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ACCESS FUND
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS


The Trillium Foundation's Mission is to work with others to create conditions of social progress for people in Ontario who are socially or economically disadvantaged. For us, this means being a part of creating a new social vision: one that provides opportunity for all, that cares for its most vulnerable, that embraces diversity, and that inspires individual responsibility. We believe this vision will come from all sectors working together. We believe it will result from increased civic participation in community life - from voluntarism, to public discussion, to being a good neighbour. We also believe such a vision requires an abiding commitment to removing existing barriers to opportunity and civic contribution. This Request for Proposals is a key component in our overall strategy to create strong, vibrant communities, and to celebrate the potential for each individual to contribute to our society in positive and imaginative ways.
 
The Access Fund is a one-time only $1.5 million program developed to increase the capacity of organizations and communities to provide barrier-free employment, volunteer and employment- bridging opportunities, and improved access to community services and activities. Funds are available for shared-cost grants to non-profit, incorporated organizations, to a maximum of $50,000 for renovation and $15,000 for equipment. These grants will pay up to 90% of the direct and indirect costs for renovation, installation and/or equipment. While this fund is designed specifically for equipment and capital costs associated with barrier-free access, priority will be given to applications which demonstrate that this request is part of an overall plan and commitment to inclusiveness of people with disabilities.
 
In addition, successful candidates for Access funds will satisfy the following criteria:

  • The applicant demonstrates how access needs in the community will be met through renovation or equipment;
  • The project is part of a comprehensive, long-range plan which promotes equal opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities;
  • The applicant demonstrates how the project will result in new employment, employment-bridging or volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities or how greater access to community services will be achieved;
  • Project exhibits exceptional community participation and support, including voluntary, financial and/or in-kind contributions.
  • Applicants demonstrate their capacity to finance all construction to completion and maintenance of the site for a period of five years. In the case of equipment, the applicant demonstrates the capacity to sustain high accessibility to and maintenance of equipment for the long term.
     
ELIGIBILITY
In order to apply, an organization must have been incorporated as a community-based, non-profit organization for at least one year. Groups of organizations may also submit proposals as collaborative applications. If the application asks for renovations, the applicant must own the building or have a lease which extends for five years from the time of renovations. Groups applying to the fund must show how all costs not funded through the Access grant will be raised. In-kind donations of labour and material can be counted against the total but their value must be demonstrated on the basis of local rates and fair market value. Organizations may receive only one grant from the Access Fund.
 
Organizations who have received a Trillium grant and those who wish to apply under other Trillium programs are eligible to apply to the Access Fund. However, Trillium funds which have already been received through another grant may not be used toward the 10% community contribution.
 
Priority will be given to:
  • organizations who have the capacity to provide employment, employment-bridging and/or volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities;
  • community service organizations which provide assistance to people with disabilities.
     
Eligible costs include:
  • direct and indirect costs associated with the construction or installation of access features;
  • professional fees, tendering costs, permits and inspection fees;
  • modification or purchase of special office equipment; purchase and installation of technical assistive devices and adaptations.
     
Excluded costs include:
  • ongoing maintenance or warranty costs associated with new equipment or renovations.
     
RESTRICTIONS
The following groups or situations are not eligible for grants under the Access Fund:
  • for-profit organizations;
  • organizations that are eligible to receive funding for capital upgrades from other provincial ministries;
  • municipalities, hospitals and educational institutions; new construction (as opposed to renovation);
  • construction which has already been started or completed;
  • costs for equipment which has already been purchased.
     
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN EQUIPMENT GRANT
In order to apply for an equipment grant, please follow the Letter of Intent format. Decisions on these letters will be made on a monthly basis, usually 60 - 90 days after the application has been received.
 
HOW TO APPLY FOR A RENOVATION GRANT
All organizations wanting to renovate their premises must send a Letter of Intent which outlines their proposal (see "Letter of Intent Format" for details). In order for a final decision to be reached on requests for renovations, groups who are best able to achieve our program outcomes will be invited to submit a full proposal and will be provided with the proposal format. Complete working drawings and all approvals from the necessary authorities to proceed with the renovation will be required for the full application.
 
Development Assistance: In cases where expenses to develop plans, obtain permits, etc., would represent unusual hardship for the organization, Trillium is prepared to offer a grant of up to 10% of the requested amount to assist with the development of the project. These costs and the need for such assistance must be detailed in the Letter of Intent. Receiving the Development Assistance grant does not necessarily mean that a final grant will be awarded. If an organization is successful in its application and received a development assistance grant, this amount will be applied against the total grant.
 
Decisions on applications for amounts of $25,000 and under will be made on a monthly basis.
 
Those applications for amounts over $25,000 and received by January 20, 1997 will be eligible for decision by June 30, 1997. Those applications for amounts over $25,000 and received by September 1, 1997 will be eligible for decision by December 31, 1997.
 
LETTER OF INTENT FORMAT
Applicants are requested to submit by mail a two to four page Letter of Intent outlining their initiative and funding needs. Trillium will accept applications on a continual basis between December 1, 1996 to September 1, 1997.
 
All Letters of Intent should include the following information and attachments. Please be specific. Due to volume and staffing constraints, letters of intent with insufficient information or those which do not conform to the format must be declined.
 
  • Name, address, and telephone of the applicant (please include the French name of the group if applicable), and contact person;
  • The name, address and telephone number of any consultant and/or architect involved with your project;
  • Relevant background information about the applicant organization or members of a collaborative group. Please also describe your group's history and achievements in providing service, support and/or access to people with disabilities;
  • A summary of the community needs to which this project is responding;
  • How your request fulfils the Access Fund's outcomes and criteria and, in particular, how the renovation or equipment is part of the organization's overall plan to enhance access to opportunity for people with disabilities;
  • Project timelines, including how long it will take to obtain approvals (if necessary), to install or or renovate, to do any necessary training (on new equipment, for example) and to be fully functional;
  • How your organization will evaluate the impact of structural or equipment change;
  • Amount requested from Trillium, as well as the financial and non-financial contribution expected from the community and other sources. In-kind donations of material and/or labour may be counted towards the final 10% of the project's cost.
Please also attach to the letter:
  • A preliminary full project budget detailing both expenses and revenue (confirmed and anticipated);
  • If the request is for renovations, include (not more than two pages of) line drawings and proof of a five year lease or ownership of the building;
  • If the request is for equipment, include a complete list of items to be purchased with costs identified;
  • In cases where expenses to develop plans, obtain permits, etc., for renovation would represent unusual hardship for the organization, please detail the need for development assistance and the costs up to 10% of the total grant request;
  • Your group's budget or financial statements and your annual report;
  • A list of members of the Board of Directors of applicant.
If we can be of assistance as you prepare your letter of intent, please do not hesitate to telephone the Foundation. These guidelines are available in French, on diskette, and in large-print format.
 
Funding for this program is made possible by the Government of Ontario's Equal Opportunity Plan through the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.
 


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The Trillium Foundation
21 Bedford Road, Toronto On. M5R 2J9
Tel: 416-961-0194 / 1-800-263-2887 Fax: 416-961-9599
Email: trillium@trilliumfoundation.org
Web: http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/