Community Funding - Project Funding

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations operating within the social services sector

Eligible expenses

• Personnel salaries and benefits directly related to the project.
• Consulting fees for capacity-building or pilot program initiatives.
• Materials and supplies necessary for program delivery.
• Technology and equipment required for project implementation.
• Training and development costs for staff and participants.
• Insurance fees related to the project, including commercial general liability insurance.

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Ottawa

• Extent to which the project addresses specific and intersectional needs of priority populations and represents the community served (19%).
• Alignment of the project summary with the purpose of the funding, quality of planned activities for capacity building and community impact, reasonableness of timelines, outreach to priority populations and neighbourhoods, strength of partnerships, and sustainability of the initiative after funding ends (28%).
• Reasonableness and feasibility of the project budget (16%).
• Clarity and realism of proposed community benefits, and whether outcomes and indicators are defined and measurable (37%).

• Step 1: Review Application Timeline
  • Take note of the application opening date (September 18), information sessions (September 25), submission deadline (October 16 at 4 pm), and notification of results (November 13).
  • Plan to attend the English or French virtual information session for further details and to ask questions.
• Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
  • Prepare necessary organizational documents such as most recent audited financial statements (or un-audited, if applicable and allowed), AGM minutes for the last two fiscal years, current board of directors list, and current organizational chart.
  • Obtain a valid certificate of insurance naming the City of Ottawa as an additional insured, ensuring that the insurance covers the capacity building project or pilot program.
• Step 3: Prepare Project Proposal
  • Develop a detailed project plan that addresses an unmet, complex, or emerging community need within the social services sector.
  • Align your proposal with the 2025 funding priority to increase skills and abilities for individuals, particularly those from equity-deserving communities.
  • Create a budget for the proposed project, ensuring clarity and reasonableness.
  • Describe partnerships, expected outcomes, and how results will be measured.
• Step 4: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill out the application form provided by the City of Ottawa for Project Funding.
  • Ensure all sections are completed and supporting documents are attached as required.
• Step 5: Submit Application
  • Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the City of Ottawa by the deadline (October 16 at 4 pm).
• Step 6: Await Results Notification
  • Applicants will be notified of the results on November 13.
• Step 7: Accept Funding and Sign Agreement (If Approved)
  • If your application is successful, review the contribution offer and draft contribution agreement sent via email.
  • Respond to the City within five business days to accept the offer and sign the contribution agreement.
• Step 8: Fulfill Additional Requirements (If Applicable)
  • If not receiving Sustainability Funding, provide any additional required documentation before entering into the agreement.
• Step 9: Receive Funds
  • Once the agreement is signed and documentation is complete, receive the contribution funding as a single payment.
• Step 10: Meet Reporting and Compliance Requirements
  • Complete and submit an outcome report, including a financial statement, four weeks after the agreed-upon reporting date.
  • Ensure all terms and conditions of the contribution agreement, including insurance, are met for the duration of the funding.

• Applications are accepted for both one-year and three-year funding periods, with three-year funding restricted to organizations not receiving Sustainability Funding.
• Successful applicants will receive a single payment after signing the contribution agreement.
• Approved projects must submit an outcome report, including a financial statement, within four weeks after the project period.
• Applicants are required to carry a minimum of $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, naming the City of Ottawa as additional insured.