Report to: General Committee Report Date: August 19, 2008

SUBJECT: Senior Grant Criteria – 2008 Celebrate Markham Grants Allocation

PREPARED BY: Lori Wells, Programs Manager ext. 7536

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report dated August 19, 2008 entitled “Senior Grant Criteria – 2008 Celebrate Markham Grants Allocation” be received;

And that the Senior Grant Criteria and Application outlined in Appendix 1 be approved;

And that the Celebrate Markham Grants sub-committee schedules a meeting to approve and allocate the 2008 Senior Grants funds prior to year end;

That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial 5. Others (Strategic, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the report is to present the Senior Grant Criteria as the guidelines for allocation of the approved Celebrate Markham Grant fund dedicated to seniors valued at $15,000 in total, with a maximum of $3,000 provided to each applicant.

BACKGROUND:

On April 21, 2008, a report went to General Committee titled The 2008 Celebrate Markham Grants Allocation which recommended the addition of $15,000 to be used in grants for Seniors Clubs with a maximum of $3,000 provided to the individual Senior Clubs. As well, it was recommended that staff develop criteria prior to the funds being allocated.

Staff met with the members of the Celebrate Markham Committee to draft the criteria for the Senior Clubs. The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Applicant’s guide and Application form were used as a reference.

The Seniors Grant will fund programs and projects led and carried out by seniors for seniors that contribute to and increase active living and social participation. Groups eligible to apply are senior not-for-profit clubs and senior community based groups who reside in the Town of Markham of which 75% are Markham residents. Funds will be allocated to the clubs/community based groups who meet one or more of these criteria and meet the Council Grants Eligibility Requirements outlined in the Town of Markham Grants and Sponsorship Guidelines.

The new grant program will be promoted to the clubs through the local paper and direct correspondence. A submission date will be established upon approval of the grant criteria. The Grant applications will be processed through the Clerk’s department and as such the groups will be notified through the Clerk’s department if they are successful or unsuccessful in receiving a grant allocation.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

To date the Celebrate Markham sub- committee meetings have been held for the 2008. In order to allocate the funds an additional meeting will need to be scheduled to review and award the applicants for 2008.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

A report on April 21, 2008 to General Committee titled Celebrate Markham Grant fund dedicated $15,000 in total to Senior Groups with a maximum of $3,000 provided to each applicant.

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

The Seniors Grant recognizes the diversity among older adults living in Markham and will provide support to promoting inclusion through the development and enhancement of services to the senior population.

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Clerks Department

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Barbara M. Roth Brenda Librecz

Director of Recreation Services Commissioner of Community and Fire Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix 1 - Senior Grant Criteria

Appendix 2 – Senior Application

Q:\Recreation\REPORTS\senior criteria.doc