Grants: Processes & Guidelines

Grants Process

Local charities make application to the Sarnia Community Foundation and are granted funds based on project impact, number of citizens served and the funds available. The Community Fund and some Donor Advised and Designated Funds are used to fund these projects. Each application is carefully reviewed by a volunteer grant committee that makes recommendations for the grants to the Foundation Board.

Grant Guidelines

In supporting projects, preference will be given to innovative ideas and initiatives which:

  • Improve the quality of life in Sarnia-Lambton. Quality of life includes all aspects of life: health, education, social services, arts, culture, recreation and the environment
  • Address critical community needs
  • Strengthen the community's capacity to care for itself
  • Develop partnerships and cooperation within and across sectors
  • Seek to deal with change taking place within the community

To be eligible to receive a grant, organizations must:

  • Be a registered charitable organization with the Government of Canada
  • Be in operation at least one year
  • Provide services that directly benefit the citizens of Sarnia-Lambton
  • Receive volunteer support from the community
  • Submit all the requested information in their application

The following are NOT eligible for grants:

  • Annual Fund drives
  • Travel costs
  • Building campaigns
  • Debt reduction
  • Institutions' statutory programs
  • Projects or programs that will be completed before the grant decision takes place
  • Political activities
  • Endowment funds
  • Core operating expenses
  • Core operating equipment
  • Direct religious activities

Grants will be awarded on an annual basis.

Application:

For application information, click here or contact the Foundation office at 519-332-2588. 10 copies of the full application are to be submitted by the proposal deadline. There is a single stage process employed in determining grant eligibility.

The deadline for applications is April 30 of any calendar year. The applicants will be notified by August 31st regarding the status of the application

Evaluation:

Successful applicants must be prepared to evaluate the project, demonstrating outcomes and submit a report to the Foundation. The proposed methodology should be detailed in the application. Failure to complete the evaluation may exclude the applicant from receiving future grants.

This page was last modified: March 17, 2009