The City of Campbell River is hosting two information sessions to help non-profits navigate the changes announced last November to the city's non-profit grant process.
The first session set for June 16. While the registration deadline has already passed, registration for the second session – on June 23 – runs until June 18 at noon.
According to the city, the new process, "simplifies the grant process, improves transparency, and expands support to additional non-profit organizations beyond the arts and culture sector."
In a social media post, the city also said the new process includes clear "evaluation criteria to ensure fair and objective decision-making for everyone. In 2025, $3.16 million in grants, permissive tax exemptions, leases and facility rentals were awarded to non-profit organizations (including more than $900,000 in grant funding)."
The changes, announced last November with a $370,000 cut to the city's existing funding, sparked backlash from many non-profits in Campbell River. Sara Lopez Assu, the former executive director of the Campbell River Art Gallery, called the changes a "numbers game" and "intentionally misleading" at the time.
"I'm angry and I'm disappointed," Assu told the Mirror last November, adding when it comes to the actual money the art gallery receives, the community grant cuts that amount to about 25 per cent, while the permissive tax cuts add up to a 16 per cent decrease.
Organizations such as Greenways Land Trust said the funding cuts will significantly impact their operations and capacity to run different projects, leading to serious financial difficulties and uncertainty about the future of many community projects.
But the city said the changes are "less subjective, more transparent, and more inclusive," allowing non-profits previously ineligible for grants to be eligible.
READ MORE: 'Tone deaf': Campbell River cuts non-profit funding, expands grant access
The sessions will cover the key policy changes, non-profit eligibility for permissive tax exemptions, grants and land leases, as well as how to apply for grants.
To register for the June 23 session, email communitygrants@campbellriver.ca by noon on June 18 to reserve a spot.
