REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: August 31, 2021 Report No. FIN-21-014
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Ian Irvine, Director of Financial Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Local Grant Request - Connections Place Society
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
It is accepted procedure that staff not make recommendations on funding requests. Options available to Council are listed below under ALTERNATIVES.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Council Policy FIN-20 Local Grants
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Healthy, livable and diverse community
BACKGROUND:
A local grant request was received from the Connections Place Society to support the annual core requirements of their Work-Ordered Day Program. According to their application, this voluntary, strengths-based program is intended to help members regain self-worth and purpose by providing those whose lives have been disrupted by mental illness with a place where they are needed, wanted, and have a meaningful role to play.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The decision for any local grant funding allocation is at the discretion of Council.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications of this decision.
3. Financial Implications
Within the 2021 Financial Plan, an amount of $151,500 has been allocated for the purpose of issuing local grants. On February 1, 2021 Council approved the allocation of $128,500 of cash and in kind support to applicants who applied prior to the December 31 deadline. As a result, $23,000 is available for grant requests received during the remainder of the 2021 fiscal year. During the 2021 fiscal year, an additional grant $6,000 was approved which leaves a current balance of $17,000 in the local grant account. Any funds remaining in the local grant account at the end of the fiscal year will be transferred to the Township’s accumulated surplus for use in a future year.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications of this decision.
5. Communication & Engagement
Whether or not a grant is approved, a letter will be sent to the representative from the Connections Place Society formally advising them of Council’s decision. As well, a copy of the existing Local Grant Policy, which outlines the reporting requirements of all recipients and the need for potential cost reimbursement, may accompany the letter
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve the request with support funded from the local grant account.
2. That Council approve funding for an amount less than what was requested.
3. That Council deny the request for funding.