CBRM News

Grant program adjusted to help impacted organizations

May 28, 2020

SYDNEY, NS - Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s Mayor and Council have approved changes to the application criteria for the Sustainability Fund to address challenges arising from COVID-19 and the Province of Nova Scotia’s State of Emergency.  

Maintaining operations is a challenge for the non-profit sector due to current fundraising challenges.  A proposal to widen the eligibility to apply was proposed by the Municipality’s CAO Marie Walsh. 

“Non-profit and charitable organizations are on the front lines of our communities in good times and in times like these,” said Walsh. “They play a vital role in building healthy communities by providing critical services that contribute to economic stability.”     

The current Municipal Grants Policy allows funding for limited types of operating cost.  For this year only, the municipality will change the following: 

1. There will be no requirement or expectation of active fundraising efforts.
2. Grants will not be limited to just the not-for-profit and charitable organizations who are providing services generally delivered or complementing a service otherwise provided by CBRM.
3. Applicants must demonstrate the need for funding by providing prior year financial statements along with current up to date financial information.
4. This is not a replacement for lost revenue or for wage subsidies but strictly to address shortfalls in operating costs.
5. The Province of Nova Scotia must provide matching funding. 

All other requirements and eligibility criteria in the Policy shall remain the same along with the limit of $10,000 from Cape Breton Regional Municipality.  

An extension to the deadline for applications has been extended to June 30. More information and application forms can be found at www.cbrm.ns.ca/recreation 

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