ABERFOYLE – As it works on the 2025 budget, Puslinch council decided on Nov. 27 to increase the amount the township distributes through its grant program.
That means everyone gets what they asked for in 2025, except the Puslinch Minor Soccer Association, which still gets more than its original ask.
The decision
Grants awarded for 2025 total $21,870 and groups receiving them include:
- Aberfoyle Agricultural Society, $3,000;
- Friends of Mill Creek, $3,000;
- Optimist Club of Puslinch, $5,085;
- Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre, $5,000;
- Whistle Stop Cooperative Preschool Inc., $1,000; and
- Puslinch Minor Soccer Club, $4,785.
The discussion
Puslinch Soccer had originally asked for $3,000, but increased that amount to $13,000 after losing all its equipment in a shed fire at the Badenoch soccer field on Oct. 23.
Since then, council learned the club has received numerous donations from community members, as well as offers from local contractors to help rebuild the shed.
Given that, council decided to give more than the original $3,000 request, and hoped the community donations would be enough to help the club.
Councillors noted all the organizations that requested grants contribute to the local community through events and services, so they felt it was both prudent and financially sound to support them.
Councillors also felt the total grant amount should be larger, according to the grant application policy, and voted to add another $3,000 to the budget going forward.
According to the policy, funds available are limited to 0.5 per cent of the previous year’s taxation levy.
Based on the 2024 tax levy, this means $26,795 should be allocated for grants in the 2025 budget.
That will not be the case in 2025, but council decided to gradually work toward that target.
