Local organizations made their case to Whistler’s council Tuesday (March 5) for the municipal Community Enrichment Program (CEP), which aims to provide funding to non-profit groups that are deemed to contribute to the overall advantage and general interest of the resort.
“I think it’s really beneficial for all of the applicants who are applying for these funds to hear what everyone else is applying for as well,” said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden to representatives of 25 different community organizations gathered in the Franz Wilhelmsen Theatre in Millennium Place. “Hopefully there will be an appreciation of where all these monies are going, and some lessons as well as to what constitutes a good presentation.”
Applicants must be a registered non-profit society and must provide the municipality with an itemized budget detailing how the grant will be spent. They must also raise a minimum of 50 per cent of their annual budget from outside sources. Funding will not be approved for special events.
The CEP is meant to align with Whistler2020, the resort’s comprehensive long-term sustainability plan. In their presentation, applicants outlined how their programs promote sustainability and support the Whistler2020 vision.
In 2012, the resort municipality received 29 applications totalling $323,494. The municipality awarded $143,700 in funding to 27 different non-profit groups.
Successful applicants in 2013 must report back to council by Dec. 31 to outline how the grant was spent.
CEP funds will be awarded no later than April 30 this year.
