Funds will be made available to organizations, groups, or individuals, once per year, who meet funding criteria, and which are deemed to be of a net benefit to the community.
The program objective is to engage community groups and individuals through the development of new community events to be hosted within the District of Sparwood.
What Funding is Available?
Over $25,000 is available annually. Events will be evaluated individually and may access up to $3,000.
Who can Apply?
To be eligible for funding, your group must be a community-based group, residing within the District of Sparwood, and not of a commercial nature or in support or a commercial venture. Your group must be allocating the funding towards an event, project, initiative, or service that is of net benefit to the community.
What Activities are Eligible for Funding:
Eligible activities include:
- Community events;
- Local charitable events;
- Start-up funding for a local organization, group, or event;
- Other local activities and community focused projects deemed eligible by Council.
What Expenses Are Not Eligible?
- Support toward an individual’s travel, attendance, or participation at competitions, events, or similar activities.
When are Applications Due?
This is a continuous intake program – There are no deadlines for applications. Applications that are not approved due to lack of available funding, may be considered for future years.
How are Applications Evaluated?
The District of Sparwood evaluates applications based on the viability of the event, community engagement and capacity of the event to become self-sustaining. Some specific factors Council may seek out in the application include:
- Total budgeted expenditures for activities
- Demonstrated efforts and contributions toward seeking alternative funding sources
- An agreement to acknowledge the District’s funding contribution through advertising
- Feasibility and sustainability of the event
- If the activity demonstrates a net benefit to the Community
- What activities are to be delivered
- Who will participate or benefit from the event
- Demonstration of volunteer & community engagement
- Youth and family events and organizations will receive preference over adult events and organizations
Contact the Community Services Department by stopping at the Sparwood Leisure Centre, located at 367 Pine Avenue, by emailing recoffice@sparwood.ca or calling 250.425.0552 for an application form.