“This year we saw an overwhelming number of applications from community groups asking for funding and the common theme from each group was loss of provincial funding as a result of changes in Provincial policy on various funding sources including gaming revenues,” said Mayor Greg Gardner. “Many of these groups already work on very tight budgets and to face funding cuts puts additional strain on these organizations and on our community. It is a tough situation for everyone,” continued Gardner. 

Council, faced with a large demand for funding, decided to focus on two sectors: organizations representing Squamish residents that are truly in need, and the Arts.
 
Community Enhancement Grants are cash donations made to local groups from the District of Squamish. Council approved the following Community Enhancement Grants:
 
$5000 - Squamish Hospice Society
To assist with various programs that help community members and families with palliative patients and bereavement support.  

$15000  - Squamish Arts Council
To help establish an arts fund to provide annual grants to arts and cultural organizations in the community. Funds would go towards annual hard costs of $7000 and to fund “Arts Fund” to be accessed by local organizations.

$10000 - Squamish Food Bank Society
To assist with the purchase of food to maintain 2009 level of service.

$10000 - Howe Sound Women’s Centre
To assist with operational costs for the Drop In Centre. Major activities and programs were described, including support counseling, hot lunches, computer clinic and office services, and advocacy.

“Social Services and the Arts are not generally within the mandate of municipal government, but Council is pleased to offer assistance to these groups,” said Mayor Greg Gardner.

Grants in Aid are non-cash grants such as facility rental fees. Council approved the following Grants in Aid:
 
Squamish Youth Triathlon
$1,037.82 for use of Brennan Park pool, lifeguards and auditorium for the Squamish Youth Triathlon event.
  

Black Tusk Caledonia Highland Arts Society
$1,465.33 to host the BC Legion Highland Gathering (Brennan Park auditorium and field rental).  

Canadian Cancer Society
$2,963.70 for site rental at Brennan Park and associated costs for the 2010 Relay for Life June 4 and 5.  

Griffin Air Cadet Squadron 835
$213.68 for Brennan Park Arena and Mezzanine rental for Annual Ceremonial Review for their 10th anniversary.

Royal Canadian Legion Diamond Head Branch #277
$870 for site rental of Brennan Park for the annual Remembrance Day service.

Squamish Days Loggersports Association
$1,913.25 for site rental to host Loggers Sports Event.

To continue to provide the best service to the community, Council has directed staff to review and develop a policy around the Community Grant Program and to bring back recommendations to Council. The community is also welcome to submit recommendations to Council and can do so by emailing rarthurs [at] squamish [dot] ca. Recommendations will be received until April 30, 2010.

Community Enhancement Grant Program
The Community Grant Program is established to provide funding to non-profit organizations, societies or other community organizations based within the Municipality, that are considered by Council to be contributing to the general interest and advantage of the Municipality. Cash grants are designated as Community Enhancement Grants and Non-cash grants such as facility rental fees are designated as Grants in Aid.

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For more information contact Marcia Collier at 604.892.5217