#funding

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City of Rossland

Should Rossland overhaul community funding?

City Council is considering major changes to how non-profits, charities, and community organizations apply for grants and tax breaks. The new policy would streamline multiple funding programs but completely change application deadlines and eliminate some tax exemptions.

  • 🏛️ Currently groups apply separately for grants, tax exemptions, and facility rentals

  • 📅 Different programs have different deadlines throughout the year

  • 💰 Some organizations get property tax exemptions instead of direct grants

  • 🔄 Council wants a "single, holistic approach" to community funding decisions

  • 📊 Staff say current system lacks objectivity in allocation process

  • 📝 One unified application for all funding types with single July 15th deadline

  • 🏠 Shift away from property tax exemptions toward direct grant funding

  • 🏢 End discounted rent arrangements - groups pay market rate, get equivalent grants

  • ⚖️ New "objective criteria" for evaluating applications

  • 📋 Standardized annual reporting required from all funding recipients

$202,479
Amount available for community grants in 2026, representing 5% of property tax revenue (excluding library funding which is now separate)

Should community funding be streamlined with stricter criteria?

Council Meeting: October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) immediately following the Public Hearing. Organizations currently receiving funding should pay attention - the 2026 application deadline would be November 21st if approved, with future applications due July 15th annually.

#funding#policy#nonprofit#grants#municipal
Oct 20, 2025
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City of Rossland

Major Overhaul Coming to Community Grants?

Rossland is proposing sweeping changes to how local nonprofits and community groups receive city funding. The new policy would create a unified application system, eliminate most tax exemptions, and establish stricter evaluation criteria for the $366,284 in annual community support.

Current System Getting Complete Makeover

  • 🏛️ Multiple funding streams currently scattered across grants, tax breaks, and in-kind support

  • 📅 Different application deadlines create confusion for community groups

  • 💰 Tax exemptions being phased out in favor of direct grant funding

Current System Getting Complete Makeover

  • 📊 New objective scoring criteria to replace current evaluation process

  • 🤝 Shift toward holistic review of all city support to each organization

New Streamlined System Details

  • 📋 Single application portal opening June 1st with July 15th deadline

  • 🏆 Four funding categories: Multi-year Operating, One-time Project, Capital, and Letters of Support

  • 📈 Unified scoring system emphasizing financial need, municipal alignment, and community impact

New Streamlined System Details

  • 📊 Annual reporting requirements with standardized outcome surveys

  • ⚖️ Fair evaluation process comparing total city support across all programs

The Numbers Behind Community Support

$366,284
Annual Grant-in-Aid funding for 2026, representing 5% of property tax revenue. This doesn't include additional support through tax exemptions, discounted leases, and in-kind services that many organizations currently receive.

Should community funding be more streamlined and objective?

Council Decision: October 20, 2025 at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue) immediately following the Public Hearing. 2026 Transition: Current funding applications due November 21, 2025. New unified system starts in 2026 for 2027 funding decisions. Public input welcomed before the vote.

#grants#community#policy#funding#municipal#nonprofit
Oct 20, 2025
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City of Nelson
#emergency#funding#council#RDCK#preparedness
Oct 7, 2025
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City of Nelson
#housing#council#funding#affordable#development
Oct 7, 2025
R
RDKB - Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

Community Funding Decisions Ahead

🎄 Should your tax dollars fund Christmas hampers for families in need?

🎭 What about community events that bring neighbors together?

♿ Or accessibility ramps so everyone can participate in community life?

Council is deciding on $33,900 in grants to local organizations across multiple areas - from emergency equipment to holiday support programs.

  • 🎄 Trail United Church seeking support for Beaver Valley Christmas Hamper Program

  • 🎭 Big White Mountain Community Development Association planning their annual community event

  • 🌱 Village of Midway developing a community garden project

  • 🚑 Rock Creek & Boundary Fair Association restocking emergency AED supplies

  • ♿ Bridesville Community Club building accessibility ramp at their hall

  • 💰 $25,850 - Bridesville accessibility ramp (largest request)

  • 💰 $3,000 - Christmas hamper program for families in need

  • 💰 $2,000 each - Big White community event & Midway garden

  • 💰 $1,050 - Emergency AED equipment restocking

76%
Nearly three-quarters of the total grant funding ($25,850 of $33,900) is dedicated to making the Bridesville Community Hall accessible to everyone, ensuring people with mobility challenges can participate in community life.

Which of these community programs do you think should be the highest priority for public funding, and why? Should taxpayer dollars support accessibility improvements, emergency preparedness, food security, or community events?

📅 Council Meeting: August 27th, 2025

🗳️ Vote Type: Participants Only Weighted Vote

💬 How to Participate:

  • Attend the council meeting
  • Submit written comments
  • Contact your area representative

📍 These grants support organizations across Areas A, E, Village of Midway, Rock Creek & Boundary, and Bridesville

#grants#community#accessibility#funding#municipal
Aug 27, 2025