Grant Subcommittee Meeting Summary

The Grant Subcommittee met May 20, 2026 to review the 2026 City Enrichment Fund recommendations and consider the release of previously awarded grant funding to the Festival of Friends. Staff presented 456 funding recommendations totaling just over $7 million and said demand had risen sharply, with 565 applications submitted this year. The subcommittee also approved releasing $90,000 in withheld funding to the Festival of Friends.

Topics Discussed

1. 2026 CITY ENRICHMENT FUND RECOMMENDATIONS

The subcommittee heard item G2603, the 2026 City Enrichment Fund recommendations. Staff were granted an extension from the standard 10-minute presentation time to 20 minutes.

Staff said 565 applications were received in 2026, a 22% increase from the previous year, and 456 funding recommendations were being brought forward totaling just over $7 million.

2. FUNDING PRIORITIES AND 2026 ALLOCATION APPROACH

Staff said the fund supports programs including "food banks, housing support services, mental health support, and newcomer programs." They also said the recommendations were shaped by limited available funding. As presented to the subcommittee, "Due to budget pressures and the significant growth, it is not possible to fund all passing applications in 2026."

Staff said recommendations prioritized A- and B-rated applicants, along with some select C-rated applications, based on applicant merit, responsible budgeting, and public benefit.

3. PROGRAM DATA, ACCESS, AND LEVERAGE

According to the presentation, approximately 2.7 million people participated in Community Funding-supported programs in 2024, with 84% of participation free of charge. Staff said 17,866 events or programs were delivered in 2024.

The presentation also stated, "For every $1 invested by CF into these programs, an additional $9.70 is invested from other sources."

Staff outlined accessibility measures in the application process, including translated documents where needed, applications accepted in an applicant's language of choice, public information sessions, drop-in sessions, and one-on-one support.

4. ONE-TIME TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE INVESTMENT

Staff recommended a $250,000 one-time investment from the municipal accommodation tax to support arts, culture, heritage and tourism priorities. Sarah MKI, manager of creative industries and cultural development, said: "An investment of 250,000 from the city of Hamilton municipal accommodation tax is recommended in support of the shared goals of the CF arts and CCH areas and the tourism strategy to strengthen cultural development and the delivery of impactful programming recognized at the regional, provincial, and national levels."

The presentation also noted that the Art Gallery of Hamilton's $1 million annual funding is no longer in the Community Funding stream and now sits with the tourism and culture division.

5. FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS FUNDING RELEASE

The subcommittee also considered the release of withheld grant funding to the Festival of Friends. A delegate said the organization's accounting firm had reduced costs by handling multiple years together: "the accounting firm was able to give us a significant break on the unaudited statements and they we bundled them together as they could do them all at once. It's quicker and more efficient for them."

Festival representative Robert said the organization was not seeking additional money and defended its financial position ahead of its 50th anniversary. He said, "The Festival of Friends is strong. There's nothing wrong with our financial statements. There's nothing problematic with the organization. We are financially strong."

The subcommittee approved the release of $90,000 in withheld grant funds.

Motions

• Extension of presentation time for 2026 City Enrichment Fund Recommendations (G2603) — Approved
• Release of $90,000 in withheld City Enrichment Fund grant funding to Festival of Friends — Passed
• $50,000 from reserves for the city's appeals program — Approved
• Private and confidential item — Approved before adjournment

Attendees

• Nan (Chair)
• Cameron Cretch (Vice Chair, Councillor Ward 2)
• Tom Jackson
• Mark Tatterson
• Wilson
• Matt Francis