New Grant Program Supports City Partners

Recognizing the increasing financial challenges faced by The City of Calgary’s partners, $17.1 million has been allocated from the community investment fund toward the creation of a new Civic Partner Grant Program. This grant provides financial assistance with maintenance needs and upgrades so valuable programs, facilities and services can continue to be provided in safe and healthy environments for all Calgarians to enjoy.

 

“The City partners with not-for-profit organizations for the common goal of providing recreation, entertainment, arts and culture, heritage and history, and educational opportunities – things that contribute to making a great city,” says Alderman Gian-Carlo Carra with The City of Calgary.

 

“To offer all the things that enrich our lives is a collective effort and something The City cannot do alone. Through partnership, we make an important contribution to the community and the life of Calgarians.”

 

Six partners received a total of $5.326 million from the Civic Partner Grant this year to assist them with an array of maintenance needs that varied in scope, size and cost. Monies were used for projects such as the repair or replacement of roofs, elevators, electrical systems, security and fire systems, foundations, lighting, benches and pathways.

Partners who received funding from the Civic Partner Grant Program in 2012 included:

“When we receive this generous support through the community investment fund, it allows us to continue to invest earned revenue in other areas of zoo operations such as caring for our animals and education. As I promised Calgarians in 2010, we will build a better Calgary Zoo and this support from City Council has contributed to accomplishing that goal,” says Dr. Clément Lanthier, President and CEO of The Calgary Zoo.

 

Civic Partner Grant recipients are selected annually according to projects with the greatest need as identified through a rigorous Council-approved prioritization process. The Culture, Recreation and Parks Infrastructure Investment Plan (CPRIIP), informs and supports in the allocation of funding based on criteria such as need, project readiness and availability of matching funds. Civic Partners who hold a lease or licence of occupation with The City of Calgary and have been invited to participate in the CPRIIP process are eligible for grant funding.

 

Created by City Council on July 25, 2011, the community investment fund will invest $252 million from 2012 to 2016 into tangible and useful community improvements on things like libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and emergency services.

 

Onward/ City Council has created a long-term sustainable funding pool to address both new and existing community infrastructure needs. | imagineCALGARYvision: By  2036, Calgary repairs facilities, increases the number of amenities and spaces that encourage human interaction, and upgrades personal protective equipment for emergency responders.

 

For more information, visit calgary.ca/communityinvestmentfund