City of Kelowna General operating Grants Program

Deadline: 30-Nov-21

The City of Kelowna is seeking applications for its General Operating Grants Program to support the operations of the organization but is not to be used for start-up, events or capital projects.

This grant acknowledges the work these organizations do and how they positively contribute to Kelowna's quality of life, identity and economy. Grants are extended to recipients who demonstrate vision, accountability and a spirit of community service in their operations.

The City of Kelowna’s Active Living & Culture Division administers a number of grant programs and services for the community which:

encourage active healthy lifestyles
build strong neighbourhoods
nurture lifelong participation in sport
enhance cultural vibrancy
facilitate development of events
enhance social sustainability
support effective management and operation of sport, recreation and cultural facilities

Objective

This program aims to provide assistance to non-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations which provide impactful, quality programs and services, demonstrate sustainable operations and contribute to the realization of the City’s cultural vision.

Funding Information

General Operating grants are available for up to a maximum of $10,000. Funding is not guaranteed from year to year and may vary dramatically.

Eligibility Criteria

Organizations participating in this program are Kelowna-based, established, non-profit arts, culture, or heritage organizations that have a mission to:
- develop, create, produce, present and disseminate artistic work in any artistic discipline (Indigenous arts, community arts, dance, interdisciplinary, literary, media, multidisciplinary, music, theatre, visual arts or fibre arts);
- create, provide or facilitate events, materials, communications and/or services which interpret and convey the human history of Kelowna and/or foster preservation, stewardship and public interpretation and appreciation of heritage knowledge, assets, collections and sites;
- provide public education, programs, events or services focused on awareness, appreciation and celebration of Indigenous heritage and culture, multiculturalism, including language, traditions and artforms;
- develop and deliver programs and services which provide quality arts, culture or heritage experiences for participants living with chronic or permanent health conditions or disabilities which may limit their access to programs and services designed for the general population; or
- provide services or resources in support of artists and cultural organizations in the areas of research, information, professional development, networking, administration, audience development, marketing and communications.
To participate in this program, the organization must:
- be a registered non-profit society or a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and be registered for at least one (1) year at the time of the application deadline;
- be physically located, have an active presence and have the majority of its programs and services delivered within the City of Kelowna for at least one (1) year at the time of the application deadline;
- have a mandate and carry out activities which are consistent with the 2020-2025 Cultural Plan;
- be committed to providing arts, culture or heritage opportunities to Kelowna residents without exclusion of anyone by reason of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, disability or income;
- have an independent Board of Directors composed of volunteers and representative of its mission and audience. Directors must:
  - Meet the minimum statutory requirements imposed by the relevant incorporation statute (i.e. BC Societies Act); and
  - Not be remunerated for their services as Director (except for reimbursement of reasonable expenses) nor hold concurrent staff positions.
- have fulfilled all reporting requirements for any previous grants from the City of Kelowna; and
- demonstrate financial support from private or public sector sources other than the City of Kelowna.