Groups in Chatham-Kent that are planning to hold events next year can now apply for some extra funding to make it happen.
The municipality is accepting applications from local groups seeking funding for community events to be held in 2023 through the Together CK: Events Grant Program.
The program was previously known as the Community Partnership Fund: Festival & Events and was founded in 2000.
Groups are invited to apply for funding of up to 50 per cent of an event’s cost to a maximum of $5,000. Significant events, with attendance levels in excess of 25,000 people, can qualify for up to 50 per cent of expenses for the first $10,000 of the budget and 25 per cent of the balance of the budget, to a maximum of $25,000.
According to a media release from the municipality, Chatham-Kent council allocates funds each year through a competitive process. All applications will be reviewed by a committee composed of citizens and representatives from various municipal departments.
In 2022, four "significant events" received were approved for a combined total of $82,000 in funding including Crowfest, the Downtown Dresden Night Market Series, RetroFest and WAMBO.
Twelve "community events" were approved for a total of $48,610 in funding including the Blenheim Senior Fair/Expo, BrewFest 2022 and the Chatham Minor Baseball Association 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Meanwhile, 18 "Community Projects" were approved for $137,335 in funding including the Chatham Kent Women's Centre Improvement Project, upgrades to the Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association's new community centre and the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent's Healthy Eating Program.
Anyone looking to learn more about the Together CK: Events Grant Program is invited to attend one of two virtual information sessions. The sessions are scheduled for September 28 at 12 p.m. and October 5 at 6 p.m. More information on how to attend a session can be received by emailing ckpartnership@chatham-kent.ca
The deadline for applications for funding is October 13 at 4:30 p.m. Grant guidelines and the online application can be found by clicking here.
