The Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program represents one of the largest service related expenditures for CSRD Electoral Area C and it is also one of the most difficult budget functions to accurately forecast.
For 2016, the Area C GIA budget is $188,428. This figure is based on a projected continuation of the ongoing growth in this annual expenditure.
I think this budgeting process and the management of this budget area can be significantly improved with the engagement and assistance of South Shuswap community groups.
In order to further engage Area C community groups in this annual budgeting process, a grant-in-aid workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at the Cedar Centre in Blind Bay.
Additional goals of this workshop are to: educate all non-profit groups about CSRD grant opportunities, rules and documentation requirements, discuss practices to enhance accountability and standardize the grant application process
Ads will be placed in local newspapers to promote and encourage attendance and participation by all community groups in Area C.
The intent of the GIA program is to provide short-term financial assistance to local community groups who are offering services to the benefit of the residents of Area C.
Recipients of GIAs must be non-partisan, non-denominational and non-profit. Funds must be used for the stated purpose in the application, and approved GIA applications in excess of $2000 must provide documentation within 90 days and return all unspent funds to the CSRD.
New applications from an organization will not be processed until all documentation for previous grants received is up to date.
In reviewing past grant-in-aid applications, it’s clear this budget has supported a wide variety of community services and infrastructure improvements. A number of community halls have used grants for much-needed renovations, repairs, equipment purchases and upgrades that couldn’t be afforded otherwise.
Various community celebrations, local improvement projects and cultural and recreational programs would not have occurred without this funding.
The availability of grants can also stimulate innovations and new ideas to help improve the quality of life in our community.
So, in general, I am very supportive of the use of GIA funding; however, it is quite appropriate to take steps to ensure these funds are used wisely and in a highly transparent and accountable manner.
To achieve this will require community involvement and input.
I look forward to meeting with representatives from all community non-profit groups on May 31.
-Paul Demenok is the Area C Director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District