WELLINGTON NORTH – The township’s Grants and Donations Community Development Program is giving out $44,564 to support 31 local non-profits and community groups.
Started in 2016, the fund supports the project and event-based initiatives of not-for-profit organizations and community groups every year.
Thirty-two applicants requested money this year, the same as last year, but more money was requested – $48,564 compared to $29,710 in 2021.
One applicant, the Holstein Expo Agro and Rodeo which takes place outside of Wellington North, applied for funding, but was rejected because program requirements stipulate events must occur within the township.
Two applicants – the Arthur Optimist Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters – are receiving reduced funding from what was requested to coincide with previous years’ funding.
Some notable contributions include:
– Arthur Horticultural Society ($1,500 for refacing of gardens at McPherson Park);
– Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington ($1,500 for purchasing equipment for outdoor movie nights in Wellington North);
– Mount Forest Lawn Bowling Club ($1,500 to assist the club in reopening);
– New Growth Family Centre ($2,000 for learning, activity, and adult coaching programs);
– North Wellington Health Care Recruitment ($10,000 as an annual contribution for health care recruitment); and
– 88.7 The River ($2,500 to support Mount Forest aquatics committee partnering with radio station for Bubbles and Suds and Moonshine event).
Grants recommended by economic development officer Dale Small and deputy clerk Cathy Conrad go over the $40,000 of available funding approved in the economic development operating budget for the program, so COVID-19 recovery reserve funds are being tapped to cover the remaining $4,564.
At its April 11 meeting, council approved the recommended amount of $44,564, split between $9,015 in fee waivers and $35,549 in grants.
