Vernon council is set to decide on funding for the biannual Council Discretionary Grants (CDGs).
The following grants will be approved, pending council approval:
- B.C. Wildfire Foundation - $8,000 (of a requested $18,000), for the purchase of one NASP standard archery kit for use in a Vernon school.
- Family Resource Centre Society for North Okanagan - $2,700 for the purchase of panic buttons.
- Kalamalka Starfish Society - $8,250 (of a requested $15,000) for the food costs related to 11 of 20 schools.
- North Okanagan Pipes and Drums - $5,000 for uniform purchases.
- Okanagan Quality of Life Society - $3,000 (of a requested $6,300) for the purchase of computers, printers and software.
- Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Vernon - $1,561.12 for costume purchases.
- Vernon Community Band (VCB) - $4,000 for regular program funding.
- Vernon Amateur Athletics Association - $5,000 for the purchase of high jump mats and hurdles.
- Vernon Lawn Bowling - $2,000 for the purchase of a new fridge and sink.
- Vernon Paddling Centre Society - $2,000 to support the Adapative Paddling wheelchair porta potty rental program.
- Vernon She Shed Society - $10,000 (of requested $20,000) for the purchase of new equipment.
Administration is recommending that the Hope Air request for $15,000, Mackie Lake House Foundation request for $5,000 and Vernon Montessori Society request for $10,000 will be denied due to limited funds available.
Additionally, a $75,000 request from the Salvation Army should be denied as "no audited financial statements were provided with the application as required in the policy."
Total funds available for CDGs are $100,000 for the year. The city finance committee recommends the allocation of $47,911.12 for the CDGS, with the remainder to be held until the next grant intake, in the fall.
Each year, the city may award CDGs to organizations for funding of a program, project or capital expenditure. Preference is given to organizations that are not receiving local government funding, such as regional funding and grants or other assistance from the city.
The next intake application deadline is Oct. 31, 2025.
