FAQs - For Grant Seekers

Last Updated (Friday, 30 January 2009 16:34) 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 applications to the Community Grants Program?

A. Many charities seeking grants from the Foundation have a strong track record of good work in our community. The Foundation may provide funding to these organizations so they can deliver their programs and services.

To ensure Foundation staff have the necessary information to assess your grant request, your Letter of Inquiry must include:

• general information 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.

Q. How soon can we expect to hear from the Foundation after we submit an application?

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 contact with the applicant.

After Foundation staff members have completed their review, 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 within a month of the decision.

Your agency is advised to submit your grant application at least four to six months before the anticipated start date of your initiative

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
• 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
• Address root causes
  • Identify creative, innovative and practical approaches
  • Contribute new understanding about community issues
  • Involve key stakeholders in outcomes

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
• 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
• Equipment Grants: Funding for equipment, repairs and renovation

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 grant application has been declined must wait six months before reapplying. During that time, the agency can seek feedback from Foundation staff about why the first application 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.

Return to For Grant Seekers

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:

• E-mail: info@ecfoundation.org
• Phone: (780) 426-0015 or toll free at 1-866-626-0015
  

Return to For Grant Seekers