Title
Not for Profit Organization Grant Funding Policy C-RP14
Proposed Motion
That Not for Profit Organization Grant Funding Policy C-RP14 be approved as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the recommendation as presented.
Purpose
This Policy is being presented to Council for consideration and approval.
Summary
The current Not for Profit Organization Grant Funding program is an operational grant for not for profit organizations who provide programs and activities for the benefit of Parkland County residents in the areas of recreation, culture, social services and community activities. It was created in 2011 to provide a consistent process to handle the numerous requests coming from groups who were coming to Council at various times each year requesting assistance with their operational costs. As per Council's direction, Administration undertook a full review of the current Not for Profit Organization Funding Policy C-RP14. This review included an internal review of the Policy and Procedures, historical funding levels and organizations supported, as well as a review of other municipal grant funding programs.
Administration presented four potential options at the April 5, 2016 Committee of the Whole meeting to for comments and feedback. Members of Council identified a number of key areas to be captured by the policy including:
- maintaining the operational funding component while allowing for project specific requests
- implementing a more rigorous evaluation to ensure funding is directed at organizations whose mandate is in line with County priorities while avoiding duplication in services
- provision for continuous review of the funding priority areas based on input from stakeholders and public, balanced with Council's priorities identified in the Strategic Plan
- ensuring Parkland County residents benefit from the programs or projects
- strongly encouraging that applicants work in partnership with other not for profit organizations and/or Community Associations
Based on comments and feedback provided, Administration further refined the option presented which was similar in nature to the current Community Association Grant Funding Policy C-RP03. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of funding request options for applicants, allows for their specific needs to be considered yet also calls for a more rigorous evaluation criteria which will help ensure funding is being provided in the areas of greatest need while providing beneficial programs and projects for Parkland County residents.
Once policy has been approved by Council, Administration will finalize procedures, along with all of the necessary application related documentation and will provide workshops for past and potential applicants to ensure the changes to the program and eligibility requirements are known well in advance of the application deadline.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Healthy Communities
- Increase community capacity building
- Developing appropriate service levels for growth
Financial Impact:
Cost: To be determined
Source of Funding: Annual Operating Budget