Seven of Nelson's most prominent community groups presented their 2015 funding requests to council this week.
The city gives annual funding to these organizations, which occupy city-owned buildings or that are committees of council. Combined, the funding to these groups is about 3.5 per cent of the city’s total operational budget of $16 million.
Touchstones Nelson requested $223,000, which would be an increase over last year’s grant of $219,652. The city’s grant provides approximately half of Touchstones’ funding.
The Nelson Regional Sports Council requested $55,000, the same as the group received last year. City funding provides about 30 per cent of the sports council’s income.
The Chamber of Commerce visitor centre requested $76,000, the same as the group received last year. This amounts to 72 per cent of the visitor centre's budget.
The Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership requested $100,000, also the same as last year. The partnership is funded entirely by the city and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, with the city’s contribution amounting to about 63 per cent.
The Capitol Theatre requested $67,500, the same as last year’s grant. This amounts to about 14 per cent of the Capitol’s funding.
The city’s Cultural Development Commission, which is funded entirely by the city, received $40,000 last year and requested the same this year.
The Nelson and District Arts Council received $4,500 last year and has requested $5,000 this year. The city contributes about seven per cent of the Arts Council’s funding.
Council did not make decisions about this total of $564,000 in requests but will incorporate them into its current annual budget discussions.