Town of View Royal Policy Manual

Section & Policy No.: F-200.12 Adopted by Council on: January 08, 1991 Amended by Council on: August 20, 2002

SUBJECT: FINANCE - Grants-In-Aid

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this policy is to allocate limited financial resources and give support to local entities/organizations, with defined parameters, as the primary objective.

POLICY:

Organizations should rely on their own resources to continue their operations rather than continual on-going financial assistance from the Town. Council will only consider applications for grants-in aid on the basis that the request is for "start up assistance" or a "one time special project" of the organization.

(NOTE: Existing annual grants made by Council are not limited by this section.)
Generally, any organizations that are asking for grants must provide complete details of their membership list, as those with 50% or more View Royal resident membership will be a priority.
All organizations applying for grants must show they are maximizing revenue from other sources; and that their application for a municipal grant is a last resort.
The deadline for grant applications is established at November 15 of each year; to be advertised at the beginning of each year.
Preference for consideration for municipal grants will be given to those organizations serving View Royal.
Council does not hold a mandate to spend the Taxpayers dollars on charitable organizations. Council believes that if the taxpayers wish their money spent on or towards charitable organizations, the individual has the opportunity of doing so without being compelled to support an organization through their tax dollars they may feel is not worthy.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Council will consider applications for a start-up or special project grant in aid, providing the following information is provided:

Name of the organization, its mission statement, address, identity of contact persons, and indication of non-profit status;
Brief history of organization, names of the present board of directors, copy of most recent audited financial statement and present operating budget;
Description of special project, event, etc., its objectives and budget;
Summary of benefits direct and indirect to the Town of View Royal taxpayers;
Clear statement of amount requested;
Preferably, petitioners for grants should appear before Council to speak to their application.

ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS LIST

Hospitals and nursing homes in View Royal;
War memorials in View Royal;
A patriotic or disaster fund;
Agricultural or horticultural societies holding exhibitions in View Royal;
Youth organizations;
A society or association organizing a public exhibition, game or contest involving athletic skills or sports, where private or professional gain is absent, and which in Council's opinion would be for View Royal's advantage;
An organization considered by Council to be contributing to the general interest and advantage of View Royal;
An arts or cultural centre maintained in View Royal;
Libraries or vocational schools in View Royal;
A tourist or other association for giving information about the advantage of View Royal as a manufacturing, business, educational, residential, or tourist centre;
A board of trade or chamber of commerce;
A body organized to advance the general interest of municipal affairs;
A body or group assisting in celebrating an event of public interest;
Council, in its sole discretion, may provide financial assistance to organizations/entities in extraordinary circumstances which they deem to be of considerable benefit and may be of an inter-municipal nature.