HomeMy Public PortalAboutRecreation Grant GuidelinesRECREATION GRANT
Many of the recreation, sport and cultural opportunities available within the Municipality are delivered
by the community. The role of the Municipality is to support these organizations that contribute to the
quality of life for local residents. The Recreation Grant program is designed to build the capacity of
volunteer organizations by providing financial support for the creation and expansion of recreation, sport
and cultural programs, events and facilities within the Municipality.
Eligibility
- You must be a non-profit organization, or otherwise comply with the requirements of the
Municipal Government Act for eligibility for a grant or contribution by a municipality (Section
65(AU)).
- Projects or initiatives for which funding is requested shall be the creation or expansion of
recreation, sport or cultural programs, events, facilities and equipment within the Municipality.
- Operating expenses are not eligible for funding, with the exception of expenses related to
maintenance (not operational) of existing facilities and equipment are eligible for funding.
- Organizations are only eligible for one grant from the Municipality each fiscal year, regardless of
grant type.
- You must guarantee community access to facilities, programs and activities.
- If you do not fit the criteria but are the only group in the area providing recreation related
services, you may be considered.
- If you are not incorporated you are eligible for a maximum of $50.00.
- Financial assistance should not be anticipated on an annual basis.
- Royal Canadian Legions located with the Municipality may apply for grant funding to support
programs and events which are open to the public. General operating expenses or capital
improvements will not be considered.
- Churches / faith based organizations are not eligible for funding. Council may make exceptions if
the organization is the only one in the area providing the service, in such cases general operating
expenses or capital improvements will not be considered.
- Private member based organizations, whose primary focus is to serve its members, are not
eligible for funding. Council may make exceptions on occasion where programs or initiatives are
open to the general public.
Application Procedure
- There is one application deadline and the date is set annually. Normally the deadline is the first
Friday in October.
- Organizations must complete the Recreation Grant Application form.
- You may attach a separate document if there is insufficient space on the form for your response
to each question.
- The application form must be completed in full and have appropriate signatures.
- Completed application forms should be submitted to the Municipality as indicated on the
application.
- The Recreation & Parks Committee will review all applications and make a recommendation to
Municipal Council for final approval.
- If organizations have questions about the application form or would like to receive assistance in
completing the form, please contact the Recreation & Parks Director at 902-275-3490 or by email
at chaughn@chester.ca.
- Applications must be submitted prior to the deadline. Public notification will be provided of the
submission dates.
- After a project is complete, organizations are required to submit a completed Recreation Grant
Report Form to indicate how the funds were spent.
Funding
- The amount of grant funding available each year will be determined during annual budget
deliberations.
- Organizations that receive funding must submit a completed Grant Report Form to indicate the
success of the project and how the funding was spent.
Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed using the following evaluation criteria:
- Benefit to the community at large.
- Demonstrated positive community impact.
- The organization has a financial need for grant funding.
- Evidence of fundraising efforts (there are funding sources other than the Municipality).
- Project alignment with the Municipal strategic plan.