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Applications for ‘A’ Fresh Start Community Initiative now accepted

Have a bright, innovative community event or initiative, like a new cultural play or festival, that requires funding?

Then check out the Town of Amherst’s ‘A’ Fresh Start Community Initiative, a competitive process that will see up to $17,500 awarded to the Top 5 events.

Applications for the ‘A’ Fresh Start Community Initiative will be accepted between now and 4:30 p.m. on October 3, 2018. They can be found on the Town of Amherst’s website or be picked up at the town hall, located at 98 Victoria St. E.

Completed applications must be returned to town hall, attention ‘A’ Fresh Start c/o Amherst Recreation Department, emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., faxed to 902-667-5251 or mailed to Town of Amherst, P.O. Box 516, Amherst, N.S., B4H 4A1.

The application must describe the organization or individual seeking the grant as well as the name of a contact person, email, phone number and address. The application must also include details of the event, a budget and the amount of funding requested. Events must be completed by March 31, 2019

It is preferred that registered organizations apply for the grant, but non-registered groups or individuals may also apply.

To qualify, the event or initiative must be new or one that enhances a current program. Organizations must also be prepared to make a 10-minute presentation on their event during a public meeting that will be held on Oct. 25. During the presentation, they must explain why they should get a community support grant, how much money the project requires and how it will be spent. The event must also be completed by March 31, 2019.

All applications received will be reviewed by a committee, which will submit the Top 5 to Amherst town council on or about Oct. 9th. The Top 5 will then be made public.

The Top 5 will make their presentations before the public during the Oct. 25 meeting. At that time, those in attendance who are 16 years or older and purchased a ballot for $2 will vote on the order in which the awards should granted.

The rankings determined by the vote will then be presented to the Amherst town council, whose members will immediately hold a special session to determine the final placing of the presentations. Council has the final say on the determination of the rankings and amounts given to the grant recipients.

Those receiving grants will receive 80 per cent of the funds up front. The final 20 per cent will be delivered upon a receipt of a report that must be presented to the town following the completion of the event.