Non-profit and community groups in Coquitlam will get a funding boost this year thanks to the city’s Spirit Grant program.
More than $244,000 is being doled out — including $107,242 to the Societe Francophone de Maillardville for the 2020 Festival du Bois — for organization’s with events or programs that operate in the city.
Seventeen groups were chosen out of 25 that applied for funding, asking for more than a total of $572,000. Those that received the award were chosen based on the Spirit Grant guidelines and how their projects align with the city’s strategic goals.
The 2020 grants include:
• $82,974 to the United Scottish Cultural Society for the 2020 B.C. Highland Games;
• $3,100 to the Hyack Swim Club to host the Lower Mainland Regional Championship;
•$1,268 to the Hoy Scott Watershed Society for the annual Salmon Leave Home event;
• and $1,195 to the Lions Water Polo club for tournament and referee development.
Grants issued for 2019 include:
• $11,500 to the Golden Maple Culture and Arts Association for a Chinese New Year gala;
• $8,000 to the Coquitlam Curling Association for a feasibility study for a new facility;
• $6,642 to the Coquitlam Minor Softball Association for program equipment;
• $5,000 to the Kateslem Youth Society for the youth kayaking program;
• $4,293 to the Coquitlam Minor Lacrosse Association for the 2019 Box Lacrosse Nationals;
• $3,614 to the Coquitlam Farmers Market for the Grow Local program;
• $3,326 to the Lightning Speed Skating Club for equipment;
• $1,822 to Access Youth Services for program supplies;
• $1,700 to the Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society for materials for the Adab Persian Educational and Cultural Centre;
• $1,116 to the Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. for its PERK activity training for Coquitlam Stroke Recovery Club volunteers;
• $1,000 to the Baker Drive Pack for a community Halloween fireworks display;
• and $633 to the Coquitlam Optimist Club to host a free community skate at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
The Spirit of Coquitlam Grant program was started in 2002 and is funded through the city’s casino host agreement. As part of the deal, Coquitlam receives 10% of revenues from the Hard Rock Casino, of which 12.5% is dedicated to the community capital fund, which operates the city’s tourism and Spirit Grant programs.
Over the last 17 years, the city has awarded $8.5 million to more than 200 community organizations with projects and initiatives in the municipality.
