Help is available to groups wanting to host events in the community.
Since 2015, the Town of Drayton Valley has been offering grants every quarter for non-profit organizations.
Lola Strand, the program manager with FCSS, says the Town sets aside $5,000 for each quarter. The deadline for the applications for the next grant is April 1.
“Town council makes the decisions on the recipients of the grants,” she says.
She says council has other options they can do for the groups. In some cases, they can waive the costs of renting a town facility, or they might be able to have fees waived.
“It’s pretty flexible,” says Strand.
Strand says she collects the information from the applications and gives it to council so they can make an informed decision.
Applicants have to be a non-profit organization based in Drayton Valley, which offers services to the community. They also need to show proof of insurance and documents that show they are making an effort to be financially independent and viable.
The organizations that will be considered can fall into several categories, including groups that offer public education; health, wellness and safety; visual performing arts, heritage, and culture; and leisure sports and recreation.
If an application is for something that is outside of the community, they won’t be considered for the grant. Individual applicants and educational institutions may not be funded. Any religious organizations, commercial for-profit events, and advocacy groups will also not be considered for the grant.
Council will look for organizations that are putting on community events, fundraisers, or who need help for a special project that will benefit residents.
One of the things taken into consideration is whether there is already another organization hosting a similar event. Strand says an example could be the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council putting on a Family Day event this year. If another applicant had asked for funding for a Family Day event, they would have to explain how it is different from what EPBR is doing.
Strand says in this way, the Town is encouraging the non-profits in town to work together on events where possible.
Organizations looking to apply can find a form on the Town of Drayton Valley website. The deadlines for each grant are January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 each year.
