The second batch of the City of Vancouver’s new Community and Neighbourhood Arts Development Grants—which replace the city’s Celebration Grants—will go to council this afternoon for approval.

City staff are recommending $292,000 in grants for 38 organizations, out of a total of 49 applicants who requested $456,397. Previously, the Celebration Grants were available only to festivals, celebrations and parades undertaken by non-profit organizations with cultural mandates. The updated program has widened the criteria to include non-profit organizations of all types undertaking community engagement resulting in the creation of art, a neighbourhood arts and culture plan, a dialogue around arts and culture—in addition to community celebrations, festivals, and parades.

The grants vary in size from $1,000 (to the Dunbar Residents Association) to $20,000 (to the Secret Lantern Society). Among those turned down for grants are the Burrard Inlet Fireworks Society, who requested $11,500 in cash (though a $6,500 service grant is being recommended); the Commercial Drive Business Society who requested $10,000; and the Gastown Business Improvement Society, who also requested $10,000.

The first round of the new program grants were awarded in December 2010, for a total of $75,000.

A full list of organizations and grant allocations is available in the city staff report.