Funding under two programs which provide important support to some of Airdrie’s non-profits and special events was approved by Airdrie City council at its Nov. 21 meeting.
Council approved awarding $47,085 in Community Investment Funds (CIF) to nine different organizations offering special events or festivals in 2017. These include ARTember presented by the Creative Airdrie Society, AIRSCARES presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (BGCA) and the Empty Bowls Festival put on by the Airdrie Food Bank (AFB).
“Arts, culture and recreational festival and events…contribute to Airdrie’s sense of identity, place and community,” said Pauline Clark, social planner with the City of Airdrie.
According to Clark, the City received 10 applications for 2017 CIF funding, however, one application was disqualified because it did not meet the program criteria.
The Community Services Advisory Board (CSAB) met Oct. 25 and determined the level of funding to be provided for each applicant. The recommendation of CSAB was presented to council Nov. 21 and unanimously approved.
Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) funding totaling $1,514,739 will be provided to seven different agencies for 16 programs after council approved the recommendation of CSAB for funding under this program.
According to Cathy O’Donoghue, Social Planning Co-ordinator, programs funded by FCSS must be preventative in nature.
“Compared to 2016, the 2017 FCSS allocation has more funding available to distribute for prevention-focused community programs,” she said. “The funding requests received for 2017 (are) close to $2 million.”
The BGCA and AFB, along with North Rocky View Community Links, Airdrie Meals on Wheels Society, Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society, Closer to Home Community Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area will receive funding for 16 programs. These include programs for youth, seniors and families.
“For 2017, $1,515,000 is budgeted for the FCSS grants,” said Clay Aragon, team leader, Community Development and Social Planning. “This is close to $500,000 over 2016.”
Councillor Candice Kolson said she wanted to commend the members of the CSAB for their efforts in vetting and making recommendations relating to both of these funding programs.
“It is difficult to hear all the requests coming in and be subjective,” she said. “Not to say that all community (groups) are not equal in their value to this community but we are bound by the rules laid out for FCSS funding. I just think it’s important to let the CSAB know that we all recognize these are difficult decisions we have to make.”
