What we Fund
We will fund programs and projects which:
- Address local needs.
- Use local leadership and expertise.
- Involve collaboration and partnerships
- Build on existing community strengths and assets.
- Respond to clearly identified needs
- Make a significant and lasting impact on our community.
- Benefit a wide audience
- Use resources efficiently and effectively.
- Show innovation, creativity and a degree of risk.
- Align with our funding principles and fields of interest.
We will NOT fund programs and projects which:
- Benefit individuals.
- Seek to fund deficits or the retirement of debts.
- Maintain existing operations.
- Support sectarian, religious, or political purposes. Religious organizations, however, may receive funding for projects are of benefit to the broader community.
- Benefit organizations that have not fulfilled the terms of a previous grant.
- Include expenses incurred prior to the Community Foundation's decision date.
- Contribute to annual fund drives, endowments, or fundraising events and activities.
Funding Policies
Who can receive a grant? Grants will only be awarded to “qualified donees” as defined by Revenue Canada, including:
- Registered Charities
- Registered Amateur Athletic Associations
- Municipalities
Do you fund multi-year projects or operational expenses? Grants will only be considered for multi-year projects (two year maximum) or operating expenses if there is a clear indication the grant will build upon the capacity and strength of the organization, and a clear sustainability plan has been outlined.
Do you accept unsolicited requests? Grants will only be awarded during the timeframes and for the amounts noted in the call for applications for each grant program. Applications received outside the terms of our granting programs or without invitation will be declined.
Do you fund large projects and capital campaigns? Since the Foundation aims to achieve the greatest impact possible with its grants, it generally does not fund projects that are part of a larger initiative or capital campaign. Elements or phases of larger projects may be funded where the applicant has shown that the grant will make a substantial contribution toward completion of that piece of the project and/or leverage funding from other sources.
Do you fund projects for branches of larger organizations (national or provincial body), or for those organization which normally receive government funding? The applicant should ask national/provincial body or government ministry to fund the project first. If the larger body or government ministry is not willing or able to fund the project, the Foundation may provide a grant if the applicant has clearly explained why the funding request was declined and demonstrates that the project will have a significant local impact.
What if our project falls outside of your granting policies? If you believe that your project will have a significant impact in Windsor-Essex, but it falls outside of our granting policies please contact our staff for direction.
If you are awarded a grant...
Successful applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement outlining the conditions of the grant before funds are disbursed. Recipients must seek written approval from the foundation prior to any deviation from the terms of the original application.
A final report shall be submitted to the foundation providing details about the outcomes of the project by the deadline indicated on the application instructions, and at such times as the committee requests. Recipients are encouraged to provide photographs and other documentation which the foundation can use in promotions.
The Community Foundation asks grant recipients to acknowledge the support received. This recognition is important to donors and others considering an investment, as it helps to highlight their philanthropy in action.
View the PR & Recognition guidelines for grant recipients by clicking HERE.
The Foundation's logo is also available for use in print and online by clicking HERE.
All photos/video submitted must be accompanied by a signed consent form.
