Grants in Aid deadline changed by North Cowichan

If you’re applying for a grant-in-aid from North Cowichan, you’ll have to get it in by Oct. 15 this year.

Council moved its deadline for grants-in-aid forward from February at its Aug. 19 meeting so the applications would mesh better with its budget process.

And look for more changes to come. Staff recommendations for a revised process will likely be presented at North Cowichan council’s Sept. 2 meeting.

Coun. Al Siebring reminded staff that he wants to see more accountability in the process, with reports back from organizations as to how they use their grant-in-aid funding.

There was also commentary on the ‘subjective’ nature of the grant-in-aid process.

Grants in aid are intended for “eligible not-for-profit organizations operating within the municipality,” says North Cowichan’s web site.

Included in the list of eligible organizations are: social services, tourism, economic development and sports groups.

Eligibility considerations include organizations that:

• are located in the Municipality of North Cowichan;

• provide a service which primarily benefits the residents of the Municipality of North Cowichan;

• demonstrate sound financial and administrative management;

• demonstrate a financial need;

• adhere, where applicable, to all Municipality of North Cowichan bylaws and policies; and

• are registered as a society.