Oshawa modernizing its municipal grants and support programs

Oshawa is re-vamping its community grants program after a staff report said they were “difficult to apply for,” inconsistent, and in need of “modernization.”

Community members are invited to learn more and provide their feedback about a new City grants program being proposed for community groups and organizations in Oshawa.

The City provides financial support for community groups and organizations such as the Canadian Automotive Museum and Durham Outlook for the Needy, as well as services like snow-clearing and grass-cutting for seniors through a variety of programs.

After a recent review of the programs, staff is recommending that current programs for Anchor Grants, Partnership Grants, Waiving of Fees and Financial Assistance be eliminated and replaced with new categories:

• Arts, Culture and Heritage Events– funds to host a free and innovative gathering or event with elements associated with education, public awareness, information/resource sharing, and /or capacity development. (proposed funding of $100,000)
• Arts, Culture and Heritage– Cultural Development Projects and Special Initiatives – one time funding to cover costs associated with a project or special initiative that supports cultural development in Oshawa. (proposed funding of $50,000)
• Strong Inclusive Communities– funds to support initiatives/events that directly assist residents in need such as food banks, food drives, social services and housing. (proposed funding of $100,000)
• Fundraising Events– in-kind services for the use of Oshawa facilities/spaces for general fundraising events (proposed funding of $50,000)

If approved, the new program will include a cross-functional grant committee of staff members from across the organization. This will ensure a multi-faceted review of the applications and the equitable allocation of funds and/or in-kind services.

Residents and business owners are invited to visit www.oshawa.ca/partnerships-and-grants to learn more about the proposed grant program and are encouraged to provide feedback and ask questions by emailing [email protected].

Feedback will be received until noon on Thursday, October 7 and will be considered in a future report to the City’s Finance Committee.

Community members who prefer to share their feedback on paper or over the phone are asked to contact Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311 during business hours to be directed to Finance Services.