Yellowknife (Dec 24/03) - Applications for special grant funding are now being sought by City Hall.

Brian Kelln, the community services program manager, says applications will be accepted until Jan. 12 from any registered non-profit community organizations who are seeking funds for improvement projects that will benefit the community.

Kelln says the city has doled out $100,000 in January and September each year since 1999.

Last year, more than 12 projects benefitted from the grants, including the annual Folk on the Rocks festival.

Tracey Bryant, the festival's director, says the grant is used to make on-site improvements.

Major projects in the past included building a children's stage, improving the beer garden site and erecting more outhouses, Bryant said.

"We try to make it enjoyable and the city helps in that," she said of the event, now in its 24th year.

Those organizations which do not receive funding this time around are still eligible to apply in September.