2021 Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
The Sunset Community Foundation (formerly Grand Bend Community Foundation) is currently accepting applications to the South Huron Vitality Fund for 2021. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2021. Any questions regarding the application process can be sent to the Sunset Community Foundation Executive Director at sunsetcommunityfoundation@gmail.com.
2020 Grant Recipients
The Sunset Community Foundation in partnership with the Municipality of South Huron is pleased to announce the following approved grant applications made to the South Huron Vitality Fund.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron
- Huron Waves Music Festival
- South Huron Winterfest
Vitality Fund replaces Community Grant Program
South Huron Council has entered into an agreement with the Sunset Community Foundation (Foundation) to create the Vitality Fund as part of the South Huron Community Fund. The purpose of the Vitality Fund is to offer financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, or activities to enhance the quality of life for South Huron residents. The Vitality Fund will be administered by the Foundation through the South Huron Community Fund and replaces the Community Grant Program previously offered by the Municipality of South Huron.
Council believes the South Huron Community Fund provides a more efficient and effective method of distributing financial grant support to community groups. The Foundation will work with the South Huron Community Fund to put together a committee of community volunteers to evaluate grant applications and make recommendations to the Foundation Board for final decision. With this arrangement, South Huron Council has empowered the community to decide the grant funding priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
| How much is being invested in the Vitality Fund? |
| The initial investment in 2020 by Council is $50,000. This includes $40,000 to establish a permanent endowment, which will be combined with $10,000 provided by Council in 2016, and an additional $10,000 to be disbursed as community grants in 2020. |
| What is the Sunset Community Foundation? |
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The Sunset Community Foundation (formerly Grand Bend Community Foundation) is a registered charity that supports local groups with innovative ideas to improve our communities, provides thoughtful community leadership, and attracts and manages permanent endowment funds. Since it was founded in 2001, the Foundation has supported dozens of organizations in fields from health and education to recreation and the environment, the grants totaling some $1.5 million. For administrative efficiency, the South Huron Community Fund operates as part of the Sunset Community Foundation. |
| How will the Municipality ensure that community groups can access the funds they need? |
| The Foundation has a long record of successful stewardship of legacy funds and granting to community groups and activities. The South Huron grants committee will implement Council's wishes to support children, youth, seniors, and other community investments. |
| Will Council provide letters of support for Vitality Fund applications? |
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No. Council will not provide letters of support to community groups applying to the Vitality Fund as the purpose is to let the community decide the grant funding priorities. |
| Will South Huron continue to provide in-kind contributions of facility rentals? |
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Registered charities planning a community non-profit event (i.e. fundraiser, programming) are provided in-kind rentals based on facility availability. Non-charitable organizations must apply to the Foundation when requesting funds for facility rentals. Non-charitable organizations can also partner with a registered charitable organization to host the event for them to receive in-kind rentals based on facility availability, these events must be community non-profit events. Contact the Executive Director at sunsetcommunityfoundation@gmail.com for more information. |
| Who do I contact if I am looking for a project on Municipal lands? |
| Joint capital projects with the municipality are not eligible for a community grant under the Vitality Fund. These requests are to be taken directly to Council. Contact the Clerk for more information. |
| Where do I go for more information to apply? |
| Information about how to apply is available on the Foundation's website. Contact the Executive Director at sunsetcommunityfoundation@gmail.com before proceeding with an application. |
| When can eligible organizations apply for 2021 grants? |
| Applications for 2021 are being accepted until April 1, 2021. |
| How much is available in 2021 for community grants? |
| Approximately $4,000 will be available to grant in 2021 from the Vitality Fund. |
| Who is eligible to apply to the Vitality Fund? |
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Eligible applicants must be located in or provide services to the South Huron community. Eligible applications must be able to demonstrate that any grant funding received will directly support South Huron-based projects, programs, activities, or event that will benefit the community of South Huron. Applicants who are located outside the Municipality of South Huron will only be considered if they can demonstrate a clear benefit to the South Huron community within their grant application. |
| What if my organization is not a Registered Charity as defined by Canada Revenue Agency |
| Applicants that are non-charitable organizations as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency must have a formalized and documented written agreement with a registered charitable organization as part of their grant application. It is the responsibility of the non-charitable organization to find a Registered Charity with whom to partner. |
| Will the Municipality be a partner for the grant application for an organization that is not a Registered Charity as defined by Canada Revenue Agency? |
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The municipality will not establish a partner relationship funding agreement with non-charitable organizations. Please contact the Executive Director, sunsetcommunityfoundation@gmail.com before proceeding with an application. |
Community Grant Program Review Process
South Huron Council established a Special Purpose Committee to review the South Huron Community Grants process. The Committee presented a report to Council at the May 1, 2019 Regular Council meeting and Council invited a delegation from the South Huron Community Fund to the June 10, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting to outline the South Huron Community Fund process and possible grant options and future opportunities. South Huron Council at the June 17, 2019 Council meeting presented the Special Purpose Committee with the mandate that the Special Purpose Committee be designated to establish a framework for Council consideration. A report was submitted to council by the Special Purpose Committee at the July 15, 2019 Council Meeting. A special purpose meeting was held on August 7, 2019 to begin discussing a framework for future years.
Special Purpose Committee Meeting Notes:
Contact(s)