Coquitlam has launched a new grant program to support residents and local organizations with pandemic-related challenges.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Nov. 17, 2020 – Coquitlam has launched a new grant program to support residents and local organizations with pandemic-related challenges.
Starting today, Coquitlam not-for-profits and other community groups may apply for Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP) grants to replace lost revenue or to provide programs that respond to the pandemic. The grants will distribute up to $650,000 into the community in 2020 and 2021 and are a project of Coquitlam’s multi-sector COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan.
A detailed application guide and form are posted at www.coquitlam.ca/csrpgrant.
A New Grant Program for Challenging Times
The new CSRP grants will assist local organizations that contribute programs and services that improve the quality of life in Coquitlam and have struggled with reduced revenue and resources during the pandemic. These groups serve marginalized populations, support arts and culture, and provide many other much-needed services that benefit Coquitlam residents.
CSRP Grant applications will be accepted non-stop until either March 1, 2021 or the funds in the initial grant phase are depleted. Groups may apply to one or both of two grant streams:
- Revenue replacement grants of up to $5,000 are available to support registered not-for-profit organizations that have lost anticipated revenue during the pandemic due to cancelled events, fewer program registrants or decreased funding from other sources. Applicants must be existing registered not-for-profits that are based in Coquitlam and have a history of serving Coquitlam residents, although some exceptions may be made.
- Pandemic response grants of up to $10,000 are available to support organizations – registered not-for-profits or not – that are developing projects or adapting existing programs that benefit Coquitlam residents affected by the pandemic or that otherwise mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in the community. These grants may be used for salaries and wages, but operational costs such as rent or utilities are not eligible.
The new grants are intended as short-term pandemic relief and not a source of long-term operational funding.
Submitting Successful Grant Applications
Applying for a CSRP Grant does not guarantee funding. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis by a staff committee and assessed against these and other eligibility criteria listed in the CSRP Grant Application and Support Guide posted at www.coquitlam.ca/csrpgrant:
- Organizations with current City funding agreements, or those who can balance their budgets without a CSRP grant, are not eligible.
- Detailed financial information and post-grant reporting will be required of all applicants.
- Priority will be given to applicants that clearly and fully describe how they meet the criteria of their selected grant stream.
- Funding will be limited to initiatives that serve Coquitlam residents. Regional programs may qualify, but funding will reflect only the demonstrated Coquitlam benefit.
- Projects involving fundraising or other activities charging fees higher than before the pandemic are not eligible.
Questions may be directed to communitygrant@coquitlam.ca. In particular, non-registered not-for-profits considering applying for a pandemic response grant are encouraged to email in advance to confirm their eligibility. More community supports, initiatives and grants will be announced in the near future under the next phase of the CSRP.
City’s COVID-19 Plan Supporting Community Recovery
Introduced in May 2020, Coquitlam’s COVID-19 CSRP is a multi-phased recovery strategy made up of programs and initiatives to support all facets of the community through the pandemic. Launched with an initial $5-million investment, the CSRP provides targeted immediate and long-term support for businesses, residents and the not-for-profit sector. A wide variety of CSRP initiatives were introduced in spring and summer 2020, with more rolling out throughout fall 2020 and 2021. Information about the program and new supports are posted at www.coquitlam.ca/csrp.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- www.coquitlam.ca/csrpgrant: Details about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is supporting not-for-profits, businesses and residents through the pandemic;
- www.coquitlam.ca/spirit: Free activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to stay engaged; and
- www.coquitlam.ca/covid19: City service updates and COVID-19 health resources.
Stay up to date about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Graham Stuart
Manager, Corporate Planning
City of Coquitlam
604-927-3918
gstuart@coquitlam.ca