Community programming will be getting a cash injection after Cochrane town council approved $43,500 in grant funding.
During their Feb. 28 council meeting, the Town of Cochrane voted unanimously to approve funding for 10 community organizations on the recommendation of the Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) advisory board. The funding will be supplemented by $70,000 from the Calgary & Area United Way.
Valerie Borsos, the chairperson of the FCSS advisory board, said over the past year, the organization received 13 applications for financial support and recommended funding for 10 of those applications. Among those recommended for support were three organizations applying for funding for the first time.
The supported organization included:
- The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane sought $18,000 towards youth after school programs. They will receive $16,500, with $4,500 from the FCSS and $12,000 from United Way.
- The Cochrane Alliance Church sought $11,700 towards their Right Hand Support Program. Instead, they will receive $4,000 with $1,000 coming from FCSS and $3,000 from United Way.
- The Cochrane & Area Victim Services sought $9,500 for volunteer training and support. They received $2,300 from FCSS and $7,200 from United Way.
- The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee sought $18,150 for immigrant resources and support. Instead, they will receive $9,500 from FCSS.
- The Cochrane Society for Housing Options sought $10,000 towards a housing resource worker. They will receive $7,500 from FCSS.
- The Cochrane Women’s Emergency Shelter Society (Big Hill Haven) sought $17,687 towards an outreach aftercare program. They were approved for $17,500, with $5,500 coming from FCSS and $12,000 from United Way.
- The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area requested $20,000 towards food security programs. They were awarded $4,500 from FCSS and $15,500 from United Way.
- The Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta requested $5,556.95 for financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs. They were given $5,500 with $2,000 from FCSS and $3,500 from United Way.
- The Seniors for Kids Society sought $14,000 for a senior mentoring project. They received $10,500, with $4,000 from FCSS and $6,500 from United Way.
- The Seniors on the Bow requested $15,000 for a program coordinator position and received $13,000 with $2,700 from FCSS and $10,300 from United Way.
The advisory board rejected three applications for funding. However, staff noted that the FCSS could still assist the organizations in additional ways.
Those rejected include:
- The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee’s request for $2,900 for office space. The FCSS has offered free office space within the FCSS office instead of funding.
- The Heartland Community Association requested $3,000 to host a movie in the park event. Unfortunately, the program did not meet the criteria set out in either the FCSS or United Way mandates.
- The Children’s Charity of Alberta Association requested $2,644 towards their “just like you” program. The FCSS said they are working with the association to offer additional forms of support.
