A lot of money asked for, only so much to give.
Vernon council passed a staff recommendation on the spring intake of discretionary grant applications that will see only a handful of applicants receive funding.
“There were 43 grant applications totalling $420,948,” said financial operations manager Rena Crosson in a report to council. “The total funds currently available is $50,000.”
During the finance committee meeting of May 18, where the applications were dealt with, the committee realized that the increase in costs and economic challenges faced by non-profit organizations resulted in a significant increase in the number of applications and the funding request amount from each applicant.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the staff recommendation of awarding nearly $44,000 in discretionary grants, and to including additional funding for the program in the 2024 budget to a total of $100,000.
Council also agreed to adding $50,000 to the 2023 program to approve a request for $30,000 from the People Place Society to purchase and build a front entrance gate and fence.
Also receiving grants are:
• Archway Society for Domestic Peace in the amount of $6,000 out of a requested amount of $12,000 to help coordinate the various government and community services that respond to child abuse in the community
• Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan in the amount of $4,200 to provide immediate short-term counselling for men who have experienced sexual assault
• John Rudy Health Resource Centre Association in the amount of $6,670 out of a requested amount of $11,670 to assist in the cost of transportation to medical appointments
• Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society in the amount of $8,000 to purchase equipment and tools needed to maintain the Polson Park pond kids free fishing weekend program
• Maven Lane Childcare Centre in the amount of $10,000 to install a perimeter fence at Maven Lane
• Powerhouse Theatrical Society in the amount of $2,500 to offset production costs for performances where ticket fees are not charged
• Upper Room Mission Society in the amount of $6,500 to purchase two new commercial grade laundry washing and drying machines
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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