2022 Applicant Guide Community Vitality Grant Program
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2022 Applicant Guide
Community Vitality Grant Program
1Contents
1. Overview & Updates ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Funding Requests.......................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Program Criteria ........................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Leveraging is Fundamental ........................................................................................................................... 5
5. Partnerships/Collaboration .......................................................................................................................... 5
6. Eligible Expenditures..................................................................................................................................... 6
7. Granting Principles........................................................................................................................................ 7
8. Vital Signs Issue Areas................................................................................................................................... 7
9. Applicant Eligibility and Roles ....................................................................................................................... 8
10. How to Apply ................................................................................................................................................ 9
11. Notification of Decision .............................................................................................................................. 10
12. Requirements of Supported Proponents.................................................................................................... 10
13. Program Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 11
14. For Application Assistance .......................................................................................................................... 11
Appendix A – Stage ONE Organization Profile & Letter of Intent Questions................................................... 12
21. Overview & Updates
Thank you for your interest in applying to the London Community Foundation’s COMMUNITY VITALITY GRANT
program. LCF looks 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 in the grant program, including:
- There are now three stages in the program cycle: Letter of Intent, Application and Interview. LCF is piloting
this format in 2022 with the intention to streamline the applicant experience.
- 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.
LCF prefers not to be the only monetary funder. 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.
• The Foundation reserves the right to provide full or partial funding
• There is no set number of projects to be funded.
33. Program Criteria
Applications should propose an approach to tackling a community issue area in LCF’s catchment1 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 capacity2 to deliver on your proposal’s progress and outcomes
➢ TIP: Demonstrate capacity, competence and commitment!
1
The Foundation’s catchment area includes the City of London, Middlesex County, Oneida Nation of the Thames,
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and Munsee-Delaware Nation. 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 LCF’s catchment and not invested elsewhere.
2
LCF is interested to understand proponents have:
o the necessary experience & expertise;
o realistically scaled the proposal; and
o a feasible plan.
4• Benefits LCF’s catchment1 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
o Having a primary focus on, and only using the Community Vitality Grant funding on, LCF’s
catchment area.
➢ TIP: Magnify/leverage LCF’s investment!
4. Leveraging is Fundamental
For the Community Vitality Grant Program, leveraging all available internal and external resources (funding,
people and expertise, supplies and materials, connections etc.) is viewed as critical in extending the reach,
capacity and impact of proposals.
LCF defines leverageing as: the use of LCF 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.
5. 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 however it demonstrates a deeper level of collaboration.
(see 9.2 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.
56. Eligible Expenditures
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.
6.1 Capital Expenditures
The London Community Foundation:
• 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 below
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: LCF’s grant supported costs of a room renovation within the organization’s facility and
the acquisition of equipment; both were critical to the project’s goal to provide skill-building
opportunities for youth.
Example 2: LCF’s grant supported costs to purchase and install equipment essential to the safety
and operational capacity of a woodshop which uses woodworking to address social isolation and
skill development.
6.2 Staffing
LCF recognizes the necessity of organizational capacity to implement projects and will consider staffing costs
directly attributable to the program or service that is the basis of the grant application. We are cognizant that
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.
6our grant will be time-limited and staffing costs are usually an ongoing expense, therefore a sustainability plan
should be provided if there is a need to sustain the staffing resource beyond LCF’s funding. For example, in two
past projects, LCF’s funding was used in the immediate term, while organizations fundraise to sustain the
staffing resource beyond the grant term.
6.3 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?”
7. 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
8. 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 2021 Vital Signs Report: Be The Change.
• Education
• Gender Equality
• Racial Equality
• Food Security
• Housing
• Well-Being
79. Applicant Eligibility and Roles
9.1 Qualified Donee Applicant
Although there may be two or more organizations applying together for support of a proposal, only one
organization is required to 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 Qualified Donee Applicant is accountable for the planning and implementation of the proposal with
one or more Co-Applicants, (if applicable), and also for receiving and managing the funds should the proposal
receive a grant. To learn more, visit the Eligibility page of our website.
9.2 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 Application Stage requires a listing of the specific
contributions partners are prepared to make (monetary and in-kind). If there are any Co-Applicants, the
Application Stage requires a copy of the agreement outlining roles and responsibilities between the Qualified
Donee Applicant and Co-Applicant(s). refer to “Better Together – A Guide for Charity/Non-Charity
Partnerships”
9.3 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.
9.4 Subsequent applications from past recipients
Past Community Vitaltiy grant recipients are eligible to apply but not for the same initaitive for which it
received LCF funding.
810. How to Apply
The Community Vitality Grant Program is administered as a three-stage process.
10.1 Letter of Intent (LOI)
The purpose of the LOI is to convey your unique idea demonstrating 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 the Letter.
LOI Deadline: February 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
A. Applicants use the online system to submit a Letter of Intent (2 page maximum) at:
https://lcfg.smapply.ca/prog/community_vitality_grant_program
See Appendix A for the Organization Profile and Letter of Intent questions
B. The LOI is due February 17, 2022 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 LOI’s will be reviewed by the Grants Committee. By March 10, all applicants will be notified as to
whether they are invited to the application stage.
10.2 Application Stage
Applicants who have successfully moved from the LOI stage will be invited to submit a comprehensive
application using the online application system provided by the Foundation.
Application: Deadline: May 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
A. Applicants use 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.
9B. The application and required documents must be submitted online by May 3, 2022 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 to determine which proponents to invite to attend
an interview.
10.3 Interview Stage
A. By May 19, applicants will be notified as to whether they are invited for an interview.
B. An invitation will include interview date, time, and questions/points of clarification to address.
C. Upon conclusion of interviews, the Grants Committee will deliberate and select which applications to
recommend for support with a Community Vitality grant.
11. Notification of Decision
All Interviewees will be notified by June 13 if their proposal is included as a funding recommendation at the
next LCF Board meeting. By July 29 applicants will be notified if funding is confirmed.
12. Requirements of Supported Proponents
By August 31, proponents approved for funding 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.
1013. Program Dates
London Community Foundation reserves the right to extend the dates at any time.
February 17 at 2:00 PM Letter of Intent
March 10 All those who submitted a LOI are notified if receiving an invitation to
complete a full application
May 3 at 2:00 PM Application due
May 19 Notify applicants if invited to interview stage
June 7, and if needed, 8 Interviews conducted
June 13 Interviewees notified if funding is being recommended to LCF Board
July 29 Recommended proponents notified if Board approval obtained
Aug 31 Memorandum of Understanding completed by recipient
October 31 First installment mailed to recipient
14. For Application Assistance
Please contact Linda Turner, Grants Adminstrator | linda@lcf.on.ca | 519-667-1600 x 106 who will
manage requests for technical and application assistance. Should inquiries require a discussion, Linda
will coordinate a brief meeting with the Grants Director.
11Appendix A – Organization Profile & Stage One Letter of Intent 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 – including First Nations
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
12□ 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 Intent
COMMUNITY VITALITY STAGE ONE LETTER OF INTENT
Due: Thursday, February 17, 2022 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 2022 Community Vitality grant program, your project must align with one
or more of the following Vital Signs issue areas.
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
13Project Overview
Proposal Name (10-word limit) This value must be between 1 and 10 words.
Short Description of Proposal (25-word limit) This value must be between 5 and 25 words.
Estimated Total Cost of Your Proposal ($)
Community Vitality Grant Amount Requested ($)
Number of years (up to 3) for Disbursement (#)
Letter of Intent
UPLOAD LETTER OF INTENT - 2 page maximum
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; include the community members you serve and
how your project has 'nothing about us, without us" in its concept,
• 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. Be sure to indicate to which specific expenses LCF granting will 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.
Upload a file – upload the Letter of Intent
14You can also read
