Title
Not-for-Profit Grant Review
Proposed Motions
1. That the 2016 Not-for-Profit Grant funding cycle remain as per the current Policy; and
2. That Administration be directed to revise the Policy to reflect a project based funding model as outlined in Option 3, in time for the 2017 funding cycle.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the motion as presented.
Purpose
During the 2015 budget process, Council identified a desire to review the Nonprofit Organization Funding program (Policy C-RP14) in terms of eligibility, scope and focus. The intention of this report is to review the initial intent behind the grant, the current funding parameters and process along with some options for consideration and to seek direction from Council for the 2016 funding cycle.
Summary
The Nonprofit Organization Funding program is an operational grant for nonprofit organizations who provide programs and activities for the benefit of Parkland County Residents in the areas of social services, arts, recreation, sport and culture. It was created in 2011 to provide a consistent process to handle the numerous requests coming from non-profit groups who were coming to Council at various times each year requesting assistance with their operational costs. As can be expected with any granting program, the number of requests and the value of requested funding increases annually. In the first four years of the grant program, the number of applications increased from 20 to 36, with the total funding requested increasing from $131,000 to $232,000. The total funding approved during this time has increased from $43,000 to $73,000.
During the 2015 budget process, Council expressed an interest to revisit the grant’s purpose and parameters for the 2016 funding cycle. Under the current policy the grant is an operating grant and not a project based grant. Because it is an operating grant a detailed analysis of the costs incurred by offering the programs and services is not conducted. Rather, potential funding levels are based on operational expenditures from the previous year, types of programs and services being offered as well as demonstration that Parkland County residents are accessing and benefitting from said programs and services (groups report on County participation rates as part of the application process). The maximum the groups are able to apply for is determined via a formula where they can apply for up to 25% of their total operational expenditures from the previous year, to maximum of $10,000.
As per the policy, applications are screened by Administration for their completeness and eligibility. Those that are deemed to meet all of the eligibility and have met all of the application requirements are then divided up by program type: Social-based Services, Protective Services, Environment, Child Development, Sports & Recreation and Arts & Culture. This is done so that all applicants of a similar mandate or service area are evaluated in an equitable manner. (eg. All Crime Watch Groups would receive similar levels funding) Consideration is also given in instances where groups operate their own facilities or have additional overhead costs that others may not have. Administration then puts forward a list of recommendations to Council for their consideration and final decision. Once final funding levels are set by Council, the amounts are included in the annual budget process.
Changing the grant from an operating to a project grant will require a rewriting of the Policy. As we are late in the process for 2016, it may be difficult to change the grant in time for the 2016 budget process, as organizations will be preparing their grant applications for the deadline of August 31, 2015.
Administration has reviewed the Policy, the initial intent of the grant and have identified some potential options for Council to consider should they wish to make changes.
Options:
1. Intent of the grant remains the same, no changes required.
Administration would continue on with the current process, timelines and funding model.
2. Intent of the grant remains the same, but Council sets priority focus areas for the 2016 funding cycle.
Council would identify priority areas to focus the funding on, which would be communicated to past applicants and would be identified on all promotional materials sent out.
3. Switch from an operating based grant to a program or project specific grant.
Council would look to identify the types of programs or projects (including types of expenses within that program) that would be eligible and those that would not be eligible. This type of grant would require more administrative time to review each grant application, determine eligibility, then rank the proposals based on the level of funding available. This would require a re-writing of the policy and may not be able to occur for the 2016 funding cycle. Administration would work on changes to the Policy and Procedures, and bring them back for Council’s consideration.
4. Council provide an alternative option to those proposed above.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Community: Promote and advance health and wellness opportunities for residents
Enhance recreational and cultural opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0
Source of Funding: N/A