For those with an idea on how to raise the quality of life for Lacombians through recreational and cultural activities, they can apply for a grant from the City until the end of the month.
The City has been allotted $12,500 to distribute through the community. Applications must be in by Feb. 28th. The application can be downloaded from the City of Lacombe web site under the Recreation & Culture tab. Information on where to send completed forms is available in the same place.
“I think it’s important for everyone to know that it has to be a new program or initiative. It needs to be new and it needs to provide benefits to our community so that people see a higher quality of life, as a result of recreation and culture initiatives,” said Sandi Stewart, recreation and culture manager for the City of Lacombe.
“The more things that are applicable - that might help make the application stronger. That might look like getting kids outside more and into nature more, because that is a positive thing. The initiative could promote positive aging, or intergenerational participation – those are positive things. It is somewhat weighted on what good is going to come out of the program. This is all based on our 2013 recreation and culture master plan.”
Last year was the first year the grant was introduced and it was utilized to bring to life programs such as Music in the Park, the FCSS Pass Program and the Bill Nielsen Trail Run. In its first year, the grant program had $10,000 in available funds, which was increased for 2015.
The grant could also be used for programs that draw communities together. Last year, Lacombe’s Neighbourhood Life program was sponsored because the aim was to get more community members involved with each other.
The primary idea of the grant is that it will be used for programs that heighten the quality of life of those who it reaches.
“There is no specific amount that each group wins. We distribute the funds as needed after looking at applications. This year, our deadline is February 28th because we thought it was best to get everybody’s application in at once. People can call me prior to doing work on the applications if they need to. Call me at 430-782-1266,” Stewart said.
There are a large variety of programs that might be eligible so check with Stewart to see if an application would be appropriate.