Richmond accepting applications for grant programs

The city of Richmond is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all its residents. City Council recognizes that one means of helping to achieve this goal is through Richmond’s annual grant programs to support the work of community service organizations. Applications for the annual grant programs are currently being accepted until Nov. 14.

“Each year, city grants are made available to assist the valuable work of primarily Richmond-based, non-profit groups that help improve the quality of life of residents through a diverse selection of beneficial community programs,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “In 2014, nearly $800,000 was allocated to various qualifying organizations. These grants support our partnerships with community groups while providing financial cost sharing.”

Richmond’s annual city grant programs fall under four categories: arts and culture; child care; health, social and safety; and parks, recreation and community events. The funding for the grant programs primarily comes from gaming revenue that the city receives from the province of B.C.’s host local government agreement.

The city has streamlined the grant application process by creating an online system. The creation of the web-based system emerged from stakeholder consultation and has many benefits, including minimizing paper use. Applicants can begin the online application process, save their work and return to it at a later time to make any necessary revisions or add required data. Documents can also be uploaded and non-profit organizations can retrieve and revise their previous year’s application rather than start fresh every year.

For more information on the city grant programs guidelines, eligibility criteria, assessment considerations, review process and to access the online application system, visit www.richmond.ca/citygrants.