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New framework for community fund By Christina Commisso METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Close to $900,000 for local nonprofits is up for grabs this year as part of Halton's Community Investment Fund. Last week, Halton regional council approved a new framework for the funding, which will see one-time and multi-year funding for agencies that address health and social needs in Halton. A revised investment fund was presented to regional councillors in October, but at the time members from Halton's non-profits raised concerns about not being involved in the development of a new funding framework. Following a series of public meetings that saw more than 150 members of the non-profit community offer their input, it was decided about $503,000 will go toward multi-year funding and $200,000 for one-time funding for short-term initiatives. A maximum of $20,000 for onetime grants and $125,000 for multiyear grants will also be in place to ensure more agencies receive funding. This year's fund is significantly higher than the base budget because of the approximately $360,000 that wasn't used in past years. "During these times of fiscal constraint and the size of the fund being limited, we want to find other ways the Region could help, other than more funding," said Peter MacLeod of MASS LBP, the firm who managed the community consultations." There's a challenge in terms of public awareness. Not only getting the word out that the service exists, but the needs exists." MacLeod said the sector must be more innovative in the way they deliver services. "We'd like to see more collaborations, the sharing of resources and knowledge. That's something the Region should be looking for when giving out grants." However, co-ordinator of the Halton Nonprofit Network Jody Orr said the Region has failed to define innovation. "Is it innovation in program design or service delivery?" she asked. Orr also pointed out that the needs of the nonprofit sector have been known for sometime in Halton. "Many of those proposed strategies were never taken up or appear to have fallen to (the) wayside." Funding applications for the Halton Region Community Investment Fund are now available. Letters of intent for multi-year funding are due by 2 p.m. April 23 and applications for one-time grants are being accepted until May 1 at 2 p.m. Information about the application process and online forms are available at the Region's website at www.halton.ca/investmentfund. Funding recommendations will be made to regional council in July. 13 · Thursday, April 5, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Four information sessions about the grant applications will take place: · Halton Hills: Tuesday, April 10, 9:30-11 a.m., Gellert Community Centre, 10241 Eighth Line · Oakville: Tuesday, April 10, 6:30-8 p.m., Halton Regional Centre auditorium, 1151 Bronte Rd. · Milton: Wednesday, April 11, 9:30-11 a.m., Hugh Foster Hall, 141 King St. · Burlington: Wednesday, April 11, 2:304 p.m., Tansley Woods Community Centre Room 1, 1996 Itabashi Way. To attend a session, register at www.halton.ca/ investmentfund or call 311. mypet myvet Dr. Gesa Kohn-Gould Veterinarian & Owner myanimalhospital.ca Sunday April 8 Easter Sunday Sale P ! n o i t c u A * Chandeliers * Rugs * Lamps * Home Décor *Limited Edition Art * Mirrors * Memorabilia * High End Designer Select Furniture* DON'T MISS THIS SPECIAL SALE! SAVE HUNDREDS! ! 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