Two dozen arts, culture and heritage organizations will share $175,000 in operating and project grants from the city this year.
Requests for funds were reviewed by the Central Okanagan Foundation and the recommended list approved by city council on Monday.
The $110,000 in operating grants support the day-to-day cost of running local, non-profit groups with a mandate on programs and services for the public. They must demonstrate financial need, organizational effectiveness, community engagement and impact.
The $65,000 in project grants support eligible expenses for festivals, other events and projects with an arts, culture and heritage focus. Any group can apply. Projects may be new or existing, but they should be unique and viable, and must demonstrate community support through matching funding. Up to $10,000 is available per year for up to three years so organizations don't come to rely on city funds. After a one-year hiatus, an organization can apply again.
The operating grants are going to groups, such as the Central Okanagan Heritage Society $12,000, Bumpershoot Children's Theatre $10,000; Okanagan Historical Society $10,000, Centre Cultural Francophone de l'Okanagan $8,000, Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association $6,800 and Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan $5,000.
Projects grants are going to groups like the Okanagan Rainbow Coalition, $9,500 for the Okanagan Pride Festival; Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association, $8,000 for Asian Heritage Month; Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels, $10,000 for Cathedral Centennial Heritage Festival; and Centre Cultural Francophone de l'Okanagan, $10,000 for Maple Fest 2013.