Halifax Explosion 100th anniversary funding options may soon expand

While the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion is more than two years away, a municipal report recommends expanding the funding options available for commemorative projects.

City staff will present a report Wednesday to the Special Advisory Committee on the 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion that offers context for what grant opportunities are currently available and recommendations for how a new grant program could help.

The report states that the current grant policy prevents "school or school-based projects, post-secondary institutions, religious or faith-based organizations, or non-profit organizations representing an occupation or business interest" from receiving funding. 

A new program could make funding available to nearly all registered non-profits groups.

The legacy of the Halifax Explosion includes developments in medicine, city planning, military and education. Groups from industries such as those currently would not be eligible for any commemorative funding.

The report recommends opening up the process to all applicants, but capping each grant at $5,000. Funding would come from internal budget adjustments, likely calculated through the Audit and Finance Committee and approved by Halifax Regional Council.

Wednesday the Special Advisory Committee will receive the report and offer their feedback to staff.