The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) created a new community investment fund policy to support the development of projects encouraging and supporting community and cultural well-being initiatives in the region.
Each lower-tier municipality will receive a maximum of $50,000 to distributed to two eligible projects each year. Projects eligible for the fund must support community, cultural and wellness activities such as special events, city beautification and tourism activities, or contribute to the health and well-being of UCPR residents. For example, sporting events, interior and exterior recreational facilities could be eligible for the fund.
Applicants must be a registered charity or an incorporated non-profit organization, and lower-tier municipalities within the UCPR can also apply. For-profit organizations, private citizens, political or religious organizations or unincorporated organizations are not eligible.
“It’s a program for mayors to bring community projects to municipalities that are beneficial to all residents,” said Pierre Leroux, warden of the UCPR.
The UCPR council will have the authority to approve or reject eligible applications based on the immediate benefits the project brings to the region, its benefits beyond the funding term and the uniqueness of the project. Successful applicants will have to advertise that the UCPR is a source of funding.
The $50,000 community fund was first approved in 2023 without a clear policy. The policy was finalized and approved during the January 24 meeting of the UCPR council.
