The application deadline for organizations to apply for grant funding from the Phoenix Foundation is fast approaching, with letters of intent (LOIs) due February 28. Over 20 people representing various nonprofit organizations came out, including one person who drove from Salmo because there weren’t any grant writing workshops offered in her area.
Brenda LaCroix of the Christina Lake Stewardship Society presented, with additional input from the Phoenix Foundation Grants Committee Chair George Longden. For those who missed out on this opportunity, here is a summary of the information.
The Phoenix Foundation is looking to expand grant applications this year, according to Longden, and is focusing on increasing community capacity through working with nonprofits and individuals. If you don’t think your organization qualifies, contact the Phoenix Foundation to discuss other options.”
If your organization is not a federally registered nonprofit, Longden advises that you look to partner with an organization that is. so regional districts, cities, it’s all good.”
Funding criteria
The Phoenix Foundation looks for creative projects that provide a direct service to the community or take an innovative approach to community concerns, Proposed projects should benefit as many people in the Boundary Region as possible.
Funding can be provided capital projects, including construction and equipment purchases, and program-related projects, including specific, short-term activities designed to meet certain goals.
The Foundation does not fund endowments, core operating expenses, individuals, fundraising events, retroactive expenses, debt retirement, conventions or student exchanges; nor will they fund activities of organizations that serve primarily their membership and/or their direct purposes, or activities supported through government funding.
The Foundation will typically fund up to 30% of a proposed project. You can contact Longden at (250) 442-5653.
Preparing the LOI
According to LaCroix, an LOI starts with an idea that matches your organization’s mandate and vision, and the grant writing process helps shape that idea. “So at the beginning of the year, I know all of my grants and where I’m going.”
The first main section of the LOI is entitled Establishing Community Priorities and Project Connection, where you tailor your project to the mandate and priorities of the Phoenix Foundation and meld them with your organization’s mandate. A lot of times we have these really big ideas and when you start writing about it you go, “Maybe too much.””
If your organization doesn’t have the capacity to do the project you have in mind, go to other groups that you know and “see if you can tailor something that will benefit the both of you,” advises LaCroix.
Budget and leverage funding
LaCroix says the budget section is the most challenging part for most people, but “it helps you think through exactly what the needs are for the program or project you want to do, and you build in your partnerships and in-kind a this point too.” If you do not receive a reply, please call to ensure that your application was received.
The Phoenix Foundation would also like to remind readers that there are also community partnership funds in Midway and Greenwood where local applicants can find funding support.
