1. SMART & CARING GRANT APPLICATION WORKSHOP

2. Grant Application Administration
Submission Deadlines September 15 & March 15
Process may include:
Questions by telephone
Interview
On-site visit
Final decisions and notification will be provided in May & November

3. Who can apply?
Donees or organizations who hold a Charitable Registration Number from Canada Revenue Agency
In addition, Applications must:
align with the CFSEA mission and vision
serve communities across Southeastern Alberta
be innovative with a focus on collaboration with services already available to the community as not to duplicate efforts
be able to demonstrate that the initiative addresses a need that has been identified by the community
be able to demonstrate readiness, good planning, financial accountability and secure leadership
if you are not registered with CRA we request that you submit a Declaration of Affiliation with your phase one letter

4. What we will fund Innovative new projects Short term projects
Seed funding for long term projects
Equipment based projects
All nonprofit sectors of our community (S.E. Alberta)
Projects/programs that will focus on a vibrant, healthy, caring community

5. What we won’t fund Unregistered organizations Debt reduction
Ongoing core administrative expenses
Political purposes or direct religious activities
Endowments or annual fundraising campaigns

6. Before You Start
Are you a registered charity with CRA? – if not find an organization to partner with and find the Declaration of Affiliation form on our website
Does your project align with the CFSEA Mission and Vision?
Be prepared to provide your Audited Financial Statements as well as your Operating Budget for the current year
Project budget including relevant paperwork, quotes etc.

7. Does your project display the following strengths?
CFSEA is interested in supporting projects that demonstrate at least one of the following:
Demonstrates an investment in the project through contributions from your organization, the community and/or support from other funding sources besides the CFSEA
Is well developed, achievable within the next year and proposes an innovative and practical solution with specific strategies and outcomes
Strengthens your organizational capacity
Promotes collaboration and sharing among agencies
Helps to fulfill the mission and mandate of your organization
Improves the services offered by your organization
Is evidence-based and has an evaluation component
Delivers benefits to the majority of your demographic
Demonstrates a real need for funding that is not otherwise available

8. Applications
Fillable application is available online caring-grants/
Declaration of Affiliation is available online if applicable
Grants Committee is made up of board members and volunteers at large from the community
Objective scoring system based on written application
Subjective overall impression based on greatest community needs
Interviews, on-site visits, follow-up questions

9. Completing your grant application
We encourage you to attend our grant proposal-writing workshop held each grant cycle
The application has two phases:
Phase I: Complete a one (1) page summary of the project proposal and include:
A brief description of the project (Who, What, When, Where, How)
The anticipated outcome(s)
How your project will contribute to a vibrant, healthy, caring community
List other funding and/or partnerships
A CFSEA Staff member will then contact you to discuss the project (required time is approximately five (5) days)
Phase II: Once the project’s eligibility has been approved, you will be invited to complete the full application

10. Tips
Start early and pay close attention to the application guidelines (late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted)
Be clear and succinct
Provide measureable outcomes
Outline a clear evaluation plan
Highlight partnerships
Be realistic - especially in your budget
Think like a reviewer – get feedback
Draft, review, edit, repeat
Remember the attachments
Celebrate when submitted!

11. Any Questions?