PROGRAM GUIDELINES 1997

Recently, one of our grantees described Trillium's role as "building the infrastructure of hope." We liked that. It certainly describes how we feel about the projects and organizations we support. Although all of our grants are as different as the communities they serve, they are similar in one respect - they look hopefully to the future. They are willing to try something new. They have trust in their own capabilities and those of others. They are part of an effort larger than themselves. They make things happen.

Our guidelines this year continue to build on this intrepid spirit. We are looking for the "good ideas", the ones that push beyond outdated conventions and assumptions, that shine light on the future - a future where people feel a sense of belonging and responsibility to each other, and are active participants in their own destinies. We are looking for true collaborations, where organizations go beyond their own needs to consider the larger community, and those most vulnerable.

We know how hard this is. We know because we are engaged in the same process of collaboration, experimentation, learning and adaptation, ourselves. To us, Trillium's resources are a sacred trust - we want every dollar to make a difference. To that end, in addition to these guidelines for our core program, we have developed specific initiatives for groups we felt were under-represented in our grantmaking - youth, vulnerable seniors, and people with disabilities. We worked with funders in other sectors to develop the first funders consortium in Canada, providing new resources for women and economic development. And, this year, to ensure that the learning from initiatives we fund is available to the general community, a grant from Trillium may include financial and technical assistance to connect grantees to the Internet.

Every year we grow and evolve. But we always launch our program guidelines with the same sense of excitement and anticipation. What new things will we support? Who will we meet? What will we learn? And you never fail to surprise us, challenge us, or change us. Thank you.

The following guidelines outline The Trillium Foundation's core grantmaking program for 1997. However, it should be noted that in order to maintain our commitment to innovation and responsiveness to our constituents, we may issue short-term or focussed Requests for Proposals (RFP's), or develop other initiatives during the year as opportunities or needs emerge. Every effort will be made to keep you informed; however, you may also check our Internet Website for complete details on current initiatives at http://www.trilliumfoundation.org/.

Under this category, we wish to stimulate new ideas, encourage committed and informed civic engagement, and develop strong community networks and ties. Applications must achieve at least one of the following outcomes:

~   Increased community self-reliance - We are interested in initiatives which increase the community's resilience and capacity to work toward its own well-being. Submissions will be evaluated on the degree to which they enhance the ability of the community to lead - not just adapt to - change and make use of community ingenuity and wisdom. Trillium has a particular interest in projects which include a number of sectors, do not rely heavily on institutions and professionals, identify and mobilize existing assets, and increase the skill levels of those involved.

~   Better use of resources - We wish to support initiatives which fundamentally rethink existing approaches to community issues. We are interested in projects which will result in inventive, sustainable programs and systems, capable of evolving with new learning and changing opportunities. Grants under this category are limited to collaborative efforts. Priority will be given to collaboratives whose members are committed to an imaginative and dynamic process of resource re-allocation.

~   Access to opportunity - We wish to support organizations or projects which remove underlying barriers to opportunity or civic contribution of marginalized groups. We are also interested in initiatives which enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to address their own issues and influence decisions. Projects must show how they will result in significant shifts in societal and/or institutional behaviour.

Funding available: Single or multi-year grants are available for up to five years in the general range of $2,000 - 75,000 per year. Although applicants are strongly encouraged to be prudent in their requests for funds, they are also encouraged to be realistic in their time frame. Trillium understands that positive change is a long-term process.

The purpose of this category is to ignite visionary thinking and stimulate the development of conceptual frameworks and practices which will improve the way we use our social and economic resources. Applicants must achieve at least one of the following outcomes:

~   Rethinking the framework - Funds are available to explore issues and trends which directly affect our social and economic well-being. Priority will be given to projects which shed new light on issues underlying social and economic disadvantage, and whose learning will be used to generate fresh ideas and approaches.

~   Sharing knowledge and experience - We are interested in supporting opportunities for diverse groups to share ideas and knowledge with each other. We are willing to consider conferences and seminars, either face-to-face or using electronic technology. However, projects will be rigorously assessed on the degree to which they will increase the capacity of participants and their communities. As well, priority will be given to initiatives which strengthen the connections between individuals and groups that normally would not have an opportunity to learn from each other. Regularly held or annual meetings are unlikely to be funded.

~   Learning through evaluation - Funding is available to evaluate existing or planned programs and initiatives. Requests must have the potential for considerable practical and conceptual impact on the field. Priority will be given to collaborative initiatives, and those which challenge conventional thinking.

Funding available: Grants are available in the general range of $2,000 to $35,000.

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

~   Project or program promotes comprehensive, long-range solutions to social problems.

~   Goals are focussed on results, with a clear understanding of what constitutes success and failure.

~   Initiative has the capacity to sustain itself beyond the funding period, or has a limited time frame with lasting impact.

~   Project has a significant evaluation and learning component and potential for considerable impact in the field.

~   Project exhibits exceptional community participation and concrete support, including voluntary, financial and/or in-kind contribution.

Our eligibility focus is on the capacity of the applicant to achieve the desired result and provide adequate accountability to the Foundation. 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 the initiative can demonstrate a positive impact on Ontario. In general, organizations are eligible for one grant at a time.

• Individuals for personal support
  
• Annual fund drives or capital campaigns
  
• Financing of deficits
  
• Motor vehicles
  
• Buildings, renovations, or equipment replacement
  
• Political parties or candidates
  
• Medical research or health equipment
  
• Religious activities
  
• Fundraising dinners or event sponsorships
  

Applicants are requested to submit by mail a four to six page letter of intent outlining the initiative, plus attachments. Trillium has no set deadlines for the receipt of letters of intent which will be accepted at any time during the 1997 calendar year.

All letters of intent should include the following information and attachments. Please be specific. Due to volume and staffing constraints, applications with insufficient information must be declined.

Format for information:

   Name, address, and telephone of the applicant (please include the French name of the collaborative* or organization if applicable), and contact person. Include e-mail and/or Internet website address if available.

   Relevant background information about the applicant community group, collaborative or organization.

    Purpose of the project, specific objectives, how it will be accomplished, and the time frame.

   How you will recognize success and failure . Be specific; think short term and long term.

   A clear statement of why this initiative is important, and what difference it will make.

    Amount requested from Trillium and how it will be used, as well as the volunteer and non-financial contribution expected from the community.


Attachments:

    Full project budget detailing expenses and confirmed and anticipated revenue, including sources and amounts expected.

    Collaborative or organizational budget and financial statements or annual report, if available.

   Names of people responsible for the project, or a list of members of the Board of Directors of the organization managing the funds, if the applicant is an organization or collaborative.

   Document showing the incorporation and/or charitable status of the organization receiving the funds, or that of a sponsor. If you are not incorporated, and are not using a sponsor, then please include a plan ensuring financial accountability for the funds.

   Three community references who are familiar with your community group, organization or collaborative and supportive of this initiative.

*A collaborative involves groups/organizations coming together specifically for a given purpose, working jointly toward a common goal. Members are collectively responsible for results and accountable for resources.

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. Decisions are made on a monthly basis by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors but the review process generally takes 60 to 90 days.

Review process for requests of over $25,000:

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 a team of Board, staff, and community members, and may include a site visit. In addition, proposals may be reviewed by external advisors, selected for their knowledge of 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 English and French in print and on audiotape.

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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/