FAQs - For Grant Seekers

Last Updated (Thursday, 21 April 2011 20:14) Written by Administrator Monday, 05 January 2009 16:41

Community Grants Program

Q. Is there a limit to the size of the grant we can request?

A. Ask for what you need. Generally, first-time grants start at $5,000 and rarely exceed $30,000. Please keep in mind that the size of grants depends on several factors including the number of grant requests received, funds available for disbursement, pressing community needs, the organization’s capacity, the organization’s previous granting history and other considerations.

Q. What does the Foundation look for when assessing Letters of Inquiry to the Community Grants Program?

A.The Foundation seeks a brief background about your agency, specific information about the proposed initiative and its potential to benefit our community, and how the initiative is responding to a community need.

Your letter of inquiry should discuss any other funders approached, collaboration with other agencies, and provide a good case for support.

Q. How soon can we expect to hear from the Foundation after we submit a Letter of Inquiry?

A. Foundation staff will respond to applicants who have submitted a letter of inquiry within three to four weeks. If the request has been declined, written confirmation will be mailed to the applicant.

If the request merits consideration by the Foundation's Board, a full proposal will be invited and further information, including proposal guidelines, will be made available.  

Q. When will we learn of the Board's decision?

A. Each grant request considered by the Foundation is subjected to a rigorous assessment process to ensure it is meeting a priority need in our community. The assessment process is complex and takes time, involving review by external advisory committees, staff research, and perhaps contact with the applicant.

Following this review process, the Foundation Board considers grant applications at its quarterly meetings. Grant seeking agencies are advised within a few days of the Board's decision and, if a grant has been awarded, a cheque is forwarded to the organization soon after the decision.

If the Board declines a proposal, written confirmation is provided promptly.

Q. What types of initiatives are of interest to the Foundation?

A. The Foundation is interested in initiatives that help build a stronger community and inspire others to support a similar vision. Specifically, we look for initiatives that:

  • Meet a need or fill a gap or in the community
    • Show an understanding of our community and its needs
    • Respect our community’s diversity
    • Work collaboratively to implement solutions
    • Identify creative, innovative and practical approaches
  • Strengthen organizational capacity when required
    • Enhance community organizations’ capacity to deliver services
    • Address organizational stability/sustainability
    • Leverage financial and in-kind support
  • Promote collaboration and sharing among agencies to reduce duplication of programs and/or services
    • Complement existing initiatives in the community in a positive and useful way
    • Develop new partnerships and/or form new networks among charities focusing on strengthening our community
    • Contribute new understanding about community issues

Q. What can Community Grants Program funding be used for?

A. The Foundation welcomes requests for:

  • Seed Grants: funding to help launch a new project, program or initiative
  • Equipment Grants: Funding for equipment, repairs and renovation
  • Project Grants*: Funding for a specific and/or recurring initiative with specific objectives and a predetermined cost
  • Operating Grants*: Funding to support general operating expenses when such support allows your organization to develop strategies ensuring its long-term sustainability

*  At present, the Community Grants Program is not likely to approve funding for more than one year, so applicants should provide feedback regarding plans for sustainability if a grant request is for a longer term project or operating support.

In some cases, recipients of Community Grants Program funds may be invited to submit a subsequent application for future funding after receipt of appropriate reporting pertaining to the original grant.

Q. What types of initiatives are not eligible for Community Grants Program funding?

A. If your request falls within one of the categories below, it is unlikely to be considered:

  • Grants for individuals
  • Annual funding drives/fundraising initiatives
  • Capital campaigns
  • Deficit funding
  • Endowments
  • Grants for direct religious activity
  • Grants for partisan political purposes
  • Medical research or equipment
  • Purchase of land and/or buildings
  • Any expenses incurred prior to the Foundation’s decision date
  • Travel and conferences
  • Scholarship programs
  • National or provincial initiatives without clear benefit to Edmonton

Q. If my letter of inquiry is declined, can I apply again right away?

A. An organization whose letter of inquiry has been declined must wait six months before reapplying. During that time, the agency can seek feedback from Foundation staff about why the request was declined.

Q. Our agency does not have CRA status. Can we still apply?

A. No. Your agency must have a charitable number to apply for an Edmonton Community Foundation grant. Agencies that do not have this number can contact Canada Revenue or Foundation staff for information about applying for charitable status.

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Edmonton Community Play Space Program

Q: My day care centre needs some assistance developing a playground. Is the day care eligible for the Edmonton Community Play Space Program?

A. No, playground or play space projects not intended to be generally accessible to the public (e.g. day care centres, shelters) are not eligible for this program.

Private daycares that are registered charities can apply to the Community Grants Program for assistance with projects of this nature.

Q. What does the Foundation look for when assessing applications to the Edmonton Community Play Space Program?

A. The Foundation has given priority to projects that:

  • are located in predominantly low-income neighbourhoods with limited community capacity to generate the funds necessary to build playgrounds or develop play space,
  • include a plan outlining active community participation in project planning, fundraising and implementation,
  • include the involvement of a City of Edmonton recreation coordinator and/or other officials in project planning,
  • illustrate appropriate accessibility and accommodate diverse users, and
  • plan for construction to occur in the year the application is made.

Q. I understand the deadline for applications to the Edmonton Community Play Space Program is April 1 each year. When are successful applicants notified?

A. Applicants are notified by May 31 of final decisions at which time letters of commitment will be provided to successful applicants. Grants are disbursed to successful applicants once a number of conditions have been met. Those conditions are outlined in the letters sent to successful applicants.

For more information:

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