Apply for Community Grants and Vibrancy Fund – Canada

Deadline: 16-Sep-2024

The Municipality of Lambton Shores is excited to open applications for the 2025 Community Grant stream and the Small Project Vibrancy Funding Stream.

Funding Streams

• Community Grant Program
  • The Municipality of Lambton Shores has adopted a “Community Grant Program” to provide limited financial assistance to community groups and organizations within the Municipality to assist with programs, projects or special events. The program exists to recognize the value of these groups to the well-being and growth of the community and in helping the Municipality retain a strong community focus.
  • Requests must fall under one of the following categories for funding:
    • Agriculture/Rural Affairs
    • Arts/Culture/Community Heritage
    • Community/Special Events
    • Community Beautification/Environmental Awareness
    • Supporting Youth/Seniors
    • Tourism/Economic Development
  • Funding Information
    • Applicants may request a maximum of $2,000 in financial contributions.
    • A maximum of $2,500 per organization has been established for in-kind services.
• Community Vibrancy Fund 
  • “The Community Vibrancy Fund” developed through the Municipality’s agreement with Jericho Wind, LP (NextEra) or subsequent owner, offers financial assistance for projects that enhance the quality of life for its residents in the areas of health, arts, culture, leisure, heritage, recreation, education and the environment.
  • Funding through the Community Vibrancy Fund is available based on the terms and conditions of the Municipality’s agreement with Jericho Wind, LP.
  • The Community Vibrancy Fund has two program streams:
    • Small Projects Program
      • Grant Amount: The Community Vibrancy Fund Small Projects will fund up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10,000 in available funding Matching funds will be considered for cash contributions only and will not include matching funds for the value of in-kind services.
    • Large Projects Program
      • Grant Amount: The Community Vibrancy Fund Large Projects will fund up to one-third of total eligible project costs. Maximum dollar amounts have not been established. Requests for $10,000 and under will only be considered through the Community Vibrancy Fund – Small Projects. Matching funds must be cash, no matching of in-kind services.
  • Eligible Projects
    • Take place in Lambton Shores on property that is accessible to the public and is used for community purposes.
    • Fall under one or more of the following categories:
      • Energy sustainability
      • Land stewardship
      • Recreation projects
      • Agriculture/Rural Affairs
      • Arts/Culture/Community Heritage
      • Community/Special Events
      • Community Beautification/Environmental Awareness
      • Supporting Youth/Seniors/Vulnerable Sector
      • Tourism/Economic Development
      • Funding for ongoing and/or annual cultural and/or historical events that promote tourism and/or historical significance to Lambton Shores, but does not include Canada Day Celebrations
    • The project must not require operational support from the Municipality.
    • There is demonstrated community need and support for the project.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Community Grant Program
  • Applicants, with the exception of local elementary and secondary schools, must be non-profit community groups and organizations.
  • Organizations must be based in the Municipality of Lambton Shores, with at least a majority of members being municipal residents. Membership and programs must be open to all residents of Lambton Shores. Services, programs and activities must be of benefit primarily to Lambton Shores residents. Some exceptions to organizations may be made if the funding request is for one of the identified categories and the request meets all other eligibility criteria.
  • The organization must have demonstrated support from some source other than public funds.
  • The organization must demonstrate an appropriate organizational structure and set of skills (e.g., board of directors, financial officer/treasurer, etc.).
  • The organization must have a good track record of successfully completing/implementing/planning projects, events and/or programs.
  • Organizations that service the broader County of Lambton may be considered for a Municipal grant if the program/event provides a clear benefit and/or service to Lambton Shores residents (e.g., event takes place in Lambton Shores, provides a specific service to Lambton Shores residents, etc.).
  • If an umbrella organization is making an application for a financial grant and/or in-kind contribution, the affiliated organization(s) must prove eligibility under this policy if the requested services/grant will directly impact them.
  • Council may grant special consideration to entities that do not meet all of the above criteria but are unique in nature and fulfill a specific need in the community.
  • The granting of financial assistance in any year is not to be regarded as a commitment by the Municipality to continue such assistance in future years. In addition, the Municipality will not provide guaranteed funding beyond the current year. In making grants, the Municipality may impose conditions as it sees fit.
• Community Vibrancy Fund 
  • Applicants must:
    • Be a non-profit community group or organization based in Lambton Shores.
    • Demonstrate an active Board of Directors or other appropriate governance structure.
    • Be able to provide meeting minutes, policies, by-laws, and financial statements as required.
    • Demonstrate capacity for fundraising and/or ability to match granted funds.
    • Demonstrate its ability to successfully complete projects.
    • Membership must be open to anyone in Lambton Shores. An exception may be made for projects where there is a general and broader community benefit.
    • Comply with reporting requirements.

Ineligible

• Community Grant Program
  • Grants will not be provided:
    • To individuals
    • To organizations that are for profit, have a political mandate or special interest groups and clubs and/or clubs with exclusive membership.
    • On a retroactive basis or for a project that is already completed.
    • To cover budget deficits.
    • For day-to-day operating costs of an organization (e.g., staffing rent (excluding municipal facilities), property taxes, office supplies (including electronic equipment), etc.).
• Community Vibrancy Fund 
  • The following are ineligible applicants:
    • Agency or board of the Municipality of Lambton Shores.
    • For-profit organization, a business or individual.
    • Organizations that operate outside of the Municipality of Lambton Shores.
    • Organizations that have a political mandate or exclusive membership.
    • Organizations that provide a share or membership which may be held or disposed of for personal gain.

For more information, visit Municipality of Lambton Shores.