Township Awards 6 Community Assistance Grants

Warminster Township recently awarded several community organizations funds through the Parks and Recreation Department's community assistance grant program.

“These grants are something that have been going on in the township for a long time,” said Karen Whitney, Parks and Recreation Department director. 

Whitney said what differs from year to year is the amount of funding available, as that number fluctuates in accordance with the municipal budget.

In 2013, the township allotted $7,500 to give back to the community through community assistance grants.

Whitney said approximately $7,000 is divvied up among various community groups that have applied for the community assistance grants as well as the Warminster Symphony Orchestra. She said the remaining funds stay in the Parks and Rec coffers for people who may need assistance throughout the year.

The community assistance grant process consists of an online application as well as a presentation to the members of the Parks and Recreation Board.

Whitney said following the presentations the Parks and Rec board members individually assign an amount to award to each grant applicant, and an average of these amounts is taken to reach the final award amount.

“They try to be as fair as they possibly can,” she said.  “If someone is weighted one way or the other, it usually works out. “

The 2013 Warminster Township Community Assistance Grant recipients are as follows:

The Warminster Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the grant recommendations last week.

Board Chairperson Leo Quinn said the total cost of the projects that these organizations detailed in their presentations exceeded $16,000.

“It’s not like we are just handing these organizations their wish lists,” he said. “They will still have to kick in sweat equity and other funds to make these projects come to life.”