boyko that a fixed submission date be adopted with no set maximum required. It was also mentioned that it should be added that council can decide not to award any funds should they deem no application fit.
The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Ron Black and was carried.
A final policy for this new program will be presented at the March 24th council meeting for adoption.
