EMPOWERING NON-PROFITS
Strengthening Shuswap Communities
Shuswap Community Foundation’s Community Grants program helps strengthen the region by supporting local charities, non-profits, and community organizations working to improve quality of life across the Shuswap. Through the generosity of donors and endowed funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations, the Foundation provides funding for projects and initiatives in areas including arts and culture, education, health and wellness, youth, seniors, environment, recreation, heritage, social equity, animal welfare, and community development.
With two annual grant cycles, the Community Grants program empowers local organizations to deliver meaningful programs, create lasting impact, and build vibrant, connected, and resilient communities throughout the Shuswap.
COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE 1 OPENS JULY 1
COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE 2 OPENS DECEMBER 1
COMMUNITY GRANT CYCLE 2 OPENS DECEMBER 1
Community Grants
up to $20,000
Our grant programs are only possible because of the generous individuals, organizations, and businesses who have donated to one of our many funds. We invest these endowed funds and use those earnings to provide grants, offering our donors a chance to shape the future of our community by supporting a broad spectrum of local non-profit organizations and projects.
Community Grants criteria:
Community Grant Cycles are July 1 to August 15 and December 15 to January 31, unless otherwise indicated.
New non-charity organizations who have existed for less than a year will need to partner with a Charity with a similar purpose, to be considered for community or major capital grants.
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 allows for a 10% maximum for overheads expenses (i.e. wages, admin etc.) as part of a Community Grant or Major Capital Grant.
The Foundation will not fund events outside of our Sponsorship Program.
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 $20,000.
Wait for the results
Your application will be reviewed. Expect to hear whether it’s been approved within 2 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.
COMMUNITY 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
- Quotes/estimates
- Letters of support
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
You can apply online through Shuswap Community Foundation’s Grant Portal. If you need help with your application, please contact Robyn Keating at Shuswap Community Foundation. Email Robyn here:
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.
Eligible projects for community grants include small capital purchases, program research and programs that benefit the community, such as a food security program or an adult literacy program.
APPLY FOR A
COMMUNITY GRANT
Applications are accepted online through our Grants Portal (login or create an account and look for “Community Grants”).
Applications that meet our criteria and are approved will be notified, a cheque issued and then your project can start.
CYCLE 1 APPLICATIONS OPEN: July 1
CYCLE 1 APPLICATIONS CLOSE: August 15
Adjudication planned for September; cheques disbursed by October 31
CYCLE 2 APPLICATIONS OPEN: December 1
CYCLE 2 APPLICATIONS CLOSE: January 15
Adjudication planned for February; cheques disbursed by March 31
