On the Oct. 30 Council agenda there is a report recommending a new community grant policy.  The current policy provides funding to assist community organizations to deliver programs and services and to complete special projects.  Staff believe the new policy will reach more citizens and organizations to provide more access to municipal  funding.  As I know that King’s citizen groups are very creative and work hard to deliver initiatives for the benefit of the community I like to hear the possibilities of the new policy.  I think 4 streams of grants is interesting and I do agree with the priority put on projects in the Environment King stream; climate change action and environment must be our priority; for me, proposing larger grant potential for this stream implies that it is a priority. But, other than the proposed significantly higher budget (the proposed budget is $58,000 vs the 2023 budget of $23,000) I don’t really understand how the new policy will make such a difference.  In the actual policy which begins on page 10 of 17 there are several points for which I need more information.  Section 9 identifies those who are ineligible to apply including hospitals which have traditionally been granted some funds when we have not spent the year’s budget, I think.  13.10 which says that a recipient may need to make a presentation to Council should be more explained.

As always you can participate in person or virtually.  For details on how to do please see Council agenda.