Community Capacity Building Fund – GUIDELINES
PLEASE CONTACT THE CDC @ 705-325-4903 EXT 103 FOR QUESTIONS OR GUIDANCE.
Applications are now closed
GUIDELINES
The mission of the CDC is to enrich our economy through business financing and coaching, to foster innovative thinking and to enable impactful community economic development initiatives.
The CDC is one of 61 Federal Community Futures Development Corporations across Ontario and is supported by Fed Dev Ontario.
Purpose of the Community Capacity Building Fund
The Community Capacity Building Fund is intended to strengthen our communities by supporting projects that:
- Build Capacity; meaning the money requested will be used to improve opportunities for growth, and/or success within the organization.
- Are innovative; meaning the money requested will support the adoption of new methods, products, services and creative ideas.
- Demonstrate forward-thinking, and a move towards developing organizational sustainability.
- Facilitate growth through product or service renewal in order to create opportunities for growth.
- Demonstrate collaboration and/or partnerships to achieve shared growth and success.
- Are incremental; meaning that the request for dollars helps to advance, add to, or increase the applicant’s already planned initiatives. Grants will not be provided to support existing or on-going operational expenses.
- Address local needs and priorities which result in long term benefits. This could include creating and/or maintaining employment, strengthening your business/organization, and/or strengthening our community
The CDC has $20,000 to invest in projects and would like to maximize impact by funding a variety of projects in both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations/social enterprises. The amount of granted funds to any one organization may not exceed $3,000.00. In addition, the maximum value/cost for any project funded will not exceed $12,000. Projects that can demonstrate that they leverage additional funds/resources may be given higher priority.
Eligible Recipients:
Must be located in the City of Orillia, the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, or the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and must be structured as: a non-profit organization or a for-profit business (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation). However, registered charitable organizations are not eligible.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they were operating prior to January 1, 2024, as startup activities are not eligible.
While applicants are eligible to apply for funding for multiple years, applicants who have not previously received funding through the program may be given priority.
Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs will be considered on an individual application basis and may include but not be limited to innovative technology and software, travel, accommodations, registration fees, professional and consulting fees, learning resources, equipment, and wages.
Ineligible Costs:
Any expenses incurred by the applicant prior to the notification of grant approval by the CDC.
Funding Ratio
Funding Ratios will be determined on an individual basis, taking into consideration the applicant’s contribution, including cash, in-kind, and partner contributions.
Funding Criteria:
All funds must be expended by the recipient by September 1st, 2025, However, approved grant recipients will be encouraged to submit their claim for eligible expenditures as soon as possible.
Application Process:
Applications must be received by the CDC by 4:00 pm on Monday, October 21st, 2024. It is recommended that applicants read all guidelines to ensure eligibility and fit for this program. If questions arise or guidance is required, please contact the CDC to discuss.
Please note: The review committee will only consider complete applications.
Approval Process:
Receipt of an application by the CDC does not indicate a commitment for funding. All applications are reviewed by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the CDC and assessed according to the criteria outlined in these program guidelines. If the application is approved, CDC staff will prepare a memorandum of understanding that will outline the terms and conditions.
Recognition:
The CDC may require acknowledgement as a project partner. The memorandum of understanding will describe the extent of that acknowledgement, both initially (e.g. through press releases, social media or other announcements) and ongoing (e.g. by signage identifying CDC as a partner).
Reporting and Monitoring:
Successful applicant(s) will be required to report to the CDC on the progress of their initiative and submit a final report, claim and financial reconciliation report. These will be outlined in a memorandum of understanding. The final report must be submitted within a month of the completion of the project. The CDC reserves the right to request site visits to monitor progress (with advance notice).
Payment of CDC Contributions:
Detailed instructions, claim forms and a contract will be provided to applicants after their projects are approved by the CDC. Any questions or concerns regarding the application process or the Community Capacity Building Fund should be directed to the CDC’s Community Development Coordinator, Celeste Lalumiere, at [email protected] or 705-325-4903 ext. 103.