The city is looking at ways to better provide operational grant funding to local non-profit groups. Coun. Cassi Hider speaks at a council meeting in December.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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City Hall will examine ways it could provide operational grants to local non-profit groups, but debate Monday outlined concerns from some council members that requests could outstrip ability to provide funds.
Coun. Cassi Hider sponsored the motion, saying worthy groups and social agencies often come to the city looking for operational funds, and the city could determine some model to help cover everyday costs.
Last fall, city administrators developed a program to evaluate capital grant requests from local organizations for specific projects, large one-time purchases or construction, and council adopted parameters and a cap on potential project cost-sharing at one third.
Hider said much of that work is transferrable, and a program could be created relatively quickly, while other council members requested work on the scope and financial implications be included.
“This could be another avenue for organizations to possibly retain funds from the city,” said Hider, who told reporters financing and potential limitations would be outlined when the item returns to council for approval in late spring.
“I don’t think it should be a blank cheque, there are limitations.”
The motion to explore a system passed by a vote of 7-0.
“I’ll support to learn what’s possible,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark.,
Coun. Darren Hirsch said the system represents a large departure from past practice and could involve controversy or large financial implications.
“How do you determine a matrix to decide who gets funding and who doesn’t,” he said, “I think all (non-profits) are very valuable to the community. I’m worried that it might morph into something bigger that we can’t handle.”
City manager Ann Mitchell stated that such a program would be a significant change in how the city has viewed grant requests for financial aid.
The city has previously adopted measures in existing grant awards to prevent recurring requests in fear that groups would become dependent on funding.
“We’ve had discussions on opening up a revenue stream for different organizations and we’ve always done capital not operating,” said Mitchell, who said there are benefits and drawbacks of similar work done by other municipalities.
Staff would also consider budget implications and funding model.
“I’d like the time to explore that fully before we bring that back,” said Mitchell.
“We have a lot of very big (financial) hurdles coming, is this something else we want on our plate? That’s a question for council.”
Coun. Ramona Robins said the city already provides some money in event grants for local groups and administrates Family and Community Support Services grants for the province.
“We run a business, and many businesses are philanthropic,” said Robins, who suggested using an interest bearing reserve fund could eventually provide a recurring but limited amount of money.
“We could take profits from (the energy business) and develop a lasting legacy.”
“Exploring it is a good Idea … but I’m not sure I’ll vote for it because the cost might be too high … but if there’s profits in the future, what can we do with that money?”
The tentative date for staff to report back is June 1.
