Photo By Claire McCormack
Meaford council is awarding over $40,000 in bursaries to over 20 local organizations.
Over special meetings occurring on May 8 and 9, council heard from local community groups describing their organizations they wish to fund and events they would like to put on.
A report from Director of Community Services and Clerk Matt Smith says the bursary program, established by council in 2022, would provide successful applicants with funding annually and at a consistent amount for the four year term of council.
The annual amount of the funding for the current term of council is $40,000, which is conditional on a yearly council budget approval, and no organization can receive more than $4,000 per year.
As 29 applications were received by the deadline, equalling a total of $83,350, over double the allocated amount of funds available, staff recommended the application be examined through the lens of the Meaford well-being plan and each applicant must demonstrate why their organization or event, is aligned with at least one of the pillars of the plan. These pillars include foundations of well-being, mental health and addictions, poverty and income, crime prevention, support and program for youth, and support and program for seniors.
Some of the organizations to receive funding include The Meaford and St. Vincent Agricultural Society, Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce, Meaford Food Bank and Outreach, and the Meaford Pickleball Club.
During the allocation of funds, while not meeting each organizations desired amount of funding, council exceeded the $40,000 available by $4,500.
Coun. Steven Bartley says while he did not want to cut any of the funding they discussed allocating, he had an idea he planned on presenting to council next week to come up with the extra money for the bursary allocations.
“Just to look at this group of people and all they want to do is help the municipality and even though they are not getting what they asked for, they are getting more than we’ve got, and I can come up with that difference on Monday,” says Bartley.
To cover the difference, Council approved covering the extra funds from the 2022 surplus.