Surrey Council to Consider Updated Grant Policy to Enhance Transparency and Accountability
During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council will vote on proposed amendments to the City Grants Policy.
Surrey, BC – During the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Surrey City Council will vote on proposed amendments to the City Grants Policy. The changes, recommended by the City Grants Task Force struck by Mayor Brenda Locke in July 2024, aim to ensure that all grant funding is accompanied by clear accountability measures, thereby protecting taxpayer resources and fostering community trust.
“This proposed changes represent a crucial step toward enhancing transparency and ensuring publicly funded grants are maximized,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “The updates recommended aim to strengthen our partnerships with local non-profits and community groups, which play a vital role in addressing the needs of our residents. Our Council is committed to collaboration and accountability and these proposed changes promise to benefit Surrey residents for years to come.”
The amendments to the City Grants Policy are designed to streamline the granting process while maintaining a focus on the accountability of public funds. The proposed updates include defining categories for grants, and establishing a maximum funding limit per application, with the following exceptions:
- Applications where an existing active Operating Agreement is in place between the City and the applicant outlining specific grant funding for the applicant;
- Grant programs with maximum grant funding per application in excess of $5,000 approved by Council through a Corporate Report (e.g. Arts & Cultural Grant Program) and Community Events Policing Grant Program
- Applications relating to City-wide events; and
- Any other exceptions with a simple majority support of Council
Learn more about the City’s grant programs at surrey.ca/grants.