By Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – Council took advantage of their last opportunity to spend some money by dealing with the latest intake of Community Grant applications. Council weighed the merits of four grant requests for a total of $6,274, granting two applicants the full amount and directing to work with the Morinville Community Cultural Centre to promote the programs.
Under it’s current form, the Community Grant Program offers a maximum $2,500 grant to groups, organizations and individuals who add value to the community by hosting events or representing the community locally, regionally, provincially or nationally. Council also voted Sept. 10 to revise the program, which carries an annual budget of $27,500.
Money for nature
In a 5-0 vote, Council approved a $2,500 request from Nature Alberta to establish a Morinville and Area Young Naturalists Club, a new offering that would allow area youth to discover nature first hand. The club plans to use Morinville’s open spaces, parks and the Morinville Fish and Game Association pond to explore the natural surroundings of the community. The Morinville club will be one of many established throughout Alberta.
Money for art
Council voted 5-0 in favour of a $2,000 request from the Sturgeon Hospital Foundation to support their Celebrating Life and Art Gala, an event that takes place Sept. 27 during Alberta Culture Days.
The annual fundraising event for the Sturgeon Hospital showcases the work of local and regional artists, and the revenues from the gala assist in providing funds for new technology, equipment and programs at the Sturgeon Hospital in St. Albert.
Council’s funding includes a $650 in-kind sponsorship and $1,350 in grant funding.
No money for art
Zentangle, an art form built of structured patterns, did not receive the $950 in grant funding the Morinville Art Club was hoping for Sept. 10, monies the club said it would use to promote the inexpensive art form during an event. Instead, the idea received the support of Council and Community Services to be brought forward to the community as a program offering.
Council accepted Administration’s recommendation to have the Morinville Art Club work with the Town to cover advertising and rent through community avenues to reduce expenses.It was felt a nominal fee for would cover the remaining to make the program available in the community.
No money for art, part deux
Council also decided to pass on an $824 grant request from the Morinville Youth Art Club, monies needed to help keep costs down for budding young artists.
Administration recommended that “the funding request can be covered by the organization by reducing advertising costs and utilizing community advertising such as the Community Services Program Guide, community boards, school newsletters.”
Council went with staff recommendations and will support the program internally through a partnership with the cultural centre and community services.
