For Grant Seekers
Last Updated (Tuesday, 17 March 2009 16:44) Written by Administrator Tuesday, 18 November 2008 16:22
Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) has earned a reputation throughout greater Edmonton as a trusted, reliable source for identifying and funding community initiatives that will strengthen our community over the long term. By understanding the philanthropic wishes of donors and working with successful, committed agencies, the Foundation provides funding for worthy programs and services that improve the quality of life in our community.
The Foundation employs a rigorous, competitive process to determine the most crucial community needs. The process is unique, innovative and responsive, making use of experienced staff and the expertise and judgment of the Foundation’s volunteer Board and committee members. It ensures a high level of rigour is applied to all applications and offers accountability to donors.
Registered charities can seek grants from two programs: the Community Grants Program and the Edmonton Community Play Space Program.
With about 4,500 registered charities operating in our community, the Foundation is not able to support every request it receives. Successful applications reflect the Foundation’s careful consideration of community needs. Given the large volume of requests the Foundation receives each year and the finite amount of granting dollars available for annual disbursement, the Foundation is not able to accommodate all applications.
Foundation Directed Initiatives (FDIs) offer another means of supporting partners who demonstrate high levels of commitment, capacity and effectiveness. Since FDIs are an internal initiative of the Foundation, agencies cannot apply for this stream of funding.
Granting Update for 2009
The Edmonton Community Foundation remains committed to supporting local charities with grants and other forms of assistance.
In 2009, our Community Grants Program will continue to issue a wide variety of grants based on commitments made in previous years. These grants address community needs in the health, arts, education, and social services sectors. We will also continue to provide funding to the community through our donor advised, designated, and scholarship funds.
Owing to the recent economic downturn, the amount of funds available for disbursement in 2009 has been reduced. While we continue to engage local charities in discussions about their needs, the Edmonton Community Foundation will not be accepting any new requests for Community Grants Program funding (through our Letter of Inquiry, or LOI, process) until the economy revives, allowing our endowed funds to recover their value.
We encourage agencies with questions to contact staff members from our Grants department for further information – and to check our website for periodic updates.
