Council endorsed a policy that will help the City determine what community initiatives it supports, March 4.
Staff presented the Community Investment Funds (CIF) policy, which ranks funding requests into three levels and sets specific criteria for funding approval.
“We wanted to establish a criteria and a policy that is not just one-offs,” said Lorri Laface, the City’s community development team leader. “This is one way to put everything in front of you (council) and you can make the choices.”
Those requesting funds at the neighbourhood level will be eligible for up to $500 from the City. Examples include block parties and small-scale improvements such as group landscaping projects. Requests in this category will be received year round and decisions will be made by staff.
Those requesting money for small-scale festivals and events may be awarded up to $5,000, while large-scale events and festivals, such as ARTember, may be given up to $15,000 from the City. Both levels of funding requests will be determined by council.
Eligible uses of CIF funding include rental of space and equipment, rental or purchase of materials and supplies, organizing and planning expenses, marketing and communication plans, permit fees and insurance costs and volunteer recognition.
Ineligible groups include public institutions such as a school, church, medical facility and all levels of government; commercial, business or private organization; political or lobby group; condo associations and third-party fundraising organizations.
The deadline for applying for CIF funds is March 30 of the current year, to be awarded the following year.
“One of the advantages of receiving and approving funding applications one year in advance is that it provides community groups ample time to apply for other funds,” states the policy, “Another advantage is that it allows council to know in advance how much funds are being requested by community groups to prioritize their investments.”
According to Clay Aragon, family community support services coordinator for the City of Airdrie, the CIF will help council support the vision it defined under AirdrieONE, the City’s long-range planning document approved by council March 5, 2012.
The policy, said Aragon, will also put to rest any perception of favouritism in council’s funding choices.
Mayor Peter Brown said the policy will help streamline the process of approving funding requests.
“There is going to be a lot more groups coming forward making this request of council,” he said. “It’s a good thing for us to know who is out there. Anytime you can bring more information … it’s a good thing.”
For more information on the CIF policy or for help applying, contact the community development department at 403-948-8800 or by email at [email protected]
