Community Group Affiliation Policy Statement

Richmond Hill recognizes the value of community groups who deliver recreational, art, cultural, social and/or sports programs and services that benefit Richmond Hill residents. In order to facilitate the delivery of such programs and services and helping organizations build and sustain their capacity, the Recreation and Culture Division of the Community Services Department offers a range of supports including the allocation of discounted municipal space and access to resources and information relevant to their mandate.

Interested groups must complete and sign the application form ensuring that all required information is submitted. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Eligibility Criteria

To be designated as a Richmond Hill Community Group Affiliate, your group must meet all of the following criteria. Please be prepared to provide proof of meeting these criteria as you will be asked to upload related documents at the end of the application process. Please note: You can save the application at any time and return to it.

• Have a primary mandate to provide recreational, art, cultural, social and/or sport programs and services that meet community needs not being met or fully met by an existing community affiliated group with membership/participation open to all Richmond Hill residents.
• Membership in the group must be open to all residents or ratepayers of the City of Richmond Hill.
• Have a documented mission and/or mandate statement.
• Have articles of incorporation confirming the organizations status as not-for profit or confirmation of registration verifying charitable status or confirmation of being a Charter member of a Provincial/National/International not-for-profit organization.
• A governance structure of either a volunteer board of directors and/or executive committee.
• Financial records are maintained in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and where practical, annual financial statements audited by a professional accountant. A group must show that it is capable of carrying out its objectives and meeting its financial obligations.
• Have a written Constitution and By-Laws and/or operating procedures establishing the framework within which the group will operate. A group must operate in an open and democratic manner through the holding of annual membership meetings and the election of an executive from the general membership.
• The group, at its sole cost and expense, shall insure its activities in connection with this policy and obtain, keep in force, and maintain insurance as stated in the City's facility permit Terms and Conditions.
• Groups must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• The service is not a similar or duplicate service of an existing Richmond Hill affiliated group.
• The volunteer Board of Directors and/or Executive committee must be made up of 75% Richmond Hill residents.
• A minimum 75% of eligible community group’s membership must be Richmond hill residents.
• Social Service Organizations must have a minimum of 51% Richmond Hill Residents.
• Groups must be based in Richmond Hill.