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PROGRAM GUIDELINES 1996



GUIDELINE INTRODUCTION

   To a large extent, finishing a strategic review and setting off in a new direction is a step into a great unknown. The world we live in is not predictable. Opportunities are not always clear from the outset. But Trillium's overriding goal in the review was not to design a program that we would ride into the future, but to create an organization capable of responding to, and even being a part of, changes in the world around us. Good thing. Only one year after our review, so much more has changed than we could possibly have anticipated, that we couldn't have stood still even if we had wanted to.    However, despite the rapid changes we are all experiencing, and the tumult and confusion that it brings, Trillium continues to believe that our primary collective task is to create a new social vision: one that provides opportunity, that cares for its most vulnerable, that embraces diversity, and that inspires individual responsibility. We believe that this vision will come from all sectors - voluntary organizations, business, labour, governments, foundations, and faith communities - working together. We believe it will result from increased civic participation in all aspects of community life, from voluntarism, to public discussion, to being a good neighbour. We believe it will come from pushing the boundaries of innovation and experimentation to find new ways of using available resources. And we believe that it will come from building on Ontario's social capital - its human talents, skills and knowledge; its community networks and supports; and its history of tolerance and compassion.    We think our program directions for 1996 are clearer, and more finely tuned to these beliefs. We are emphasizing what we heard from our constituents are our strengths - collaboration, experimentation and systemic change. We are continuing to go forward...with you.

PROMOTING CARING COMMUNITIES

   The purpose of this program is to build the capacity of communities to plan, problem solve, and meet common needs in a collaborative fashion. Trillium believes this capacity occurs in communities where people feel a sense of belonging and responsibility to each other, and where their contributions are encouraged and valued. We wish to stimulate the exploration and testing of ideas, committed and informed civic involvement, and the development of strong networks and ties. Our outcomes under this program are:

Funding available:

   Approximately 85% of Trillium's resources will be applied to Promoting Caring Communities. Single or multi-year grants are available in the general range of $2,000 - $75,000 per year. Applicants are encouraged to be mindful of the extreme demand for Trillium's funds when they develop their request.


BUILDING KNOWLEDGE

   The purpose of this program is to stimulate visionary thinking and encourage the development of conceptual frameworks and practices which will lead us to a new civic culture in which all citizens are active participants and committed to each others' well-being.


Funding available:

   Approximately 15% of Trillium's resources will be applied to Building Knowledge. Grants are available in the general range of $2,000 to $35,000.




CRITERIA, ELIGIBILITY, RESTRICTIONS


CRITERIA

   Successful candidates for Trillium's funds will satisfy the following criteria:

ELIGIBILITY

   Applicants are not required to be registered as charities, or incorporated as not-for-profit organizations. However, applicants must be willing and able to assume financial responsibility and have sound financial policies and procedures in place, appropriate to size and age of organization. The Trillium Foundation was established to create conditions of social progress for residents of Ontario; therefore, out of Province applications will be accepted only if initiative can demonstrate a positive impact on Ontario. In general, organizations are eligible for one grant at a time.


RESTRICTIONS



HOW TO APPLY?

   Applicants are requested to submit by mail a two to four page letter of intent outlining the initiative and funding needs. Trillium has no set deadlines for the receipt of letters of intent which will be accepted at any time during the 1996 calendar year.
   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 must be declined. Please include the following:
 

Review process for requests of $25,000 and under:

   For requests of $25,000 and under, decisions will be based on the information contained in the letter of intent and the attachments (see above). Decisions are made on a monthly basis, but the review process generally takes 60 to 90 days.


Review process for requests of over $25,000:

   Applicants who have submitted letters of intent which are best able to achieve our program outcomes will be invited to submit a full proposal, and will be provided with an application format. Proposals will be reviewed by teams of Board and staff members, and may include a site visit. In addition, proposals may be reviewed by external advisors, selected for their knowledge on appropriate issues or communities. The review process generally takes from 120 to 180 days. Final decisions will be made at the Board of Directors meetings in June and December.


   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 and on audio-tape.



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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/