Sooke council has approved changes to its community grants program policy and the way it receives grant applications, the district announced.
The amended policy aims to streamline and simplify the application and review process for handing out community grants, which formerly had two categories.
Existing category A grant recipients will be automatically considered for 2017 funding, without the need to re-apply. All other local not-for-profit groups seeking community grant funding for 2017 must submit an application by March 15.
All grants moving forward will be to a maximum of $7,000. Grants will be considered on their individual merits, as long as Council feels they are in the spirit of the policy, said Gabryel Joseph, director of corporate services.
Up until recently, applicants presented to the grant committee, the grant committee deliberated back and forth, then it went before council. Those community groups were then required to come to council again to clarify any questions that may arise.
“I see this as a way of streamlining it and making it easier for all our community groups to present to council and have that dialogue right then and there,” said Coun. Bev Berger.