Quick Reference Guide to City of Nanaimo Funding Sources

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1 Travel Assistance Grant Program The purpose of this program is to assist amateur groups and individuals to travel to a Regional, National or International Championship. Preference will be given to multi-day events. The current policy provides up to $100 per person to a maximum of $2,000 per group for travel outside of BC, or $50 per person to a maximum of $1,000 per group for travel off Vancouver Island but within BC. must be the winner of a Regional, Provincial or National competition (or equivalent); must be attending a Regional, National or International championship; travel within BC must have an overnight component; there must be other sources of funding; grant recipients must reside in Nanaimo; the application must be made by a local organization; grants are for participants only, not coaches or chaperones; must be a demonstrated financial need; and must be a non-profit organization. Requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis as funds remain available. Applications are processed upon receipt. Quick Reference Guide to City of Nanaimo Funding Sources PLEASE NOTE * While this document provides a summary of City-based grants available to the community, readers should verify the accuracy of the content with the appropriate department contacts (as noted under each program). Further, the grants listed in this guide is not an exhaustive list of services available in the community, and users are encouraged to explore other options available to them. This brochure was created as a community resource by the City of Nanaimo s Culture and Heritage Department. Please contact cultureandheritage@nanaimo.ca to remove, add or update information contained in this brochure. Last updated: October 2015 For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Manager of Recreation Services directly at

2 Culture & Heritage Operating Grant Program The purpose this program is to help underpin the activities of professional arts, culture and heritage organizations that play a significant role in contributing to the culture profile and economic vitality of Nanaimo. Eligible applicants can receive up to 25% of their total operating budget. Applications are reviewed by the City s Culture & Heritage Commission, with recommendations approved by Council. Organizations applying for funding must: be based in Nanaimo and incorporated in good standing (provincially and/ or federally) as a non-profit Canadian arts, culture or heritage organization with a mandate to serve the public; be in operation for at least three (3) years; offer year-round operation / seasonal public programming and / or services to artists; and show evidence of support from other sources (public and / or private). Three-year funding is available to established non-profit professional* culture and heritage organizations that have been in existence for at least four (4) years. Applicants must have received at least one annual grant through the City s Culture & Heritage Funding Program; have an arts, culture and heritage mandate should this funding be removed; be recognized for excellence in their artistic discipline; provide annual programming to the community; demonstrate long-range financial stability on a year-round basis; be able to articulate long-term artistic visioning and planning; & receive operating funding from the provincial & / or federal level. * A professional organization is defined as organizations that employ professional artists and pay industry standard artist fees and have paid administrative staff. Applications are accepted once per year (usually in October of the previous year). Specific intake dates vary from year to year. Contact the Culture & Heritage Department directly for specific dates. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Coordinator directly at or chris.barfoot@nanaimo.ca. Information is also available online at Grants Advisory Committee Programs The City of Nanaimo, in cooperation with the Regional District of Nanaimo, maintains an annual program to award civic grant funding to eligible non-profit organizations operating in the City of Nanaimo. There are three categories: Security Check Grants; Other Grants; and Permissive Tax Exemptions. Programs and services are evaluated on the basis of need, appropriateness and demonstrated effectiveness. All grants are for a one-year period or less, with the exception of PTE s. Most Other Grants awarded are between $100 and $5,000. Applications are reviewed by the GAC, with recommendations approved by Council. Criteria Permissive Tax Exemptions: Applications must meet requirements of the Community Charter. Eligible applications are reviewed and evaulated by the GAC on the basis of financial need, appropriateness and service provided to the local community. Other Grants: Large # of volunteers; Registered non-profit society; Sound financial & admin management; Demonstrated financial need; Accessible to large portion of community; Other source of financial support; Must be local in focus and comply with City of Nanaimo bylaws and policies; and Cash grant not provided if org. receives a PTE or where the facility is provided by the City free of charge or reduced rate. Not withstanding the above statement, orgs. facing critical financial difficulties are eligible to apply for emergency funding. Permissive Tax Exemptions: Applications must be received by June 30th, to be considered for an exemption for the next taxation year. Other Grants: Although there is no official deadline, funds are limited and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the City s Revenue Manager for specific intake dates. For more information, please contact the City s Revenue Manager directly at or diane.hiscock@nanamo.ca.

3 Social Development Grant Program The purpose of this program is to support activities, initiatives and programs that address key social issues facing the community. Eligible applicants can receive up to $60,000. Applications are reviewed by the City s Social Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) with recommendations approved by Council. The criteria by which these grants are allocated is determined by the SPAC each fall. In previous years, grants have been allocated to address issues such as: suicide prevention; poverty reduction; sexual exploitation of vulnerable individuals; social isolation; low cost dental care; and, food security. These grants are advertised for once per year (winter). Contact the Social Planner directly for specific intake dates and criteria. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Social Planner directly at john.horn@nanaimo.ca or Culture & Heritage Project Grants The purpose of this program is to assist culture and heritage organizations in the realization of specific projects to benefit the public, contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of Nanaimo. Eligible applicants can receive up to 25% of their total project budget. Applications are reviewed by the City s Culture & Heritage Commission, with recommendations approved by Council. Organizations applying for funding must: be based in Nanaimo & incorporated in good standing (provincially and / or federally) as a non-profit Canadian arts, culture or heritage organization with a mandate to serve the public; be in operation for minimum of one (1) year; have successfully produced and documented at least 1 prior project/event; show evidence of support from other sources (public and/or private, cash and/or in kind); new and emerging groups will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Special Circumstances: Organizations that receive Operating grant support are eligible, in some circumstances 1, to apply to the following Project grant types: Collaborations and Partnerships or Organizational Capacity Building 1 Organizations that wish to undertake opportune collaborative projects or capacity building activities that have not already been described in operating grant programs of work. Leverage Point: Project grants to a max. of 25% of the total project costs (one project /application). Applicants may submit up to three applications for three distinct projects / year. Applications are accepted once per year (usually in October of the previous year). Specific intake dates vary from year to year. Contact the Culture & Heritage Department directly for specific dates. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Coordinator directly at or chris.barfoot@nanaimo.ca. Information is also available online at cultural-grants.html.

4 Downtown Residential Conversion Tax Exemption Program The purpose of this program is to encourage new residential units and to preserve registered heritage buildings in the Downtown Core. Eligible applicants can receive tax exemptions up to 10 years in length. Applications are reviewed by the City s Culture & Heritage Commission, with recommendations approved by Council. The City recognizes that not all heritage buildings may be suitable for residential use. Properties located on major traffic arteries, next to an incompatible use, or that have a spatial configuration that does not lend itself well to residential use, would be cases in point. Nevertheless, the City wishes to preserve its historic building inventory and to encourage the creative and economic use of heritage buildings. In all cases, applications for non-residential projects shall be considered exceptions to the regular tax exemption program, and be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with due consideration to the merits of the business case and the rehabilitation work proposed. To be eligible for this exemption, a building must be listed as a significant heritage building located in the Downtown Heritage Conservation Area. The Community Charter stipulates that local governments can only provide financial assistance to buildings with heritage value. Community Service Grant Program The purpose of this program is to provide support to initiatives that enhance the community. Eligible applicants can receive up to $25,000 for their initiative. Applications are reviewed by the City s Social Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) with recommendations approved by Council. To be eligible for a grant under this program, applicants must be a registered, non-profit society or be sponsored by one (Nanaimo based). In previous years, grants have been allocated toward categories such as: mental health; social inclusion; food security; and vibrant neighbourhoods. These grants are advertised for twice per year (spring and fall). Contact the Social Planner directly for specific intake dates and criteria. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Social Planner directly at john.horn@nanaimo.ca or Intake for this program is year-round, with no specific deadline. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Planner directly at chris.sholberg@nanaimo.ca or Information is also available online at departments/culture-heritage/cultural-grants.html.

5 Program Development Fund The purpose of this grant program is to work with community groups and partners to seed new or expanded programs that provide increased opportunities for residents to participate and connect in the community. It is anticipated that groups will become self-sustaining. The total grant budget is $10,000. When applying, groups should remember that the objective is to assist as many groups as possible. Any amateur non-profit organization is eligible for funding. Charitable status is not necessary. Private or commercial organizations are not eligible. In order to be eligible for this program, applicants must identify: the goals and objectives of the project or program; target audience; clear success measures; how the project or program benefits the community; how the group will sustain the program or event in the long-term; marketing or promotion plan if applicable; funding sources and partners; and evaluation criteria and tools. Intake for this program is twice per year, typically November for spring/ summer programs and May for fall/winter programs. Contact Parks, Recreation & Environment directly for specific intake dates. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Manager of Recreation Services directly at Heritage Home Grant Program The purpose of this program is to enhance and conserve Nanaimo s historic residential building resources. To achieve this objective the program provides financial assistance for structural and exterior building improvements which follow the Federal Government s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Intended for heritage homes, this program mirrors similar heritage home incentive programs in cities such a Vancouver and Victoria that encourage home owners in historic residential areas to fix up and maintain their homes. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2,500 per house. Applications are reviewed by the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Commission, with recommendations approved by Council. The Community Charter stipulates that local governments may provide financial assistance to conserve buildings with heritage value. A property owner or business operating from the property is eligible to apply for grant funding if: the building is recognized as having heritage status by the local government and is considered to be a protected heritage property (in this case, the property owner has entered into a heritage conservation covenant with the City of Nanaimo); the property is residentially occupied, has no delinquent property taxes or utility user fees; and in compliance with both the Zoning Bylaw and Building Bylaw. Applications are accepted year-round based on fund availability. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Planner directly at chris.sholberg@nanaimo.ca or Information is also available online at main/departments/culture-heritage/cultural-grants.html.

6 Heritage Facade Improvement Grant Program This program is designed to provide financial incentives to encourage rehabilitation and enhancement of heritage buildings located in the City s downtown core, as well as promote economic growth and investment. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 per street-facing facade on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis. Applications are reviewed by the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Commission, with recommendations approved by Council. In order to be eligible for a grant under this program, buildings must: be listed as a significant heritage building in the Downtown Heritage Conservation Area; be up-to-date on property taxes, business licenses or utility user fees; and in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw (or have a lawful, nonconforming status) & Building Bylaw. Applications are accepted year-round based on fund availability. For more information, please contact the City of Nanaimo s Culture & Heritage Planner directly at chris.sholberg@nanaimo.ca or Information is also available online at main/departments/culture-heritage/cultural-grants.html. DNBIA Facade Grant Program The purpose of this program is to promote and facilitate the continued improvement of commercial building facades within the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Area to stimulate tourism, investment and business. The program provides financial assistance to facade improvement projects within the DNBIA. Successful applicants may receive 15% of the construction cost for approved portions of the planned renos; OR $7,500 (whichever is less). Applications are reviewed and awarded by the DNBIA Facade Grant Committee. In order to be eligible for a grant under this program, the project must: involve the renovation of an existing commercial building facade within the current boundaries of the DNBIA; in the sole opinion of the DNBIA Facade Grant Committee, enhance the business frontage of the building and respect other buildings in the neighbourhood; projected construction cost for approved portions of the planned reno to be a min. of $10,000; and meet the intent of the current Downtown Design Guidelines. Properties which have been awarded grant funding from the DNBIA or DNPS within the past 10 years are not eligible to apply. Applications are accepted year-round based on fund availability. Projects are reviewed in the order of their completed application packages are being accepted. For more information, please contact the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association directly at info@dnbia.ca or Information is also available online at development-captial-improvement-program.

7 DNBIA Event Fund Nanaimo Hospitality Grant Program The purpose of this program is to assist groups hosting events and festivals in downtown Nanaimo, with the goal of assisting as many groups as possible. The Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association (DNBIA) wants to work with community groups to attract visitors to our downtown, recognizing that tourism is a major economic generator for Nanaimo. Eligible applicants can receive up to 25% of their total event budget. Applications are vetted and awarded by members of the DNBIA Events Committee. This grant is designed specifically to assist events and festivals that utilize services and facilities and take place within the DNBIA. In order to be eligible for grants under this program, the applicant must demonstrate that: the event must have a good potential for attracting both residents and visitors to participate in events that will promote downtown; the event should give consideration to showcasing local arts, culture, talent or products; and the event should demonstrate a good potential for an economic impact on Nanaimo. Preference is given to activities or events that will be ongoing and have potential as a good long-term investment for the Downtown (i.e. a yearly event or festival that has good potential for growth); and to events and festivals that run more than one day and/or have realistic plans to attract greater numbers. Applications for events that will take place from July to December time period must be received by May 31 of that year. Applications for events that will take place from January to June, must be received by November 31 of the previous year. Contact DNBIA directly for more information regarding intake dates. For more information, please contact the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association directly at info@dnbia.ca or Information is also available online at s-happening/ downtown-event-support. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of new festivals and events that drive new visitation to Nanaimo; augment capacity, length and quality of existing festivals that drive visitation to Nanaimo; support minor capital projects that allow orgs. to augment the capacity, length and or quality of sporting events that drive overnight visitation to Nanaimo; and, encourage feasibility studies related to the improvement, expansion or development of sporting facilities that will drive future overnight visitation to Nanaimo. Eligible applicants can receive up to a maximum of $50,000 per year, per festival or event, or up to a maximum of $15,000 for sport initiatives, including feasibility studies and minor capital upgrades. Funding is awarded to a maximum of a 50/50 cost share basis for eligible expenses. Applications are evaluated and awarded by the Grants Committee. In order to be eligible for grants under this program, applicants must: be a non-government organization; be a legal entity registered with the BC Corporate Registry or a Registered Society; maintain current and sufficient levels of liability insurance (proof of insurance to be provided upon request); and possess all required operating licenses and permits, and meet any necessary regulatory requirements to execute the proposed event. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and evaluated and awarded quarterly by the Grants Committee comprised of a minimum of 2 Tourism Leadership Committee members and 2 Nanaimo Hospitality Association members. The NHA retains the right to final approval over all NHA grants. For more information, contact Tourism Nanaimo directly at or grants@tourismnanaimo.com. Information is also available online at

8 Tourism Development Fund The purpose of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is to diversify and strengthen Nanaimo and Region s inventory of market-ready, saleable tourism products and experiences and to support businesses to expand into new markets. The TDF invests in new tourism product and market development initiatives that will drive new, overnight &/or repeat visitation to Nanaimo and Region, diversify the available inventory of tourism products and packages, increase the spend per visitor and contribute to increasing the economic impact of tourism. Grants are available for 1, 2 or 3 years. The TDF will fund up to 50% of total, eligible project costs to a maximum of $10,000 for a 1 year grant, $25,000 for a 2 year grant and $40,000 for a 3 year grant. Any private sector, not-for-profit, and non-government organizations interested in diversifying or strengthening their tourism products/experiences or extend into new markets aligned with Tourism Nanaimo, Tourism Vancouver Island and Destination BC. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria as outlined in the program information document. Applications are accepted year-round. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the Grants Committee comprised of Tourism Leadership Committee and Nanaimo Hospitality Association representatives. Dates may vary from year to year and are aligned with the Nanaimo Hospitality Grants application evaluation cycle. For more information, contact Tourism Nanaimo directly or grants@tourismnanaimo.com. Information is also available online at Sport Event Hosting Grants Program The purpose of this program is to support sport organizations hosting smaller-scale events at a local, regional, and inter-regional, level that are hosted in Nanaimo & Region. Tourism Nanaimo has a budget of $20,000 annually to assist groups hosting sporting events and tournaments. The amount awarded is based on the estimated overnight visits generated by the event, and the total applications and funding requested. Applications are reviewed by a Sport Grants Committee. In order to be eligible for grants under this program, events must: events must be 2 days or greater in length; events must generate at least 1 overnight stay where a significant proportion of participants and officials will be staying in paid accommodation, including campgrounds, within Nanaimo and Region; grant funding is not the only source of planned event income; the sporting organization has the experience and capacity to successfully host the event; the event will provide sport, community and economic benefit; the event will be hosted within 24 months of the grant award; and an event budget has been prepared and can be shared with Tourism Nanaimo. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed twice annually (at the end of April and October). Visit local-sport-grants to review full program information, intake dates and application forms. For more information, contact Tourism Nanaimo directly at or grants@tourismnanaimo.com. Information is also available online at