What sorts of projects will be considered?

Eligible projects must be based in Ottawa and must work towards the Fund’s objectives to:

  1. ENCOURAGE participation in community activities and events to mark Canada’s 150th.
  2. INSPIRE a deeper understanding about the people, places, organizations and events that shape our communities and our country.
  3. BUILD vibrant and healthy communities with the broadest possible engagement of all residents, including Indigenous peoples, groups that reflect our cultural diversity, youth, and official language minorities.

Projects that have enduring benefits (for example, projects that establish new relationships, build community or organizational capacity, lead to or support further action) will be considered stronger candidates.

All successful applicants must match the amount of the grant made through in-kind or cash contributions.

Eligible projects must commit to performing funded activities and expenditures between the date that the grant is approved and before January 31, 2018.

Who can apply to CFC150?

Registered charities operating within Ottawa are eligible to apply to the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th through the Ottawa Community Foundation. Applicants must verify their charitable status through the CRA database as part of the application process.

Community groups and individuals are welcome to work with a registered charity to make an application to the Fund. In the case of such collaboration, the charity would submit the application and act as a fiscal agent on behalf of the collaborating parties.

Unlike in the case of the regular CFO Community Grants program, organizations that currently have an active CFO Community Grant are permitted to apply for a CFC150 grant. Similarly, organizations not currently receiving a Community Grant may apply for both a Community Grant and a CFC150 grant, although not for the same project.

How much are the grants worth?
The CFO will consider applications for grants of up to $15,000. Half the funding for each grant will come from the CFC150 Fund, and half from the Ottawa Community Foundation.

As mentioned above, applicants must match the full value of the grant in cash or in-kind. For example, an applicant requesting a $2,000 grant for a project would be required to contribute $2,000 worth of funding from other sources and/or in-kind support such as volunteer hours, donated services, equipment or space.

When can I apply?
The timing for applying for a CFC150 grant from the CFO aligns with the Foundation’s regular spring Community Grants round. The online application form will be available in mid-December, and the deadline will be Wednesday, February 1, at 5:00 pm. Granting decisions will be announced to applicants by late April.

How can I apply?
All applications must be submitted through the CFC150 platform. You will be directed to register an account before you can start your application.

The information gathered through the application process will not be made public, and will be available only to the CFO, Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada, exclusively for purposes related to the Fund.

Here is a video that provides an overview of the application process: https://youtu.be/ToBOUnB-4U4.

A sample of the questions on the application form is available here.

Are there any projects that are ineligible for funding?

The following projects will be ineligible for funding:

  • Large-scale infrastructure projects (i.e. building a building or a local facility). A large-scale infrastructure project like building a bandstand at a local park would be considered ineligible. However, once built, the community foundation might consider funding a project that brings community members together at that bandstand.
  • Recurring or annual events, activities or festivals (i.e. the annual folk fest, the 26th annual community fair, etc.) are not eligible. However, an annual community event inspired to hold a special ‘Canada 150 edition’ could be eligible for funding. For example, a community fair could consider hosting a Canada 150 Community Fair, with exhibits or guests that reflect on the region’s history.
  • Projects related to political activities or lobbying.
  • Projects that are designed for fundraising purposes.
  • Projects deemed controversial or offensive.
  • Ongoing activities, such as the publication of regular issues of newsletters, magazines and periodicals.
  • Any activity taking place outside Canada.
  • Projects that are funded in whole or in part by the Government of Canada.

What information do I need for the application?
There are four parts to the application process. You will need to provide:

  1. Qualified donee verification. This will simply involve entering your BN/Charitable registration number to verify it against CRA records.
  2. Application form. A preview of the form’s questions is available here.
  3. Project budget. The budget template is available here. Please read our FAQ to learn more about eligibility criteria and matching requirements.
  4. ‘Other Contributions (Matching)’ form. This form will confirm the sources of your project’s matching contributions, whether in cash and/or in-kind. A preview of this confirmation is available here.

What are the reporting requirements if our application is successful?
Successful grant applicants will be asked to assist the Ottawa Community Foundation in sharing their story and successes throughout the granting period. The story of the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th will be told as part of the 150Alliance, an open network of groups, individuals and organizations working together to make the most of Canada’s sesquicentennial.

Within 30 days of receiving the grant, Grantees are required to:

  • Join the 150Alliance.
  • Add the funded project to the directory.
  • Share information about the project – related events, milestones, public activities and volunteer opportunities.

Within 15 days of project completion, Grantees are required to:

  • Upload at least one photograph of the project.
  • Tell a success story about the project.