HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-11 Grant Program
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Grants/Scholarships/Awards/Donation 15-11 1 of 4
Policy Title Date: Motion
No.
Grant Program Policy April 14,2026 94/26
Purpose:
Establish a program that supports community-driven initiatives, events, youth activities, and capital
improvements that enhance the social, cultural, recreational, and community well-being of Kneehill County.
Policy Guidelines/Procedures:
1. Program Categories
Funding under this policy may be provided for the following categories:
• Community Capital Project Grants – short-term, project-based capital initiatives by eligible non-profit
and community organizations.
• Rural Community Hall Capital Grants – capital improvements to eligible rural community halls.
• Community & Event Sponsorships – support for community, cultural, recreational, and
neighbourhood events organized by eligible non-profit or community groups.
• Youth-Focused Initiatives – programs, events, or activities delivered by eligible organizations that
primarily benefit youth aged 6–18.
2. Eligibility
2.1. Eligible Applicants
a) Non-profit organizations, societies, or associations operating within Kneehill County including
Urban neighbors, provided the project or event takes place within Kneehill County boundaries.
b) Rural community hall associations recognized by Kneehill County listed in Policy 15-13, Rural
Community Hall Operating Grant
c) Community groups or organizations hosting events or activities within Kneehill County
2.2. Ineligible Applicants
a) Individuals
b) Businesses
c) Religious organizations; however, we will consider organizations with religious affiliations that are
seeking funding for non-denominational initiative that is open to the community-at-large.
d) Organizations that have received grant funding exceeding $1,000 in the previous calendar year
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Grants/Scholarships/Awards/Donation 15-11 2 of 4
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Grant Program Policy April 14,2026 94/26
e) The project must not result in the creation of, or improvements to, an asset that is fully owned by
a municipality.
i) Applications that include capital improvements to land and/or facilities must provide a current
Certificate of Title confirming that the property is not municipally owned.
f) Projects that support political activities, fundraising events, or private interests
g) Organizations with political affiliations
3. Funding & Cost-Sharing Requirements
3.1. Matching Contributions
a) Community Capital Project Funding:
i) Applicants must contribute a minimum of 50% of the total eligible project cost.
ii) Matching contributions may include cash, in-kind volunteer labour, donated materials, or
equipment
iii) Projects must be completed within one year of approval.
iv) Applicants must present their request to Council at a Council Meeting.
b) Rural Community Hall Capital Projects:
i) Applicants must contribute a minimum of 25% of the total eligible project cost.
ii) Matching contributions may include cash, in-kind volunteer labour, donated materials, or
equipment.
iii) Projects must be completed within one year of approval.
iv) Applicants must present their request to Council at a Council Meeting.
c) Community & Event Sponsorship & Youth Focused Initiatives
i) For requests over $1,000, applicants may be required to contribute a minimum of 50% of the
total eligible project cost; this requirement may be waived at Council’s discretion.
ii) Matching contributions may include cash, volunteer labour, donated services, or materials
directly related to the project.
iii) Applications may be presented to Council by Administration. Applicants may also request the
opportunity to present directly to Council; however, a presentation by the applicant is not
mandatory.
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Grants/Scholarships/Awards/Donation 15-11 3 of 4
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Grant Program Policy April 14,2026 94/26
3.2. Valuation of In-Kind Contributions
a) Unskilled labour: $20/hour
b) Skilled labour: $35/hour
c) Donated materials or professional services: verified fair market value
d) Donated heavy equipment (including operator): $70/hour
4. Funding Authority & Approval
4.1. Requests for Community & Event Sponsorship funding of $250 or less may be approved by the Chief
Administrative Officer (CAO), to ensure timely responses to community organizations with short
timelines.
4.2. Council will be provided with a summary of all CAO-approved grants through the Council Information
Package.
4.3. Any requests greater than $250 require Council approval by resolution.
4.4. Total program funding will be determined annually by Council through the budget process.
4.5. Once the annual funding allocation is fully committed, no further applications will be accepted.
5. Application & Review Process
5.1. Applications are accepted year-round, subject to available funding
5.2. All applicants must complete the official grant application form and provide:
a) Project or event description
b) Budget and funding sources
c) Community benefit and expected outcomes
5.3. Administration will review applications for eligibility and completeness.
5.4. Eligible applications exceeding the CAO approval limit will be forwarded to Council for consideration.
6. Disbursement & Reporting
6.1. Grant funds must be used solely for the approved project, event, or activity.
6.2. Approved recipients receiving funding through either the Community Capital Project Grant or the
Rural Community Hall Capital Grant program are required to submit a brief final report and a financial
summary within one year of approval.
6.3. No further funding will be provided to an organization until the required final report has been
received.
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Grants/Scholarships/Awards/Donation 15-11 4 of 4
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Grant Program Policy April 14,2026 94/26
6.4. Any unused or unapproved funds must be returned to Kneehill County.
7. Extensions
7.1. If the organization is unable to complete a capital project or activity within the current year, a written
request for an extension must be submitted.
7.2. Extensions may be approved by the CAO, with Council informed of the decision.
7.3. Failure to complete the project or obtain an extension may result in the organization repaying the
funds and being ineligible for future grants.
Approved: April 14, 2026 94/26
Review Date: April 14, 2030