Community Connections

Community Connections

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

   At Trillium, we think it's only fair that we expect of ourselves the same quality and behaviours that we expect from our applicants. This Request for Proposals is a partnership with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, and thus illustrates Trillium's commitment to collaboration, to innovation, and to making the best use of available resources. We see this as a true partnership, combining the knowledge and economic resources of the Ministry with the community resources and effectiveness of Trillium. We appreciate that the Ministry recognizes the value of independent, community-based decisions. With this project, Trillium maintains its promises - to be open to influence, to ensure community participation in decisions, to strive for lasting impact, and to encourage individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve their highest goals.

   To help us in the design of this program we spent many hours reading documents, conference proceedings, and discussion papers. We asked advice from those who have participated in the discussions on the issues affecting older adults and adults with disabilities for many years. We stimulated discussions in local communities and received your feedback. We visited with groups and individuals and listened carefully. We consulted widely - many hundreds of hours. We were told that we should invest in building a new reality ...

a reality in which the notion of equality and partnership is inherent in every relationship, whether individual or organizational; where a person is not defined by disability; and where people understand the essence of effective advocacy; that is, to support people to have control over their lives and not to take it away;

a reality in which all people can participate in community life and exercise their fundamental right of citizenship; where information is accessible to everyone; and where the system serves the individual and not the other way around;

a reality in which every member of society experiences the world as welcoming, caring, attentive, and non-judgemental; and where older adults who are vulnerable and adults with disabilities are also recognized as successful and contributing members of society;

a reality in which we all honour and learn from each other's experiences.

   These are the principles that serve as the foundation for the Community Connections program.

PROGRAM DIRECTIONS

   The purpose of this program is to strengthen and widen linkages and networks which enable older adults who are vulnerable and adults with disabilities to express and act on their wishes. Successful program outcomes will be achieved by projects which:

Increase the ability of older adults who are vulnerable and adults with disabilities to have control over their lives. We wish to support initiatives which ensure that individuals are supported in their quest to retain autonomy over their lives. Priority will be given to activities which increase the ability of older adults and adults with disabilities to become equals in determining the circumstances and services that impact their lives and to become effective advocates for themselves and their peers. The program may also support projects which aim to increase the skills of their families and friends, and other community members, to advocate with them.

Create a more inclusive environment, one in which the community at large learns to understand how deep-seated attitudes and beliefs, as well as physical obstacles, impact and limit the lives of older adults who are vulnerable and adults with disabilities. Priority will be given to activities which have the potential to change behaviours, practices and policies that exclude individuals from participating in all aspects of community life.

Create easily accessible, knowledgeable, and responsive systems of support. Initiatives should centre around building or strengthening community-based networks which support older adults who are vulnerable and adults with disabilities. Priority will be given to projects which involve collaboration with other groups/organizations, promote equality in these relationships, and increase the ability of individuals, and/or small grass- roots consumer groups to participate successfully.

Document, evaluate, and disseminate successful collaborative efforts in individual advocacy and systems change. We are interested in identifying initiatives which make a positive difference in the lives of adults with disabilities and older adults and in funding the documentation, evaluation, and/or dissemination of these model activities. Priority will be given to evaluating those initiatives which demonstrate long-term impact through a community development approach and have a reasonable chance of being replicable and sustainable.

ELIGIBILITY

   Groups/organizations or partnerships applying under this program should be incorporated or be sponsored by an incorporated organization.

   In exceptional circumstances the Foundation may fund groups which do not fall under the above category but have the organizational capacity to achieve the desired results of the project, are willing and able to assume financial responsibility, and have sound financial policies and procedures in place.

   Funding received under this initiative does not affect eligibility under Trillium's core program.

RESTRICTIONS

The Community Connections program will not support the following:

Individuals.

Public health promotions.

Medical research, assistive devices, or health equipment.

Motor vehicles.

HOW TO APPLY

   Trillium will accept applications, which should be sent by mail only, at any time. Decisions will be made by the Trillium Board of Directors on the recommendations of a community-based Advisory Council to the Community Connections initiative, as follows:

Applications Received: Decision:

Between October 25 and December 20,1996 March 1997

Between January 2 and March 15, 1997 June 1997

Between March 16 and August 31, 1997 December 1997

   Single- or multi-year project grants will be available in the general range of $5,000 to $25,000 per year. In exceptional circumstances the Foundation may consider funding in excess of this limit, provided the project has a potential long-term impact on the community identified in the activity. Applicants are encouraged to be mindful of the extreme demands that will be placed on this program when they develop their request. The total amount available is $2.25 million.

   Funding for this program is made possible by the Government of Ontario's Initiative For Vulnerable Adults through the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

Please complete this form and include it with your proposal. Note that we will not be able to process your application unless all of the information is provided.

1. Date of Proposal: _____________________________

2. Applicant information:

Name: _________________________________________________________

French version of the name (if available) ______________________________________________

Mailing Address: ______________________________
E-mail address: _______________________________
Tel. No.: _____________________________________
Fax No.: ______________________________________

Contact person's name and position: __________________________________________________

3. If a different organization will receive the money, provide all of the information requested in #2 for that organization.

4. If this proposal is a collaborative effort¹, please list the groups and explain how they are involved.

5. A) What is the total amount you are requesting? ________________

    B) Over what period of time? _______________________

   ¹A collaborative effort involves one lead group/organization which works jointly with specified other groups/organizations toward a common goal. The lead group/organization is responsible for results and is accountable for resources.

ATTACHMENTS

To ensure your application is complete, please place a check mark beside each item as you include it.

4 copies of your application, each copy including:
- A completed Cover Sheet
- The Grant Proposal
- The Attachments Names and phone numbers of three individuals or organizations, not formally associated with your group, who have seen your proposal and who could serve as references for your project and/or your group.

Financial statements, audited if available, of the organization(s) accountable for Trillium Funds. Your Group's most recent annual report, if available.

The applicant's operating budget for the current year. A list of the Board of Directors of your group.

If more than one organization is applying, please enclose a statement from each group describing how they are involved. Where appropriate include a document showing your incorporation and/or charitable status, or that of your sponsor.

GRANT PROPOSAL

Please answer the questions under the following headings. Do not exceed 6 - 8 pages, excluding the Attachments.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROPOSED ACTIVITY:

1. Describe your project and its specific objectives.

2. What issue(s) are you trying to address?

3. How will this project result in a positive and lasting impact on your community?

4. What are the main activities? When will they start and how long will each one take? How many people will be involved in this project:
   a) as volunteers?
   b) as participants?
   c) by benefitting in some other way?

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROPOSED ACTIVITY:
5. Provide a detailed budget for your project. Which part of it do you want Trillium to fund?

6. Is anyone else contributing to this project?

7. How is your group contributing to this project?

8. What aspects of this project should continue after this grant is over? What funding and human resources will be required? Where will they come from?

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GROUP:
9. When was your group established and for what purpose? Have you been successful? How?

10. Describe your current activities.

11. Describe the community involved in this project. How is it reflected in the leadership and activities of your group?

12. Which other groups do you work with? How?

EVALUATION OF YOUR PROPOSED ACTIVITY:
13. What will be different as a result of this project?

14. How will you know if you have been successful? What will you measure or assess to demonstrate this? How?

SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GRANT:

15. What information about your project should be shared with others? With whom should it be shared? How will you share it?

This REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS is available in French, Braille, large print, and on computer diskette.

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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/

Applications Received:	Decision:
Between October 25 and December 20,1996	March 1997
Between January 2 and March 15, 1997	June 1997
Between March 16 and August 31, 1997	December 1997

4 copies of your application, each copy including: - A completed Cover Sheet - The Grant Proposal - The Attachments	Names and phone numbers of three individuals or organizations, not formally associated with your group, who have seen your proposal and who could serve as references for your project and/or your group.
Financial statements, audited if available, of the organization(s) accountable for Trillium Funds.	Your Group's most recent annual report, if available.
The applicant's operating budget for the current year.	A list of the Board of Directors of your group.
If more than one organization is applying, please enclose a statement from each group describing how they are involved.	Where appropriate include a document showing your incorporation and/or charitable status, or that of your sponsor.