Caledon Community Golf Tournament eyes return in 2022

By Rob Paul

Every year for over a decade and a half, Caledon Town Council has put together a golf tournament to help a community drive groups and organizations.

The Caledon Council Community Golf Tournament fundraises for scholarship and grants.

The goal is to help a local not-for-profit organization complete a specific and measurable community capital project. The primary grant recipient receives the majority of the net funds raised from the tournament.

Though the tournament has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years, the Town remains hopeful that it will be able to return in some capacity in 2022. 

The golf tournament first came together years ago when Council thought it would be a fun and engaging way to help raise money for important organizations in the community.

“The first Caledon Council Charity Golf tournament was held in 2004 and all of Council got behind it as a way to help fund community initiatives,” said Mayor Allan Thompson, who was a Councillor on the Council that implemented the tournament. 

The grant fundraiser has become an important yearly event to Council because of the way it positively impacts organizations that are supporting the residents of Caledon.

“It's a great opportunity for community groups, charities and other community members to receive funding for important community initiatives that may not have access to other types of grants or funding,” said Thompson. 

Given the circumstances with the pandemic, there's no guarantee the tournament will return later this year, but Thompson is encouraging everyone who is eligible to apply so that they don't miss out on a potential grant if the event can go on in a safe capacity. 

“It was really hard, and I know there were those who applied in 2020 who were disappointed, and I hope they apply this year,” he said. “I am optimistic that we will be able to have some type of tournament safely by September.”

Some of the biggest highlights for Thompson over the 16 tournaments he's been a part of have been the organization's that have become staples of the Caledon community receiving grants for invaluable projects 

“At the very first tournament we funded a new bus for Caledon Community Services and since then we have supported many other groups such as Bethel Hospice, Alton Legion and Caledon Meals on Wheels,” said Thompson. 

The event is something Thompson and Council always look forward to because not only do they get to have some fun with the community, but they know, ultimately, it's for the betterment of key organizations in Caledon. 

“It makes a great day on the golf course that much better knowing we are making a difference in the community,” said Thompson.

Once an application is submitted by an organization eligible for the grant, Town staff reviews it before it goes to Council to debate the merits and if the project is achievable.

“Staff review using the set-out criteria and a report is brought forward for discussion and approval at Council,” said Thompson

To be eligible for the primary grant, you must be a non-profit organization that is located in Caledon or provides services for Caledon residents and requires funding for a community capital project.

An application for the grant must include the organization's mandate, including your purpose, mission, goals and objectives; purpose of the grant and/or scope of the project, including how it will benefit the community; timeline for the project, including expected start and completion dates; a summary budget of the project, including income, expenses and net income/loss; list of other sources of funding for the project, including any funding received from the Town; list of board of directors, if applicable; and how you will recognize the Town's grant contribution (i.e. promotional materials, banners, etc.).

Organizations not eligible for the grant include for-profits, foundations, groups and organizations of a religious nature, groups and organizations linked to a political party; and hospitals.

The primary grant application window closes on Sunday, February 6 at 11:59 p.m. The secondary grant application has yet to open. To apply for the primary grant, visit forms.caledon.ca/do.aspx?interviewID=E000001_CaledonCouncilCommunityGolfTournament&lang=en&AppName=E000001_CaledonCouncilCommunityGolfTournament.