EMPOWERING NON-PROFITS
Building Skills, Strengthening Communities
Strong organizations build strong communities. The Shuswap Community Foundation’s new Capacity Building Grant Program is designed to help local charities and non-profit organizations strengthen their effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term impact. By supporting initiatives such as strategic planning, governance development, staff and volunteer training, technology upgrades, and organizational improvements, these grants provide the tools and resources organizations need to grow, adapt, and better serve the community.
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND
Capacity Building Grants
up to $15,000
Capacity building investments help organizations become more effective, sustainable, and resilient. Stronger leadership, better systems, improved skills, and updated technology can enhance service delivery, attract resources, and increase an organization’s ability to meet changing community needs for years to come.
Capacity Building Grants are guided by the following principles:
Preference will be given to non-profits primarily operating in the Shuswap.
The outcomes of the grant application must contribute to the well-being of residents of the Shuswap.
The Foundation will not support projects of a partisan, religious or political nature.
The Foundation must see an organizational funding match for the amount being requested.
The Foundation will not fund projects already underway.
Granted funds may not be used to retire debt.
National organizations may apply if they have a Shuswap chapter, which needs to be clearly stated in the application. Projects need to be carried out entirely in the Shuswap, otherwise National organizations are not eligible for Community Grants, Capacity Building Grants or Major Capital Grants.
A Project Evaluation Report must be submitted to the Foundation prior to a new Grant Application.
You have an idea. What’s next?
You’ve already gotten through the first step. We make the application process as simple as possible. Here’s what you can expect.
Write and submit your application
Grants are available for up to $15,000.
Wait for the results
Your application will be reviewed. Expect to hear whether it’s been approved within 6 to 8 weeks.
Bring your idea to life
Your grant will be sent to you via cheque or direct deposit. Now it’s time to get started!
Share your story
Be sure to take a few photos and share them with us. This will help inspire more people like you to get started too.
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS FAQ
During the online application process, you will need to upload the following:
- 2 years of financials (audited are preferred, but not required)
- Organization Annual Budget
- 3 quotes/estimates preferred, if not submitted,an explanation why will be required.
- Letters of support and a Board letter or minutes supporting the application and authorizing you to apply.
You will also need the following information (but will not need to upload documents):
- Project budget
- Board of Directors
- Program outline
- Organization purpose/mission statement
- Project description
- Population that will be served – description
- Project/program goals and anticipated outcomes
- Confirmation of other sources of funding including your organization
- Confirmation of matching dollars from your organization
You can apply online through Shuswap Community Foundation’s Grant Portal. If you need help with your application, please contact Monica Sigurdson at Shuswap Community Foundation. Email Monica here:
Eligible projects for Capacity Building Grants include professional development, strategic planning, sustainability studies, and team expansion.
The Shuswap Community Foundation Board and Grants Committee who live in our community decide which applications will get funding and distributes the funds to successful projects.
APPLY FOR A
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT
Applications are accepted online through our Grants Portal (login or create an account and look for “Capacity Building Grants”).
Applications that meet our criteria and are approved will be partnered with an appropriate charity group for fund disbursement.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: April 1
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: November 30
PROJECT COMPLETION: December 31
