Queens County non-profit groups can now apply for municipal grants

The Seaside Centre in Beach Meadows was one of the community groups last year that received a grant through the operating investment fund. (Rick Conrad photo)

By Rick Conrad

Non-profit groups in Queens County who need help with some expenses can now apply for the operating investment fund through the municipality’s community investment fund.

The deadline for the operating fund is Jan. 31.

The region is also holding an information session about the various funding options available, at the Seaside Centre in Beach Meadows on Jan. 22 from 2-4 p.m. To register, email ssereda@regionofqueens.com.

Under the community investment fund, annual cash grants are awarded to non-profits or societies in Queens County focused on sports or recreation, education, environment, culture, community, heritage or social activities.

Groups can apply under five different categories: capital, operational, event or tournament, training, and travel assistance. 

There are three different funding levels in the operating grant category, depending on what the money is used for: Up to $10,000 annually for groups that own their own facility or have a long-term lease where programs or services are well established; up to $5,000 for community groups to offer year-round services; and up to $1,000 for groups to offer new or expanded programs or seasonal services for residents.

Mayor Darlene Norman says it’s a great opportunity for groups throughout the region to help with certain expenses.

“There seems to be the same groups applying year after year and it’s my thought that there may be other groups who are unaware that these grants do exist for them, so I strongly encourage anyone with non-profit organizations who are struggling with their non-profit expenses to investigate this very good grant opportunity which is funded by the taxpayers of the Region of Queens.”

Nine community groups were approved last year for up to $60,000 operational funding.

More information and application forms are available at regionofqueens.com. 

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

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