Port Coquitlam non-profit groups that need cash for a project that will benefit the community are invited to apply for a grant from the city.

The City of Port Coquitlam is once again offering $20,000 in matching grants to non-profit Port Coquitlam school, sport, arts, environmental and community-service groups through its Self-Help Matching Program. The deadline for 2013 applications is April 2.

"This is the city's way of investing in our community and in projects that enhance our community," Mayor Greg Moore said in a press release. "It's an excellent way for groups to get help with their endeavors."

The intent of the program is to encourage individuals and non-profit groups to initiate cooperative projects that will benefit the community. It has distributed $182,000 since it began in 2002, supporting projects such as playground equipment, building upgrades, a theatre floor, a trophy case, hatchery equipment, and covered shelters and benches for sports fields.

Last year, the Hyde Creek Watershed Society received $7,000 for a new well. The society relies on well water for its hatchery when creek levels are low or pollution is present, but flows from its well pump have declined so much it has been forced to scale back its numbers of rearing salmon.

"The City of Port Coquitlam came to our rescue with their Self-Help Matching Grant Program, which greatly assisted us with the cost of the well project," said society director Jean Peachman.

"The drilling is now complete, water volumes look healthy and final testing will conclude in April 2013. Without the city's help, our salmon hatchery had a bleak future."

Other 2012 recipients included Castle Park elementary ($5,000 to make the playground wheelchair accessible), the Port Coquitlam Dog Owners Society ($6,000 for a fresh drinking water fountain at the Shaughnessy Dog Off Leash Park), and Port Coquitlam Minor Softball ($2,000 for lock boxes at McLean Park).

Applicants must be based in Port Coquitlam, and can apply for between $1,000 and $10,000 in matching funds for a future project that will take place within Port Coquitlam. A review committee will rank applications based on project cost, community support, project need and impact, and project design; the decision will be announced by the end of June.

Self-Help Matching Grant applications are being distributed to eligible groups, can be downloaded from www.portcoquitlam. ca/recreation, or can be picked up at Port Coquitlam's City Hall, recreation centres, the Terry Fox Library or Leigh Square Community Arts Village. For further information, contact 604-927-7900 or parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.