Community Partnerships

Purpose

This fund aims to maximize the relationships between community not-for-profit organizations and the County to:

• Leverage volunteer resources to create strategic, community-initiated infrastructure
• Provide groups with a single point of access to the County for efficient approvals and funding

What the grant covers

Eligible projects include initiatives which are new and/or intended to enhance/replace an existing asset located on County land. Projects or costs associated with programming or group operations are not eligible.

Grant amount

We will provide 30% grant funding, based on the total project budget. The group must contribute the other 60% of the funds but cannot use money from another County grant source. External grants and donations are permitted.

When to apply

You can submit your application at any time throughout the year, keeping the following timelines in mind:

Financial reporting and reconciliation

Please fill out and submit a reconciliation form when your project is finished.

Community Beautification Fund Overview

Haldimand County offers the Community Beautification Fund to support not-for-profit organizations and community groups working on beautification projects within the County. These initiatives help enhance the aesthetic appeal of our communities, boosting local pride and quality of life for both residents and visitors. 

Eligible Projects

The program supports various beautification initiatives on public properties. To be eligible, projects must fall into one of the following categories:

• Community Signage (e.g., entrance signs, directional signs, heritage signs)
• General Beautification (e.g., flowers, trees, hanging baskets, flowerbeds)
• Streetscape/Park Improvements (e.g., benches, bike racks, murals, banners, LED Christmas decorations)
• Other Innovative Beautification Projects (projects not listed here but still eligible)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Applicants: Community groups or organizations in Haldimand County (e.g., service clubs, chambers of commerce, BIAs) may apply. Private companies or individuals are not eligible.

Insurance and Financial Requirements: Applicants must provide liability insurance of at least $2 million and proof of financial capacity to manage the project. Proof of insurance and WSIB coverage is required for contractors involved.

Application Process

Pre-Submission Consultation: Before applying, applicants are encouraged to discuss their plans with County staff to ensure eligibility and streamline the review process.

Submission Deadline: All applications must be submitted by the annual October deadline.

Required Documents:

• Completed application form
• Project budget and fundraising plan (if applicable)
• Work plan and site plan
• Hold Harmless Agreement

Review Process: Applications are reviewed based on project benefits, community impact, and partnership involvement. 

Funding Allocation

The Community Beautification Program offers up to $80,000 annually for beautification projects on County property. Each project can receive up to 50% of its total cost, with a maximum of $5,000. Applicants must provide a matching contribution, either in cash or in-kind (e.g., volunteer labor). Multiple projects can be submitted annually, ranked by priority.

Project Completion and Reporting

Successful applicants are encouraged to submit "before" and "after" photos of their project. A final Reconciliation Report must also be provided, detailing the project budget and including all relevant receipts to confirm the work has been completed as outlined. If the project is not completed as proposed, any funds awarded must be returned to the County.

Questions?

For assistance with your application or any questions about the program, please contact the Community Development and Partnerships staff at Haldimand County. We're here to help you bring your beautification project to life!