Last call for Community Grant applications

By Casandra Turnbull

The 2023 Community Grant Applications are set to close on February 28th , so if you haven’t already completed one, it’s your last chance to do so before the committee starts to review and approve 2023 grants.

Non-profit and charity organizations who wish to apply must complete a check list of items and give a full description of what the funding is for, as well as provide financial information to be considered. Applicants are filtered through an application process divided into five categories: Operating and Event Grants, Capital Grants, Emergency Funding Grants, Travel Grants and On-going Pre-Approved Grants.

Once all eligible applications are received, county staff use a scoring sheet to rate the technical aspect of the application to ensure it’s completed entirely and meets certain criteria. The scored applications are then brought to the committee, composed of the Mayor and Councillors, to debate.

Last year, the committee approved $305,770.21 in grants, and left $54,229.80 open to applicants who missed the deadline because they were not aware of the newer county process.

Mayor David Bailey and Councillors from the previous term also noted that both Agricultural Societies, Paris and Burford, automatically be included as a line item in the 2023 budget, each receiving equal funding, rather than making them apply through the grant program

“(Ag Society) Grants should be on par as they have been for the last 70 years,” said Councillor Robert Chambers during last year’s Grant Committee discussion, noting both societies have an important impact on the county.

The 2023 Community Grant Applications are open until Tuesday, February 28, 2023. You can learn more and apply online.