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Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Potential Funding Sources Prepared by Community Development and Support Services to Seniors February 22, 2010

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Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Potential Funding Sources

Prepared by Community Development and Support Services to Seniors

February 22, 2010

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 3 2. Assiniboine Credit Union 4 3. Canadian Rural Partnership 5 4. Canadian Women’s Foundation 5 5. Eco Action Community Funding 6 6. Ethnocultural Community Support Fund 7 7. Investors Group 7 8. Jubilee Fund 8 9. Manitoba Community Services Council Inc 8 10. Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport 9 11. Manitoba Hydro 9 12. Manitoba Lotteries 10 13. Manitoba in motion 11 14. Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth 11 15. Neighbourhood Renewal Fund 12 16. RCMP Foundation 12 17. Social Development Canada – New Horizons 14 18. Thomas Sill Foundation 14 19. The Winnipeg Foundation 15 20. The Manitoba Arts Council 15 21. Urban Green Team 16 22. Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention Fund 17

List of Appendices

Appendix One: Funding Terminology Appendix Two Guidance Appendix Three: How’s the Fit? Appendix Four: Putting Pen to Paper Appendix Five The Hard Part

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INTRODUCTION The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority - Community Development and Support Services to Seniors has provided this information booklet as a guide of various community funding resources and information. This booklet provides possible funding sources to assist community partners and organizations seek grants. This booklet will also provide you with some funding terminology and tips on grant proposal writing. This booklet is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all funding services available however was compiled based on community suggestions. Users of this booklet are advised to contact the organizations directly to determine suitability and eligibility to meet their needs in the community. Every effort was made to ensure the contact numbers and/or websites are correct. Please note, however, the contact information may change without notice.

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Assiniboine Credit Union http://assiniboine.mb.ca Purpose: We welcome the opportunity to sponsor events that benefit our community and provide Assiniboine Credit Union with recognition and profile Types of Grants: 1-Community Sponsorships - to sponsor events that benefit the community and provide Assiniboine with recognition and profile. Includes: Community fundraising events and campaigns (ACU members only); Community arts and cultural events; Community festivals; Community access (for individuals and organizations that would otherwise not be able to afford to attend an event). Criteria includes:

• Non-profits, registered charities, cooperatives and social enterprises (a business that has a social, environmental or cultural purpose and reinvests all its profits in the community or back into the business).

• The mission and values of the organization are consistent with the mission and values of Assiniboine Credit Union.

2-Sustainable Community Grant Program - support projects and programs that help to foster self-reliant, sustainable communities and neighbourhoods. Includes: Community Renewal, Environmental Sustainability and Cooperative Development Criteria includes:

• Associations, societies, charities, cooperatives, or social enterprises (a business that has a social, environmental or cultural purpose and uses its profits to strengthen the business or otherwise achieve its intended purpose).

• An organization whose mission and values are consistent with the mission and values of Assiniboine Credit Union.

Limitations and Conditions:

• Due to limited funding, we sponsor only one event per organization per year

• You must submit a short application along with your sponsorship materials • After the event, you agree to submit a short report (1 page) outlining the

success of the event and how ACU was recognized.

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Canadian Rural Partnership – Community Development Program www.rural.gc.ca Purpose: The Community Development Program is a contribution program which offers a limited amount of funding to assist rural and northern regions to obtain information and access/develop the expertise, tools and processes needed: to respond to rural and northern challenges and opportunities; and to become more competitive by collaborating regionally, building on their

local assets and developing unused potential. Eligibility:

• Non-profit organizations; • Organizations/associations; • Universities/colleges; • Co-operatives; • Non-governmental organizations (NGO's); • Local governments; and • Provincial and territorial governments (only when there is no local

government presence). • Eligible recipients must be incorporated and be able to enter into legally

binding agreements.

Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) http://www.cdnwomen.org/EN/section07/1_7_1-intro.html Purpose:

• The Canadian Women's Foundation is Canada’s only national public foundation designed to raise and grant funds to meet the needs of women and girls. We support women’s organizations across Canada that are using the most effective approaches to ending violence against women, moving low-income women out of poverty and building strong, resilient girls. We give particular priority to funding work with women and girls who face multiple challenges.

• The Foundation awards both one-year and multi-year grants. The maximum one-year grant size is between $20,000 and $25,000, depending on the grant area. Larger, multi-year grants are made to some economic development, teen violence prevention and girls' programs.

Eligibility:

• CWF grant proposals are accepted only during scheduled application periods: we do not accept unsolicited proposals outside of this time.

• Requests for proposals will be posted at various time for the following: 1. Violence Prevention Grants

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2. Economic Development Grants 3. Girls’ Fund Grants

CWF does not fund:

1. Individuals, federal, provincial or municipal government agencies and school boards (they can be involved in a project but the grant will be made to a women’s organization directly)

2. Profit-based organizations 3. Fundraising events 4. Projects outside of Canada 5. Projects not solely or primarily focused on women and girls (although

violence prevention projects for teens may involve both girls and boys) 6. Deficit or emergency funding 7. Conferences, films or videos 8. Capital campaigns or expenditures such as furniture or computers 9. Research 10.Self-defense training (if it is the only component of a violence prevention project)

Eco Action Community Funding http://www.ec.gc.ca/EcoAction/default.asp?lang=En&n=141750CF-1#application Purpose: Please contact your Environment Canada Regional Office to discuss your project idea or draft application. A Program Officer would be pleased to advise you on the eligibility of your group and project, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with advice on how to complete the application process. If you wish to receive feedback please submit your draft application at least one month in advance of the November 1 application deadline. Eligibility: Groups eligible to receive funding through the EcoAction Community

Funding Program are non-profit groups and organizations that are not part of federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal governments (with the exception of hamlet councils).

Examples of eligible groups include: 1. environmental groups 2. community groups 3. youth and seniors groups 4. community-based associations 5. service clubs 6. Aboriginal organizations, such as First Nations Councils, Inuit,

Métis Associations.

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Groups that are considered as non-eligible are encouraged to partner with non-profit organizations. Examples of non-eligible groups include:

1. businesses 2. educational institutions 3. individuals, municipal, provincial, territorial, federal governments.

Ethnocultural Community Support Fund Phone: (204)945-5632 http://db.cht.gov.mb.ca/GrantsDir.nsf/0/cab0a510a805fac186256d18005a1678?OpenDocument Purpose: To Preserve, enhance, develop, promote and share Manitoba’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. To address the challenges of living together in harmony and equality for diverse groups of people. Eligibility:

• Be a non-profit community based ethnocultural organization or a non-profit organization composed of and serving two or more ethnocultural groups

• Be incorporated under provincial or federal laws if the annual operating budget exceeds $50, 000

• Have been in existence at least one year • Have a constitution, by-laws or articles of incorporation clearly defining the

nature, objectives and tasks of the organization • Have a board of Directors or Executive accountable to membership that

meets at least four times a year and serves without remuneration • Have a plan of organization, develop and annual budget, operate on a

sound financial basis, maintain an adequate system of records and reports, and publish an annual auditied or certified financial report

Investors Group www.investorsgroup.com - go to Corporate Citizenship Purpose: Investors Group is committed to supporting grassroots programs that benefit local communities directly and with immediacy. In many cases, corporate participation through the Investors Group Community Investment Program comes as a natural extension of associations involving our Consultants and employees, especially as community volunteers. Hundreds of community organizations receive support in any given year.

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Eligibility: • Recipient organizations fall within one of these general categories: arts &

culture, civic causes, education & youth, environment, health, social services, amateur sport & recreation.In addition to grant opportunities, funding is also available for community sponsorship events. Commercial sponsorships are not eligible for funding through this program

• Organizations that are federally registered charities with the Canadian Revenue Agency

• Projects or programs that take place in communities with Investors Group has a business presence

Jubilee Fund www.jubileefund.ca Purpose: Provides flexible financing in the form of loan guarantees for worthy individuals who cannot qualify for traditional financing. They do not give grants. Criteria: Each application is assessed on its social goals and its financial viability. Each applicant must demonstrate the skills needed to carry out the day-to-day operation and management of the project they are proposing projects supported by the Fund fall into three categories: 1-Small Business. The Jubilee Fund provides loan guarantees that enable small business owners, other community based enterprises and worker co-ops in Winnipeg and the surrounding area to access other funding. 2-Affordable Housing. The Fund has worked with organizations to provide bridge funding to low income families and non-profit organizations. The loans are used for renovations, new construction, in-fill housing, housing co-ops, non-profit rental, seniors and special needs groups. 3-Community Projects including the development and expansion of daycare operations, employment training and recreation programs.

Manitoba Community Services Council Inc. (MCSC) www.mbcsc.ca Phone: (204) 940-4450 Purpose: To allocate funds and/or bingo events to non-profit, volunteer, community service, social services and recreation groups; groups that come to MCSC do not generally fall under other funding umbrellas. Granting criteria:

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Non profit organization; managed by a volunteer board; organization must be in existence for at least one year and provide its latest financial statements; must have a plan of organization, develop an annual budget, operate on sound business practice; must demonstrate that the organization is capable of carrying out the activity. MCSC will consider: Capital costs (construction); operating costs; furniture and equipment; vehicles; playground development; special projects; other purposes. Submission dates:

• Application are received continuously and reviewed in order • There is a 3-4 month waiting period

Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport (204) 948-2086 http://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/grants/cpp.html Community Places Program Purpose: The Community Places Program provides funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations for facility construction, upgrading, expansion or acquisition projects. Eligible projects are those which provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities. Eligibility: Eligible to apply are non-profit community organizations throughout Manitoba with the exception of public schools, universities, hospitals, nursing homes, businesses, commercial co-operatives and federal, provincial and City of Winnipeg departments and agencies. Submission date: Each year, applications for the Community Places Program will be available in November. The deadline for submitting applications is February 15 and approvals are announced in the spring.

Manitoba Hydro Employee’s Charitable Donations Funding Criteria Phone: (204) 360-3409 Purpose: To organize the Charitable Donations Campaign in the Workplace to obtain maximum participation from the employees of Manitoba Hydro; increase awareness of the Social Services provided by the various Agencies; Administer the Charitable Donations Fund.

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Granting criteria: 1 - Funding should be in keeping with the corporate strategic plan as it relates to corporate citizenship:

• Continue to take leadership role in community activities and support programs

• Encourage and support staff participation in community activities • The first priority will be to consider funding to agencies providing Human

Social Services within the local community • There will be no duplicate funding from those already funding through our

campaign 2 - The requesting agency should provide the most current financial statement, annual report and budget (future and previous year comparison to actual) 3 - Political, religious, educational and/or class advocacy groups will not be considered for funding.

Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC) www.mlc.mb.ca Purpose: Creating stronger communities helps achieve our corporate social responsibility objectives and makes good bureau sense. Supports organizations responsive to community, long lasting value beyond dollars, opportunities to engage MLC employees through ambassador roles and volunteerism. Available programs include:

• Sponsorship program • Golf program • Festival program • Charitable poker tournament program • Asset donation program • Merchandise donation program • Used playing cards program

Application process:

• Visit website and follow the Supporting Our Communities links. • Detailed eligibility and ineligibility criteria are listed under each program. • Downloadable PDF application forms and specific contact information by

programs. • Processes required lead time and response timelines vary by program.

February 2010 10

Manitoba in motion Grants Ph: (204) 945-3648 http://www.manitobainmotion.ca/grants/ Purpose: Manitoba in motion grants are designed to provide funding to help communities and workplaces plan and implement ways to increase regular physical activity among Manitobans of all ages. Types of Manitoba in motion grants: 1. Manitoba in motion Community Physical Activity Grants Applicants include local partnerships that may consist of municipalities, non-profit community organizations, coalitions, business and industry, and other social and community services. We encourage partnerships to involve all stakeholders including the health, recreation and sport, and education sectors. We also encourage participation of citizen groups such as seniors’ organizations, parent-child coalitions, service clubs, chambers of commerce, workplace wellness committees, and others. Priority will be given to communities that are registered as Communities in motion. 2. Workplaces in motion Physical Activity Grants Manitoba workplaces that value the benefits of physical activity and are ready to encourage employees to build physical activity into their daily routines Priority will be given registered Workplaces in motion. We encourage partnerships between employers and employees. We also encourage partnerships with community partners and / or other workplaces.

Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/youth/employers/youthserves.html Purpose: Youth Serves Manitoba (YSM) encourages post-secondary students to engage in meaningful, part-time community service with incorporated non-profit or registered charitable organizations. Upon successful completion of 100 hours of approved community service, students receive a $500 bursary towards tuition or student loans. Students who have completed their first 100 hours of approved community service hours can apply for a second bursary (subject to availability of funds). Note: All bursaries are subject to availability of funds on a first come, first serve basis. Criteria: Organizations must:

• be a Manitoba incorporated non-profit or registered charitable organization;

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• generate and maintain meaningful part-time community service activities; • provide an organization mentor to work directly with the students; and • be in full operation prior to applying to the program.

Submission Dates: Application deadline for the first bursary: January.

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Phone: (204) 945-3379 http://www.manitoba.ca/ia/programs/neighbourhoods/programs/nrf.html Purpose: The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) assists neighbourhood organizations representing residents and other local interests, in strengthening local capacity and revitalizing designated urban neighbourhoods through a broad range of locally planned and supported initiatives. The designated neighbourhoods are communities experiencing significant social, economic and environmental challenges such as high rates of poverty, unemployment and crime as well as a lack of adequate recreation, family support, affordable housing and economic opportunities. Eligibility: Applicants should be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The proposed project must be located in or benefit the residents of a community designated for Neighbourhoods Alive! support. The designated communities either have an active Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (NRC) or Interim Advisory Committee, supported by Neighbourhoods Alive!. Four initiatives:

1. Neighbourhood Capacity Building: Supports projects that: promote neighbourhood consultation, outreach, awareness and collaboration; enhance knowledge, skills and leadership; nurture individual and community pride; and support the sustainability of programs.

2. Neighbourhood Stability: Complements housing improvements in a neighbourhood by supporting projects such as: renovations to neighbourhood facilities; developing or reclaiming of parks and open space for community use; developing community gardens; improving local amenities; and contributing to neighbourhood beautification.

3. Neighbourhood Economic Development: Assists neighbourhood organizations to prepare community economic development strategies for their neighbourhoods that foster balanced, equitable and sustainable economic development and develop projects that: provide local business opportunities; enhance employment and training opportunities for local residents; and promote local purchasing.

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4. Neighbourhood Well-being: Funds activities that support neighbourhood cohesion and well-being by: enhancing neighbourhood safety and preventing crime; reducing at-risk behaviour (e.g. recreation programs); contributing to better health practices; strengthening tenant-landlord relations; and improving neighbourhood co-operation. What about housing assistance? Neighbourhood Housing Assistance is available in Neighbourhoods Alive! designated communities. Support for housing revitalization is also available through other federal and municipal programs. In Winnipeg, housing assistance can be accessed through a “single window” called the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative. Submission dates: Written proposals to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and Community Initiatives are to be submitted by the January 2, May 1 or October 1 intake dates. Persons wishing to apply are encouraged to first consult the Neighbourhoods Alive! Manager to confirm eligibility.

RCMP Foundation Ph: (613) 741-7560 or (613) 741-7560 http://www.rcmp-f.ca/funding/index.php Purpose: The RCMP Foundation raises funds to develop local community programs in support of Canada’s youth at risk in areas such as Community Policing, child safety, drug awareness, crime prevention, anti bullying literacy, internet safety and victim services. Granting criteria:

• Any community group or individual, with the support and participation of the local RCMP detachment, may initiate an application for RCMPF Project Funding. Once the on line application is complete and submitted, it will be automatically forwarded to the Community Policing Coordinator for Division approval. Once approval has been granted, it is forwarded to the RCMP Foundation Office in Ottawa.

• A special Review Committee consisting of members of the RCMP Foundation Board of Directors and of senior RCMP officers from across the country will review and assess each proposal. The review will lead to funding recommendations that are presented to the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

• The Foundation Board of Directors will provide final funding approval, making any changes or additions as necessary.

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Submission dates: Projects are funded twice annually, spring and fall, contributing approximately $250,000 annually. Deadlines for submissions are April and October.

Social Development Canada – New Horizons 1-800-277-9914 www.hrsdc.gc.ca Purpose: By providing funding to non-profit and other organizations, the New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities, through active living and participation in social activities. The Program funds projects that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their communities – from enabling seniors to share their knowledge, wisdom and experiences with others, to improving facilities for seniors' programs and activities, to raising awareness of elder abuse. Eligibility: There are three kinds of funding:Community Participation and Leadership, Capital Assistance and Elder Abuse Awareness Submission dates: Please refer to website for calls for proposal dates.

Thomas Sill Foundation (204)947-3782 www.thomassillfoundation.com Purpose: The Thomas Sill Foundation exists to provide encouragement and financial assistance to qualified organizations operating in Manitoba that are working to advance the quality of life in the province. Eligibility: Organization which are residents in Manitoba, and which possess a

charitable registration number, are eligible to submit a request for funding. Formal applications can be obtained by telephoning the Foundation’s office. They are not available online.

The Foundation provides primarily capital grants. Secondarily, pilot or demonstration projects also receive consideration. Operating grants are rarely issued, and when awarded are usually for start-up purposes.

Submission dates:

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There are no deadlines by which applications must be submitted. The Foundation meets regularly to render decisions on grant requests. Applicants should allow four months, from the submission of a request, to receive a response.

The Winnipeg Foundation www.wpgfdn.org Purpose: To improve lives and build neighbourhood; help the community flourish; connect donors from all walks of life with important causes and pool and permanently invest all gifts entrusted. Types of community grants: Capital and renovations; conferences and events; equipment and infrastructure; program operating; reports and planning; capital campaigns; short term operating support; Organizational developing/capacity building and professional development. Community grant guidelines: Only registered charities are eligible for grants; projects must primarily benefit the people of Winnipeg; grants are awarded for specific purposes and for projects covering a definite period of time, typically one year or less; complete list of guidelines available on website. Submission dates:

• Less than $100, 000: January 30 for a decision in May; April 30 for a decision in September; September 30 for a decision in January

• $100, 000 or more: December 30 for a decision in June.

The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) Phone: (204) 945-2237 http://www.artscouncil.mb.ca/ Purpose: Established in 1965,MAC is an arm’s length agency of the Department of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport with the mandate to promote, preserve, support and advocate for the arts as essential to the quality of life of all people of Manitoba. Types of grants: MAC has over 57 different grants.

• Individual grants include – Creation and Production grants; travel and professional grants; Student bursaries awards; mentorship, training and development grants.

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• Organizational grants include – Operating grants, projects grants, production grants, multi-year operating grants; management and governance assistance program.

Grants are offered primarily to professional artists and arts organizations from the emerging to the established levels. MAC receives over 900 applications and awards approximately 500 grants every year. Submission dates: Deadlines occur throughout the year; each grant program has specific guidelines and criteria for applications; MAC program consultants offer support to applicants; primarily applications are assessed by a jury or panel of peers; peer assessment is the cornerstone of MAC’s granting process.

Urban Green Team Phone: 945-3556 http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/youth/employers/gt_faqs.html Purpose: Urban Green Team Program creates meaningful and career-oriented summer employment for students and youth aged 16 to 24 years. Participating employers provide a variety of community development opportunities that improve neighbourhoods, promote community involvement and help develop young leaders. Eligibility Criteria:

• activities for youth (drop-in centres, camps) • neighbourhood safety • public education • tourism activities • housing rehabilitation/community renewal • road/public grounds enhancement • riverbank/stream/park and trail enhancements • recycling/waste management/conservation

Submission dates/Employment Periods: May 4 start date to August 21: Applications must be received by February 17, 2009 June 15 start date to August 21: Applications must be received by April 6, 2009

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Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund Telephone: (204) 945-8443 http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/pollutionprevention/wrapp/wrappfund.html Purpose: The Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRAPP) Fund supports projects that focus on waste reduction, pollution prevention, and integrated waste management practices. The WRAPP Fund is a broad allocation of the Sustainable Development Innovations Fund (SDIF). Criteria includes: Municipal corporations, local governments, including Northern Affairs and First Nation communities, private and non-profit organizations and businesses, educational institutions, youth groups and community associations are eligible to submit project proposals. Individuals, or groups excluded from the above list may submit a joint application with an eligible applicant. Eligible Projects

• Address one or more of the priority areas and show progress toward achievement of one or more of the Fund’s objectives.

• Be environmentally and ecologically sound. • Promote a sustainable approach with environmental, community and

economic benefits. • Adhere to a realistic budget and use appropriate resources to conduct the

project. • Have a distinct start and finish, and be implemented in a timely fashion. • Conduct project activities in Manitoba or be of benefit to Manitoba. • Have a clear plan for future use, sharing or replication. • Have clear objectives and measurable results. • Have written support from partners, including financial contributions, in-

kind project support and/or technical expertise. • Address any legal requirements, such as permits and licenses.

Submission Dates:

• Project proposals are reviewed several times per year however to meet fiscal year end deadlines, project proposals must be received on or before December15th. Multi-year projects may be considered, but grant applications must be submitted on an annual basis for review and approval.

• To be considered for funding, all proposals must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• April 15; June 15; August 15; October 15; December 15 • All applicants will be notified of funding decisions in writing approximately

eight to 12 weeks following the intake date

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Appendix 1 Some Funding Terminology

Business Plan: Should generally be used to describe venture or initiative that has some level of sales or earned revenue, but is often used as a synonym for an Operational Plan. Operational Plan: A comprehensive plan for an organization that lays out financial, human resource, administrative and programming requirements and how they interact. Sustainability Plan: A plan to show how an organization or program will be able to continue into the future, with particular emphasis on identifying long term funders or secure revenue streams. Often required at the end of pilot project funding. Strategic Plan: A “big picture” plan developing the overall direction for an organization, with a focus on programming or services rather than finances or resources. Usually followed by an operational plan. Proposal: A plan to implement a specific project, program or activity for a defined period, by accessing financial resources from one or more funders.

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Appendix 2 Some Guidance

1. Excellent, readable, practical guide on proposal writing:

“Strategies for Effective Proposal Writing”

By Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition

http://www.healthycommunities.on.ca/publications/mis/fundproposal.pdf

2. A timeless essay that will not only help you to write well, but will make you

a better human being:

“Politics and the English Language”

By George Orwell (1946)

http://www.george-orwell.org/Politics_and_the_English_Language/0.html

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Appendix 3 How’s the Fit?

Sometimes, the lure of new funding can distract us from our “work”: what we exist to for or accomplish. We need to ask ourselves if the proposed project/program is a good fit with our organization. Does it contribute to the realization of our goals and objectives? The following chart will help you honestly examine (and rate on a scale from 1 to 5) whether this is a suitable undertaking for your group. Fit With Your Organization Item

Your Organization

The Project

Fit (1-5)

Service/Program

Target Group

Experience

Expertise

Budget

Community/Location

Leverage/Alliances

Supporters

Sustainability

Adapted with permission from the Community Social Planning Council of Toronto.

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Appendix 4

Putting Pen to Paper Once you are satisfied that you are indeed ready to develop your proposal and are targeting the appropriate funder, it is time to put pen to paper. General Writing Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Most foundation boards prefer short, succinct proposals that show clarity of

though and purpose. • If you don’t have solid writing skills and experience, ask for help from

someone who does. • Ensure key goals and planned outcomes are clearly stated-get to the point

early. • Use the active rather than passive voice (e.g. “we will help street youth”

instead f “street youth will be helped”). • Describe the human element of your project instead of concentrating on the

theoretical ideas. • Don’t leave readers to assume anything. • Be honest about your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. • Use an enthusiastic and positive tone, but remain credible. • Write a complete first draft before attempting an edit. • Be certain that you can achieve the project objectives you make in your

proposal: if approved, your proposal becomes a legal agreement. • Identify a contact person: someone who is readily available and able to

answer questions about the proposal. Key Elements of a Proposal Although different funders have different requirements – and it is imperative that you do your homework – most proposals would include the following components:

i. Summary ii. Introduction iii. Definition of the Issues iv. Desired Results

• Outputs • Outcomes • Impact

v. Resources and Activities vi. Budget vii. Evaluation Plan viii. Sustainability ix. Conclusions x. Appendices

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Appendix 5 The Hard Part

A good proposal is able to clearly state what is going to be done, why it matters, and how this will be measured. Outputs: These are measures of activity. Number of people attending, graduation rates, frequency of use, meetings attended, etc. Outcomes: These are the changes that come about as a result of the activity. They are usually changes of attitude, knowledge, or capacity. (i.e. – increased self-esteem, reduced dependency on income support, better personal health). Indicators: These are the things you measure to see if the outcome is happening. (i.e. – reduced number of emergency room visits is an indicator of better personal health). N.B. – Position yourself for Success! Think about how you will evaluate the project, and what your outcomes and indicators will be, before you write the proposal. Outcomes should be defined using the S.M.A.R.T. approach. They should be:

Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely

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