ERIN – Council wants to increase its total community grant budget by almost $10,000 in 2025.
Following a notice of motion from Coun. Jamie Cheyne last month, councillors have asked staff to deliver a report on the feasibility of budgeting up to $30,000 for the 2025 Community Grant Program, which they would review annually.
Citing the cost of living and the town's increasing population during an Erin council meeting Thursday evening, Cheyne said he made the motion because the town keeps receiving more funding requests for new events like Pride as it's grown and he anticipates the trend will continue.
"I'd be amazed in another five years if the requests are not a lot higher and we might have to change our targets," said Cheyne, during the meeting. "But I think we need to grow this budget with our community."
According to Cheyne, the town's annual community grant budget has been $20,500 for the last five years.
In 2024, the town received 21 community grant applications requesting $42,650 between them.
Most organizations received between $500 and $1,000, although Erin District Lions Club, Hillsburgh/Erin Skating Club, Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey and the Over Here Community Arts Adventure each got approximately $2,000.
The town also receives funds from the Blue Trition Community Grant, which amounted to $58,446 in 2024 and will help facilitate this year's Canada Day celebrations, Main Street beautification and a street reopening ceremony.
Staff will return with a report on the feasibility of budgeting up to $30,000 for the 2025 community grant program at a future meeting.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
