The deadline to apply for a community grant is quickly approaching, but few applications have been received so far.
The Rotary Club of Sarnia Bluewaterland has been accepting applications for the revised and increased Community Grant program.
Now that the club is able to host major fundraisers again after two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Chairperson Thomas Robitaille said the club has revised its budget to try and include more community groups.
"Because we're trying to reach a broader audience, we set a [budget] limit at $30,000 and the board has agreed to revisit that amount depending on the response and demand," he said.
Robitaille said as of Monday, about six applications were submitted. He's hoping they'll receive more this week before the September 30th deadline.
However, Robitaille said if Friday is too soon, there is another round of funding with a deadline scheduled for March 31, 2023.
Interested organizations are encouraged to provide "as much detail as possible" when submitting an application.
"Depending on the project, is it sustainable? We find that those are things that sometimes are omitted and it would certainly be a positive if that could be included or clearly set out in the application," said Robitaille.
The goal of the grant program is to help groups who are looking to make a difference in the community.
Past grant recipients in the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022 include the Boys and Girls Club Sarnia Lambton, Habitat for Humanity's build program, Literacy Lambton, Sarnia Alliance Against Hate, and River City Vineyard.
Further details about the program can be found on the club's website.
Applications can be submitted via email at RotaryBWLCommunityService@gmail.com.
