BONNYVILLE - On May 28, Esther Quiambao, general manager of planning and community service, presented a reformation of the MD of Bonnyville's grant process that was approved by council.
“During the 2024 budget deliberations process, council directed administration to bring the current community giving programs and their associated policies to a future meeting of council to review for potential streamlining and enhancements,” says Quiambao
With a total 2024 budget of approximately $800,000 for community grants, the MD originally provided several options for individuals and groups to request financial support, including the donations and sponsorship recognition policy, community action grant policy, community association operating grant policy, delegations to council policy, and a pending scholarship program.
Considering community and council feedback, administration has proposed one policy to govern community grants – hosting one evaluation process over several days, where all applicants are offered the opportunity to present their requests directly to council.
The evaluations will be held prior to the annual budget deliberations, where council will decide which requests to move forward with, taking into consideration the MD’s key focus areas - personal health and wellness, community connectedness and appeal, financial sustainability, environmental sustainability, and economic vibrancy.
This will decrease paperwork, minimize the process, and clarify grant funding prior to budget deliberations, as opposed to requests coming in throughout the year.
The MD receives over 200 applications a year.
Coun. Don Slipchuck asked for confirmation that this process would benefit the applicants.
“I believe it would. They’d feel more directly heard and considered,” said Quiambao.
Slipchuck continued, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with trying to change it and see if it's going to make things easier. And we've discussed it before quite substantially.”
Coun. Fideyiw urged administration to provide clear communication about the process to the public.
“I think it's definitely a positive thing... just as long as we get the message across.”
Quiambao acknowledged the municipality has been providing donations, community grants, and contributions to individuals and organizations for many years.
A motion to direct administration to create one community grant policy for one intake and evaluation process of all requests – up to an identified maximum value – was approved by council.
