2021 Applicant Guide Community Vitality Grant Program
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2021 Applicant Guide Community Vitality Grant Program
Contents
1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Funding Requests.......................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Program Criteria ........................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Illustration of Two Past Proposals and Criteria Alignment ........................................................................... 5
5. Leveraging is Fundamental ........................................................................................................................... 6
6. Partnerships/Collaboration .......................................................................................................................... 7
7. What LCF Will and Won’t Fund..................................................................................................................... 7
8. Granting Principles........................................................................................................................................ 9
9. Vital Signs Issue Areas................................................................................................................................... 9
10. Applicant Eligibility and Roles ....................................................................................................................... 9
11. How to Apply .............................................................................................................................................. 10
12. Notification of Decision .............................................................................................................................. 12
13. Requirements of Successful Applicants ...................................................................................................... 12
14. Program Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 12
15. For Application Assistance and to Book a Consultation with Director, Grants: ......................................... 13
Appendix A – Stage ONE Organization Profile & Letter of Inquiry Questions .................................................... 14
21. Overview & Updates
Thank you for your interest in applying to the London Community Foundation’s COMMUNITY VITALITY GRANT
program. Our staff and Grants Committee look forward to reviewing your proposal to generate extraordinary
returns in our community. Proposals are especially encouraged that represent true partnerships and
demonstrate commitment to collaboration and seek to leverage existing or new funding resources in the
community.
Please note changes have been implemented for 2021 including:
- reduction in the maximum amount that can be requested;
- stage one is now a Letter of Inquiry format to ease the application process;
- reduction in number of Vital Sign issue areas with a focus on only those examined in the 2020 report: housing,
racial equality, well-being, gender equality, food security, and education; and
- consideration of how proposals value and embody the concept "nothing about us, without us" ie. how are
individuals representative of the population(s) being served, involved in the decision making and delivery of the
project.
2. Funding Requests
Applicants are welcome to request a grant up to $350,000 which may include up to 50% for capital expense, if
those costs are directly related to the proposal's program or objective. This is a general guideline and does not
preclude consideration of proposals requesting more, as there is a total $1,000,000 available to be granted.
Disbursement may be requested over one, two, or three years.
• The Foundation reserves the right to provide full or partial funding.
• There is no set target on the number of projects that will be funded.
33. Program Criteria
Applications should propose an approach to tackling a London & Middlesex1 community issue area in a way
that:
➢ Is substantively new for, meaning it:
o Is a new approach to an issue
o Is a different way of framing/conceiving an old issue
o Brings together different partners in new ways
➢ TIP: Highlight uniqueness and innovation!
• Proposes significant change to the current state of affairs, as follows:
o Alters the current system
o Takes an undesirable trend and turns it around
o Substantially improves results of current methods
o Fills an important, unaddressed gap in the community
➢ TIP: Transformative impact versus transactional or adaptive change!
• Is innovative while still accountable and measurable, by:
o Grounding the proposal’s assumptions in evidence or a credible “change theory;” What makes the
approach plausible?
o Identifying an “accountable strategy” and including process milestones, outcomes and success
indicators
o Providing evidence of your capacity2 to deliver on your proposal’s progress and outcomes
➢ TIP: Demonstrate capacity, competence and commitment!
1
The Foundation’s catchment area is the City of London and Middlesex County so the proposal must primarily be
focussed on this area. We are open to considering projects that also involve other regions as long as there is a
guarantee that Community Vitality Grant funding investments would be confined to the London and Middlesex area and
not invested elsewhere.
2
LCF needs to be confident that you (and your co-applicants) can deliver on the ideas in the proposal:
o Do you have the necessary experience & expertise?
o Is the proposal at a scale that seems to give good chance of success?
o Does the game plan and its elements seem doable?
4• Benefits London/Middlesex by improving, or leveraging resources/investments by:
o Attracting contributions from other sources (funders, sponsors, partners etc.)
o Sharing and using local resources and expertise more effectively
o Finding innovative efficiencies in systems or services
➢ TIP: Magnify/leverage LCF’s investment!
4. Illustration of Two Past Proposals and Criteria Alignment
CRITERIA Extreme Clean - (2012 recipient) Cornerstone Counselling - (2015 Recipient)
Community issue area: Housing/Homelessness Health & Wellness
Substantively new: No similar programs in A collaboration of community services providing
London/Middlesex a centralized mental health/addictions service:
responsive, youth-friendly, offering self-referral,
easy access to non-crisis support in a community
setting
Significant change to ➢ Pilot data demonstrated ➢ Addresses the absence of services for youth
the current state of effectiveness who are experiencing mental health
affairs: ➢ Address a gap by offering both concerns, but are not yet in crisis in London
an immediate solution and and region
important ongoing support to ➢ Addresses a fragmented system, offers
allow successful maintenance improved communication and a seamless,
of housing long-term organized system that links hospital and
community agencies
Is innovative while still ➢ Proven program evaluated and ➢ process and outcome measures will be
accountable and shown to be effective in uniquely co-developed, selected and
measurable: preventing homelessness in monitored through the support and expertise
other regions of community partners and stakeholders
5➢ National and international
recognition for its innovative
and promising approach to
preventing homelessness
➢ Development and
implementation include logic
model, program evaluation and
outcomes identified to measure
combined with a plan for
scheduled reviews and
accountability
Benefits ➢ Created strategies for ➢ Initiative is part of a larger project
London/Middlesex by development of partnerships, already in progress receiving community
improving, or communications, volunteers support and LCF’s grant will be leveraged
leveraging and long-term funding to secure ongoing funding; once initiative
resources/investments: including exploring a revenue- demonstrates effectiveness; Ministry
generating stream funding will be pursued
5. Leveraging is Fundamental
For the Community Vitality Grant Program, leveraging all available resources (funding, people and expertise,
supplies and materials, connections etc.) is viewed as critical in extending the reach, capacity and success of
proposals.
5.1 Leveraging Definition
The use of London Community Foundation funds to acquire funds, personnel/ expertise, supplies/materials or
other contributions from other agencies, funders, parties, or organizations to increase the scope of the
proposal’s reach, impact, and potential for success in meeting its goals and desired outcomes. LCF prefers not
to be the only monetary funder.
65.2 Non-monetary/in-kind contributions should be valued as follows:
o Volunteer Labour - $20.00 per hour (eg. Individual may be a lawyer by profession but their voluntary
contributions are not in that capacity)
o Donated Materials and Supplies - at their retail prices
o Donated Professional Services - at their customary rates, up to a maximum of $75 per hour (eg.
Individual who is a lawyer providing legal expertise)
5.3 Magnify London Community Foundation’s Investment
The Foundation can be the first, second or last source of support for a proposal. The sequence of support is not
a concern. The concern is using all the resources available to achieve a positive, measurable outcome. There is
no specific matching formula requirement; only that there is an intent to magnify LCF’s investment.
6. Partnerships/Collaboration
LCF favours proposals that create meaningful partnerships and demonstrate commitment to collaboration. The
application requires the proposal’s collaborators to be identified as a Co-Applicant and/or a Partner.
• A Co-Applicant takes a leadership and accountability role for the entire initiative. Co-Applicants are not a
requirement of the Community Vitality program. (see 10.2 for more details)
• A Partner makes a contribution to the initiative. Partners are a requirement of the program.
Avoid listing an organization as a partner unless they have a full understanding of the proposal as it is
critical to ensure partners are seriously involved and committed to the proposal. Both the Executive
Director/CEO and the Boards of all the partners must make a commitment in principle to the proposal. It’s
recommended that, should the proposal be invited for an interview, Co-Applicants/Partners attend.
7. What LCF Will and Won’t Fund
The Foundation will consider supporting most expenditures required to implement the proposal. There are
some limitations on capital expenditures as well as expectations related to staffing expenses and
programmatic-type proposals. An explanation for these limitations/expectations follows.
7.1 Capital Expenditures
The London Community Foundation:
7• Will consider requests which may include up to 50% for capital expense supporting the
purchase/acquisition of fixed assets, such as equipment, and space renovation, if these items are
directly attributable to the program or service that is the basis of the grant application (see
Examples*)
• Will NOT consider requests for funding for land acquisition, building purchases and new construction 3
*Examples of Past Community Vitality Projects Involving Fixed Assets and Renovation Costs:
Example 1: 2016 Community Vitality recipient – Boys and Girls Club – Digital Creative Arts Centre
o LCF’s grant supported costs of a room renovation within the Club’s facility and the acquisition of
equipment; both were critical to the project’s goal to provide skill-building opportunities for
youth.
Example 2: 2016 Community Vitality recipient – Pathways Skill Development and Placement Centre
– London Community Woodshop
o LCF’s grant supported costs to purchase and install equipment essential to the safety and
operational capacity of the woodshop which uses woodworking to address social isolation and
skill development.
7.2 Staffing
The Foundation will consider funding for staffing, but with scrutiny. We recognize the necessity of
organizational capacity to implement projects and that other funders may have less flexibility to fund
infrastructure than LCF. However, we are wary of applications that seem to ‘fund employment’ versus focus on
results. We are also cognizant that our grant will be time-limited and staffing costs are usually an ongoing
expense.
3
LCF’s Social Impact Fund supports affordable housing by providing loans to builders and now also provides financing to
all types of social enterprise projects and organizations that are looking to improve the community, and can
demonstrate a social return or value. Check out our website for more details.
87.3 Programs
LCF prefers not to fund program costs that are dependent on ongoing, long-term funding, when our grants are
short-term and time limited. When we do fund staffing or other ongoing costs to help launch a new program or
initiative, we expect to see a clearly laid-out plan on what other sources of funds will be used to cover these
costs. In all cases, we ask the question: “How will this program be sustained after LCF funding investments
end?”
8. Granting Principles
The proposal must address one or more of the Foundation’s granting principles:
• Emphasize prevention rather than remediation
• Encourage networking and collaboration among organizations
• Demonstrate innovative or interdisciplinary approaches
• Develop local leadership capacity
• Reflect diversity and inclusivity
• Provide leveraging possibilities
9. Vital Signs Issue Areas
The proposal must address at least one, up to a maximum of three, of the Vital Signs issue areas listed below
featured in London’s 2020 Vital Signs Report: Be The Change.
• Education
• Gender Equality
• Racial Equality
• Food Security
• Housing
• Well-Being
10. Applicant Eligibility and Roles
10.1 Qualified Donee Applicant
Although there may be two or more organizations applying together for support of a proposal, only one
organization may serve as the Qualified Donee Applicant. The Qualified Donee Applicant must have registered
status with the Canada Revenue Agency at the time of application submission and maintain this status. The
9Qualified Donee Applicant is committed to the planning and implementation of the proposal with one or more
Co-Applicants, (if applicable), and also to receiving and managing the funds should the proposal receive a
Community Vitality Grant.
10.2 Co-Applicants versus Partners
A Co-Applicant is an organization, not necessarily a qualified donee, committed to working with the Qualified
Donee Applicant in the planning and implementation of the proposal should it receive a Community Vitality
Grant. In other words, a Co-Applicant takes a leadership and accountability role for the entire initiative. A
partner makes a meaningful contribution to the initiative. The Stage One and Two applications require a listing
of the specific contributions partners are prepared to make (monetary and in-kind). If there are any Co-
Applicants, the Stage Two application requires a copy of the agreement outlining roles and responsibilities
between the Qualified Donee Applicant and Co-Applicant(s).
10.3 Ineligible Applicants
A Qualified Donee Applicant or Co-Applicant may not include, as part of its senior administration, a London
Community Foundation employee and their immediate family.
Members of the London Community Foundation Grants Committee and Board of Directors are eligible to apply.
However, they are recused from reviewing, scoring, and commenting on their own applications. They may not
discuss their own application with other committee or board members.
10.4 Subsequent applications from past recipients
London Community Foundation does not entertain further requests from past recipients to fund the same
proposal in subsequent years.
11. How to Apply
The Community Vitality Grant Program is administered as a two-stage process.
11.1 Stage One
10The purpose of the Stage One Letter of Inquiry is to convey your unique idea in a compelling manner that will
prompt an invitation to interview with the Grants Committee. It’s essential to demonstrate serious plans
around accountability, capacity, collaboration, and leveraging; plans must be ‘doable’. Clarity and conciseness
are key – less is more. Plain language is preferred rather than acronyms, technical or professional terminology.
Data/Statistic citations are not required in Stage One.
Stage One Letter of Inquiry: Deadline: February 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
A. Stage One provides an online system to submit a Letter of Inquiry (2 page maximum) at:
https://lcfg.smapply.ca/prog/community_vitality_grant_program
See Appendix A for the Organization Profile and Stage One Letter of Inquiry questions.
B. The Letter of Inquiry is due February 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Any submission made after the deadline date
will be deemed ineligible. Using the online portal is preferred, however if you require an alternate
submission format, please contact Linda Turner, Grants Administrator, linda@lcf.on.ca or 519-667-1600
x106. No other documentation will be accepted after the deadline, unless it is provided in response to an
LCF inquiry.
C. All applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee and staff. A selection of applicants will be
invited to provide a presentation and interview with the Committee on March 31 for a 15 minute
timeslot. (sometime between 4:00 and 7:00 PM).
D. All applicants will be notified by March 12 as to whether they are invited to the presentation/interview
stage. Should an invitation be extended, it will include the interview time and questions/points of
clarification to address.
E. Interview findings will be used to identify applicants to invite to Stage Two. By April 5, all applicants will
be notified as to whether they are invited to proceed.
11.2 Stage Two
Applicants who have successfully moved from Stage One will be invited to submit a comprehensive application
using the online application system provided by the Foundation.
Stage Two Application: Deadline: May 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
11A. Stage Two provides the online system (https://lcfg.smapply.ca/prog/community_vitality_grant_program)
to complete the application which includes request for a work plan, budget, qualified donee’s financial
statements, board of directors listing, and confirmation that key governance policies are in place.
Additional proposal-related documentation will be accepted.
B. The Stage Two Questions and required documents must be submitted online by May 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Any submission made after the deadline date will be deemed ineligible. Using the online portal is
preferred, however if you require an alternate submission format, please contact Linda Turner, Grants
Administrator, linda@lcf.on.ca or 519-667-1600 x106. No other documentation will be accepted after the
deadline, unless it is provided in response to an LCF inquiry.
C. All applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee and required to attend an interview on June 16 for
30 minutes sometime between 4:00 and 7:00 PM), involving a presentation and Q & A.
D. By June 3, applicants will receive confirmation of their interview date, time, and questions/points of
clarification to address.
12. Notification of Decision
All Stage Two applicants will be notified by July 30 as to whether they will receive a Community Vitality Grant.
13. Requirements of Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will be required to review and sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the
proposal’s objective, use of LCF’s funding, grant period, amount, installments, reporting and publicity
guidelines as well as provisions should entire funds not be spent or the project discontinued.
14. Program Dates
London Community Foundation reserves the right to extend the dates at any time.
February 18 at 2:00 PM Stage One Letter of Inquiry due
March 12 Stage One applicants notified if receiving presentation/interview
invitation
March 31 Interviews conducted with selected Stage One Applicants
12April 5 Stage One interviewees notified if receiving invitation to proceed to
Stage Two
May 25 at 2:00 PM Stage Two application due
June 3 Stage Two applicants receive interview details
June 16 Interviews conducted with Stage Two applicants
July 30 Stage Two applicants notified if receiving a Community Vitality Grant
15. For Application Assistance and to Book a Consultation with Lori
Runciman, Director, Grants: contact Linda Turner, Grants Administrator |
linda@lcf.on.ca | 519-667-1600 x 106
13Appendix A – Stage ONE Organization Profile & Letter of Inquiry Questions
You can preview on our website.
FIRST TASK: Organization Profile
If you have submitted your information to London Community Foundation in a previous Survey Monkey Apply program,
this data may pre-populate. Please review that information and update if needed.
Tell us about your organization's purpose and administration. Be concise.
Contact Name: This will be pre-populated using the data in your account for this application.
Email: This will be pre-populated using the data in your account for this application.
What is your relationship to the organization?
Phone Number:
Name of Canadian Charitable Organization or Qualified Donee:
Registered Charity Number (if applicable):
Website (Optional):
Complete mailing address
About the Organization (mission, purpose):
This organization serves the population of
• London, Ontario, CANADA
• Middlesex County, Ontario, CANADA
• London and Middlesex County, Ontario, CANADA
• Other
Who does your organization serve? Provide the two demographics, the Age group and the Population your organization
serves. *Note on Age & Population selections*If you select "All Ages", please do not select the separate Age options. If
you choose "General Population", please do not select the separate Population options.
□ All ages
□ Children – up to 11
□ Youth – 12 to 18
□ Young adults – 19 to 29
□ Adults – 30 to 64
□ Seniors – 65 and up
14□ General Population
□ LGBT2Q+
□ Newcomers
□ People with Disabilities
□ Diverse Cultural Communities
□ Women
□ Men
□ Indigenous
What is the organizational structure?
Is it completely volunteer-run? Or is there a staff and volunteer mix? Provide approximate numbers and explain reasons
for the structure if not self-evident.
How is the organization funded?
Describe how your organization sustains its activities, including major funder names and amounts - be concise.
Second Task – Letter of Inquiry
Community Vitality Stage One Application
COMMUNITY VITALITY STAGE ONE LETTER OF INQUIRY
Due: Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact Linda Turner, Grants Administrator, linda@lcf.on.ca | 519-667-1600 x 106
Vital Sign Alignment
To qualify to be considered for the 2021 Community Vitality grant program, your project must align with one or more
of the following Vital Signs.
Vital Sign Issue Area
Please choose at least one and up to three Vital Sign issue areas that align with your project.
□ Housing
□ Education
□ Food Security
□ Gender Equality
□ Racial Equality
□ Well-being
15Project Overview
Proposal Name (10-word limit)
Short Description of Proposal (25-word limit)
Estimated Total Cost of Your Proposal ($)
Community Vitality Grant Amount Requested ($)
Number of years (up to 3) for Disbursement (#)
Upload a Letter of Inquiry
On your organization’s letterhead, upload a document (2 page maximum) signed by the organization’s leadership
including the Executive Director, CEO, President, etc. AND the Board Chair, President, etc,
Explain the proposal in a narrative form and be sure to include all of the following details:
• what the project is about and what issues it addresses,
• list the benefits of completing the project,
• describe how the project will be carried out,
• who else will be involved and what are their roles,
• describe why the proponent(s) have the capacity to undertake this proposal and achieve the outcomes
identified,
• describe at high-level the project’s budget and funding needs including which funders have been secured/will be
approached.
• to which specific expenses will LCF granting be allocated?
If you are not able to upload this document, please contact Linda Turner, linda@lcf.on.ca or 519-667-1600 x106 for
assistance.
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