Local non-profits can apply for a new grant to help make a difference in the community.
The ‘Make Your Mark’ grant offers up capital funding that was previously set for the Community Capital Projects Grant, which helps non-profits enhance their capacity.
“We often hear from non-profits who find it difficult to meet some of the criteria needed to qualify for some grants opportunities such as matching funding,” says Matthew Pitcher, Community Social Development. “The Make Your Mark program provides a funding opportunity for small and mid-sized projects that address challenges in the community.”
During and right after the pandemic, the city says the Community Capital Projects Grant was undersubscribed due to economic challenges that stalled a groups’ ability to finish projects. Officials note that resulted in a balance of about $600,000 of CCPG funds going unspent, leading to the creation of the ‘Make Your Mark’ grant.
“We don’t want to see a balance of grant funding go unused as we know there are projects in the community that could really use this support,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
“This type of funding was intended to be used for projects of this nature, so rather than see this money go unused, we’re pleased to see the Make Your Mark grant criteria shaped to make the funds available for the community.”
The new program will be awarded through a grant application process similar to the CCPG. The city says the big difference is the ‘Make Your Mark’ program will help organizations who have been limited by the two-thirds matching requirement of CCPG by providing 100 per cent of project funding for impactful small and mid-sized projects (with a maximum of $50,000).
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025, with more details available at the city website.
