HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2022-119 - 2022 Community Grants Tier 2
Community Services Departmentwww.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: April 4, 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Michael May, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, ext. 7079
PREPARED BY: Helena Foulds, Manager, Service, Coordination & Improvement, ext.
7193
Carrie Kozlowski, Executive Assistant, ext. 7395
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: March 7, 2022
REPORT NO.: CSD-2022-119
SUBJECT: 2022 Community Grants Tier 2
RECOMMENDATION:
That 2022 community grants (Tier 2) in the amount of $172,215 be approved as
outlined in Appendix A attached to Community Services Department report CSD-
2022-119; and
That the following organizations be approved to move to the Tier 1 grant process for
the 2023 grant cycle:
1. Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns
2. Hohner Avenue Porch Party
3. Irish Real Life Festival; and further,
That the outstanding community grants balance of $46,789 be allocated to the three-
year pilot o
providing support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives and events
meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black,
Indigenous and racialized communities in Kitchener.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
This report:
outlines the process used to assess community grant applications.
recommends the transfer of several organizations from Tier 2 to the Tier 1 grant
process.
lists the organizations/groups that applied for a 2022 Tier 2 grant including the amount
of each funding request and the recommended grant allocations (see Attachment A).
provides a recommendation for the best use of the outstanding community grants
balance.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
BACKGROUND:
Tier 2 community grants assist organizations/groups providing not-for-profit services
intended for the common good of residents within the City of Kitchener. Tier 2 grants typically
fund new or emerging community organizations, events, and/or initiatives. Organizations
providing municipal services in the following sectors are eligible for funding:
arts and culture
special events
sports and recreation
community support and development
Both previously funded organizations and new applicant groups may apply for Tier 2
community grants. Tier 1 organizations are only eligible for Tier 2 funding for one-time
special projects or events. Tier 2 grant allocations typically range from $1,500 to $10,000.
A Peer and Staff Review Committee (PSRC) composed of three community volunteers and
six staff (from arts/creative industries, special events, sport development, community
development and grant administration) reviews applications against the eligibility criteria set
out in the Council-approved Community Investment policy (FIN-GRA-525). This committee
allocates resources within budget availability and makes funding recommendations to
Council.
In November 2018 (CSD-18-088), Council delegated the consideration of appeals to a panel
of staff.
REPORT:
For 2022, 53 Tier 2 grant applications were received ($380,316 in requested funding). The
total amount of Tier 2 funding available is $219,004. The PSRC recommended funding 39
groups ($160,435). After the appeal process, staff recommend funding 42 groups
($172,215, as outlined in Appendix A).
Highlights of the 2022 Tier 2 grant process include:
Information sharing
to introduce applicants to the Tier 2 process and provide tips about how to submit a
strong application.
Thorough review of applications: PSRC members completed an independent
review/assessment of the applications against the grant criteria. Then, the committee
participated in three virtual sessions (February 1, 2 and 3, 2022) to develop funding
recommendations using an online decision-making platform.
Opportunity for appeals: Applicant organizations had the opportunity to appeal their
recommended funding allocations. The appeal deadline was February 25, 2022, and
the appeal panel met virtually to make funding recommendations regarding the
appeal requests on March 3, 2022. Six organizations/groups submitted appeals.
Communication: applicants were notified of the outcomes of the PSRC and/or
Assessment process
PSRC members, both community volunteers and staff, dedicated considerable time and
effort to reviewing/assessing the applications. Each member spent approximately 20 hours
to independently reviewing the applications. Then the committee met virtually three times
for a total of six hours to m
of knowledge and expertise, in combination with the detailed review process whereby
applications are considered against the Council-approved eligibility criteria ensures that
funding recommendations are made responsibly, in the context of all the applications
received and within budget availability.
Appeal process
advised of the option to appeal their recommended allocation via an online appeal form. Six
organizations appealed the recommended denial of their grant applications for 2022. The
total value of the appeal requests was $64,780. Upon review of the submissions, the appeal
panel made additional allocations (three) as shown in the chart, below, and allocated an
additional $11,780.
Appellant Amount under appeal Appeal panel
recommendation
Association of Liberians in $11,000 $0
Kitchener and Environs ($10,000 cash, $1,000 in (Apply for RISE grant)
kind)
Bereaved Families of Ontario $15,000 $0
Midwestern Region (Connect with cemeteries
division to explore building
on existing relationship)
Canadian Arabic Orchestra $20,000 $5,000
Crossroads Productions $1,780 $1,780
($1,000 cash, $780 in ($1,600 cash, $180 in kind)
kind)
Cycling into the Future $5,000 $5,000
Hope for Community $12,000 $0
Development ($10,000 cash, $2,000 in (Apply for RISE grant)
kind)
Totals $64,780 $11,780
Transfers to Tier 1
FIN-GRA-525 outlines that organizations receiving Tier 2 funding for five or more years may
be considered for Tier 1 funding. To be eligible for Tier 1, organizations must:
be incorporated as a not-for-profit entity or agree to become incorporated within an
agreed upon timeframe (12 months, for example),
enter into a legal agreement with the City, from one to five years in length. The
agreement outlines the responsibilities of the City and the responsibilities of
organization, including details of services/events for which the grant is provided,
financial reporting requirements, and insurance/indemnity requirements.
The chart below summarizes the organizations recommended to transfer to the Tier 1 grant
process for the 2023 grant cycle. If approved, these groups will move with a base grant
amount equal to their 2022 Tier 2 grant. As a result of this transfer, there will be a
corresponding reduction of $11,600 in available funding for Tier 2 grants in 2023.
previous Tier 2
Organization 2022 grant recommendation
funding
Community Coalition on Refugee $3,500 2016 - 2020
and Immigrant Concerns ($2,650 cash, $850 in kind)
Hohner Avenue Porch Party $4,100 2016 2020
Irish Real Life Festival $4,000 2017 2021
total $11,600
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget The budget for 2022 Tier 2 community grants is $219,004.
The PSRC (with subsequent revisions recommended by the appeal panel) recommends a
total 2022 Tier 2 allocation of $172,215. Thus, $46,789 of the Tier 2 grants budget for 2022
remains unallocated.
Explanation of variance
This rare positive variance is the result of the following factors:
Tier 1 grant allocations (funded from the same source as Tier 2 grants), remained
lower than anticipated for a second year. Again, the pandemic caused some Tier 1
organizations to scale back their planned activities and corresponding funding
requests. The reduction in Tier 1 allocations led to a subsequent increase in available
funding for the 2022 Tier 2 grants program.
While the number of Tier 2 grant applications was up over last year, it remains lower
than in pre-pandemic times. Further, typical grant requests (for events, festivals and
programs) remain lower than usual, due to the uncertainty and challenges COVID-
19 poses.
The PSRC and appeal panel carefully considers all applications against the eligibility
criteria outlined in the Council-approved Community Investment policy. Despite that
available funding for the Tier 2 program was higher and the number of applications
was lower than usual, the committee upheld the eligibility criteria and made
responsible funding recommendations in keeping with the intent of the policy. The
committee was unwilling to allocate funds to projects that neither adequately met the
grant criteria nor demonstrated need.
Recommendation for the variance
Staff propose that the remaining $46,789 in the 2022 community grants budget be allocated
to the three-
grant providing support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives and events
meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black,
Indigenous and racialized communities in Kitchener.
Rationale for this recommendation:
There is high demand for the RISE grant funds. RISE grant requests already exceed
the $50,000 annual budget, and the grant is only in the first of its four 2022 review
periods.
Several applications that were deemed ineligible for 2022 Tier 2 funding are likely
eligible for the RISE grant. The RISE grant provides opportunities for groups and
organizations to build capacity and demonstrate financial accountability, which will
increase their chances of success when applying for future grants.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM The 2022 Tier 2 community grant program was advertised on the
on social media and in Kitchener Life. A new promotional strategy featuring testimonials
from previous grant recipients was used in an attempt to reach new demographic groups
and demonstrate, through storytelling, the benefits that participation in the community grant
program can afford to new and emerging groups. Previous Tier 2 grant recipients were
informed of the 2022 application process. The virtual presentation about Tier 2 grants
allowed applicants to learn about the program at their convenience and in the safety of their
own location.
given the opportunity to appeal their allocation via an online form.
This report has been posted to the
/ committee meeting.
CONSULT The PSRC provided invaluable expertise throughout the assessment process.
Their commitment and dedication are very much appreciated.
ENTRUST Through the provision of grants, community groups/organizations are entrusted
to deliver valued programs, initiatives and services to the community.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
CSD-18-088 Community Grants Appeal Process Update
FIN-GRA-525 Community Investment Policy
APPROVED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO, Community Services Department
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A CSD-2022-119 2022 Community Grants (Tier 2) Appendix A
Appendix A: CSD-2022-119
2022 Community Grants (Tier 2)
Final grant
Type of final
Type of grant recommendation
Organization nameGrant requestgrant
request(after appeal
recommendation
process)
Action For Women and $9,500$4,000
Family Foundation
Arts4All (Afterschool Art $7,000$7,000
Program)
Arts4All (Young@rt) $3,000$3,000
Association of Liberian $11,000($10,000 cash, $0
Immigrants in Kitchener $1,000 in kind)
Belmont Village Bestival$20,000($15,000 cash, $7,000($5,000 cash,
$5,000 in kind)$2,000 in kind)
Bereaved Families of $15,000$0
Ontario - Midwestern
Big Brothers Big Sisters of $5,984($5,000 cash, $5,984($5,000 cash,
Waterloo Region$984 in kind)$984 in kind)
Brain Injury Association $3,000$2,125
Waterloo-Wellington
Bulgarian Folk Dance $4,000($1,500 cash, $2,500(in kind)
School (Hopa-Tropa, Eha-$2,500 in kind)
Ha)
Café Philo (Kitchener)$1,530$1,530
Canadian Arabic Orchestra, $20,000$5,000
Caribbean Dreams Concert$8,000($6,500 cash, $5,000($3,500 cash,
$1,500 in kind)$1,500 in kind)
Central Frederick $5,046($1,895 cash, $5,046($2,008 cash,
Neighbourhood Association$3,151 in kind)$3,038 in kind)
Cherry Park Neighbourhood $2,552(in kind)$2,552($2,055 cash,
Association (Cherry $497 in kind)
Chicopee Ski Club, The$4,830$0
Community Coalition on $3,500($2,500 cash, $3,500($2,650 cash,
Refugee and Immigrant $1,000 in kind)$850 in kind)
Concerns
Community Kitchen Co-$9,700$7,720
operative Kitchener
Waterloo Inc.
Crossroads Productions$1,780($1,000 cash, $1,780($1,600 cash,
$780 in kind)$180 in kind)
Cycling into the Future$5,000$5,000
DiverseWorks Dance Co.$7,500$5,000
Dog Friendly KW$7,600($3,000 cash, $4,600($500 cash,
$4,600 in kind)$4,100 in kind)
For Hungarians in Canada $11,500($3,000 cash, $0
Association$8,500 in kind)
Frontier College$5,000$0
Grand Philharmonic Choir$5,000$2,500
Grand River Film Festival$5,000$5,000
Grand River Flamenco Fest$5,500($4,000 cash, $4,000
$1,500 in kind)
Hohner Avenue Porch Party$4,100($4,000 cash, $4,100
$100 in kind)
Home (on the Range) Story $8,468($4,800 cash, $3,668($2,388 cash,
Kitchen$3,668 in kind)$1,280 in kind)
Hope For Community $12,000($10,000 cash, $0
Development$2,000 in kind)
HopeSpring Cancer Support $11,000($1,000 cash, $10,000(in kind)
Centre$10,000 in kind)
Inter Arts Matrix$6,500$0
Irish Real Life Festival$6,000$4,000
JM Drama Alumni$10,000$10,000
Keep Your Head Up $5,000$2,500
Kind Minds Family Wellness$7,500$7,500
Appendix A: CSD-2022-119
2022 Community Grants (Tier 2)
Final grant
Type of final
Type of grant recommendation
Organization nameGrant requestgrant
request(after appeal
recommendation
process)
Kitchener Public Library $7,500$0
(Mel Brown Festival)
KW Art Gallery$3,000$3,000
Levant$7,600$0
Midtown Radio$6,500$4,000
Nigerians in the Region of $7,000$3,000
Waterloo
NoteWorthy Singers$2,000$2,000
Optimist Club of Southwest $1,250(in kind)$1,250(in kind)
Kitchener
Rainbow Reels Queer and $3,500($2,700 cash, $3,500
Trans Film Festival$800 in kind)
Red Maple Senior Club$1,700$1,700
Red Raccoon Bike Rescue$5,186$4,000
Studio D20$5,000$2,000
Schneider Creek Porch $4,716($3,356 cash, $4,360($3,400 cash,
Party$1,360 in kind)$960 in kind)
St. Mary's Parish - Tiny $30,000$0
Home Takeout
Twin City Spinners $5,000$2,500
Wheelchair Basketball Club
Unwrap Theatre$4,000$2,000
Upper 59 Productions (Rock $16,174($10,300 cash, $0
Revival Music of the Ages)$5,874 in kind)
Waterloo Organization of $4,600(in kind)$2,300(in kind)
Disc Sports
Wired World Incorporated / $7,500$5,000
CKWR 98.5 FM
Totals$380,316$172,215