Region calling for grant proposals for innovative community programs

WATERLOO REGION — The Region of Waterloo is putting out a call for grant proposals from community groups with innovative ideas.

This is the first round for the Community Innovation Grant Program, which earmarks a maximum of $50,000 annually from the region’s operating budget to fund new programs that address pressing needs in the community.

“Over the years, it’s been sort of ad hoc,” Regional Chair Ken Seiling said Tuesday.

“The last few years, we just didn’t have money to entertain new grant applications.”

Now there’s a “standing pot of money” to make funding available for new initiatives.

The one-time grants will go to support nonprofit community organizations, partnerships, collaborations and networks undertaking innovative projects that align with the region’s strategic plan objectives.

They’ll have two years from the granting of the award to complete the project.

Priority will be given to proposals that closely match the selection criteria, including potential for long-term impact, measurable outcomes, avoiding overlap with existing services, demonstrating sustainability, involving collaboration and leveraging funding from other sources.

“There will be a panel that will review them all,” Seiling said.

A recommendation on how to allocate the funding is expected to be presented to the administration and finance committee by early December, followed by consideration by regional council.

The application process opens on Monday and closes Oct. 27.

Interested groups will need to fill out an application form developed for the program.