Grant Making Policy

Statement of Grantmaking Policy and Procedures

Purpose

Grant making refers to the use of a portion of the investment earnings of permanent endowment funds, as dictated by the spending policy, to provide financial support to qualified community groups whose activities advance the objectives of the Winkler Community Foundation (WCF). These objectives are:

  • To support social services to advance the welfare of the needy and the alleviation of human suffering and poverty
  • To support and develop recreation and physical fitness activities
  • To assist and promote the arts, culture and heritage activities;
  • To advance education;
  • To support and advance the provision of medical services;
  • To support the enhancement of the environment;
  • To support and advance other community activities or facilities of a charitable nature.

Granting Guidelines
In order to accomplish these objectives effectively and efficiently, WCF has developed a thorough review process for grant applications. 

  1. Project must primarily benefit the people of Winkler and District.
  2. Grants are made only to non-profit organizations with CRA Registration Numbers and other qualified recipients under the Income Tax Act. 
  3. Organizations seeking funds must demonstrate a strong and committed board, fiscal responsibility, and management qualifications.
  4. Grants are made annually.
  5. An appointed grants committee makes a recommendation of grant recipients to the board of directors.  The recommendation requires a majority vote of approval by the board.
  6. Grants are awarded for definite purposes and for projects covering a specific period of time.
  7. Pilot or demonstration projects must include provision for an evaluation and a realistic plan for financial viability beyond the pilot stage.
  8. The Foundation encourages the participation of others in funding projects and, on occasion, provides matching funds or challenge grants to stimulate increased response from other sources.
  9. Preference is given to projects which:
    • support capital projects / bursaries & scholarships
    • encourage more efficient use of community resources;
    • address the underlining causes of problems in our society rather than dealing only with symptoms;
    • are developed in consultation with other agencies and planning groups and those which promote coordination, cooperation and sharing among organizations and the elimination of duplicate services;
    • promote volunteer participation
    • demonstrate evidence of community support and organization initiative
  1.  Grants are not made to, or for:
    • projects or programs that will be completed before the grant decision takes place
    • operating expenses/ capital deficits/ mortgages
    • annual fund drives
    • establish or add to endowment funds;
    • specific medical research projects or scientific research projects;
    • direct religious activities;
    • political activities
  1.  Grants are distributed once a year, with one annual grant application deadline.

 Application Process

  1. All applicants are required to complete in full a grant application form, include required documents as listed on the application and send in 4 copies of the application.
  2. A letter acknowledging the receipt of the application will be sent.
  3. A meeting with the WCF directors or staff may be required.
  4. Contact regarding the status of the application will be made following the WCF Board’s approval of grant recipients.  This can be up to 2 months following the closing date for applications.
  5. Applicants chosen to receive a grant:
    • Must provide any documentation required by the grant committee to prove the grant funds were allocated to the project applied for (e.g. receipts, minutes, bank statement etc.)
    • To be available for photos, interviews or any other promotional activities as arranged by the granting committee ( e.g. banquets, award ceremonies, media interviews, etc)
    • Are encouraged to publicize their grant as to increase public awareness of the charitable work in our community.  For more information on obtaining and the use of the logo please contact the Executive Director at 362-9292 or by email at wcf@winkleronline.com.