When looking to fund your project be sure to explore any local opportunities before expanding your search.  By bringing community members on board, whether they are private citizens, community associations or local businesses, your project becomes more tied to the neighbourhood.   Not only does this raise the local profile of your project, but larger funding agencies see local support and are more likely to look favourably on it.  This page outlines some tips and strategies to keep in mind.

Seed Money
Often the first few dollars are the hardest to find.  Schools may be required to pay for reference materials, workshops, or a designer.  Some access their parent council for initial money or find a way to raise funds in the school.  In Calgary, a local funder set up a special grant for this purpose visit The Calgary Foundation website for more details.

Matching grants
Some agencies require that you have some money in hand before they will support your project.  If you’ve managed to raise $5,000 they may agree to match funding.  These agencies should be approached last when you’ve confirmed funds from other sources.  Look for agencies that match gifts-in-kind as well as dollars.  The Alberta Lottery Fund, through their Community Initiative Program and Community Facility Enhancement Program has provided funds to many schoolyard naturalization programs and is an example of a group that matches grants.

Gifts in kind
Any time you receive donations of goods or services be sure to put a value on it.  The donation of a load of compost worth $500 means you’ve received a gift-in-kind of the same value.  Even volunteer hours are accepted in some grant applications. Funding agencies may have different formulas for applying value to skilled and unskilled labour so be sure to check their guidelines if this is applicable. 

Targeting funding organizations
Before identifying specific agencies to approach, clearly define the focus of your project, or list them if each phase has a different focus.  Matching the area of interest for each funder will help you to target them appropriately.  One Calgary school intends to restore the front garden to the way it was when the schools was built – essentially they are planning a heritage garden.  For this project they should look for funders that appreciate and support history as a focus.

Some agencies will only fund certain items.  They may provide money to purchase native plants but not boulders or bricks. 

Things to keep in mind when researching an agency:

  • Make sure you meet their eligibility and selection requirements.
  • Find out what kinds of project they fund and review what projects they have funded in the past (check their website).
  • Identify what they will and will not fund.
  • Determine dates and deadlines both for receiving applications and making decisions on them.
  • Find out how long you have once the money is received to spend it and be sure it fits with your timeline.

For funders that do not state their specific giving mandate community building or education is a great place to start.  Be true to your project and don’t try to meet an agency’s funding policy just to obtain money – it rarely works. 

Writing Grant Proposals
Writing proposals can be an art in itself.  If you are lucky you have someone on your committee with experience in this area.  If not, there are some great resources on our Resources page.  Be sure to follow directions for each agency accurately.  Application requirements may vary - some may simply need a letter explaining the project, while others have question sheets that run to several pages. Information generated for one application can often be shared with others. 

A typical outline of information requested includes a:

  • project overview – the main elements and the results sought
  • background on the organization – your organization and its mandate
  • project rationale – why the project is necessary and why your organization should be granted money
  • project goals and objectives –the goals and objectives and how each will be reached
  • assets –the assets your organization brings to the table to ensure the success of the project
  • work plan and timelines –how and when the project will be carried-out
  • detailed budget –  total cost estimates and other sources of anticipated revenue and gifts-in-kind
  • project evaluation –how the project will be evaluated to determine its impact
  • supporting material – funders may ask for letters of support, copy of the design plan, photos of the site

Non-profit, charitable status
For information on becoming a registered society:
Corporate Registry Division of the Government of Alberta

www3.gov.ab.ca/gs

780-427-7013

For information on registering as a charitable organization:

Charities Division of the Government of Canada's Customs and Revenue Agency

1-800-267-2384

 

Casinos
A few schools in Calgary have been able to use casino funds for their naturalization projects.  If you have not applied to run a casino, be aware that the application process takes some time.  See the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commision website for details.

Possible funders
The following groups have given money to schoolyard naturalization projects in the past.  The amounts given ranges from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.  We encourage you to visit their websites and contact their fund administrators for more information.

Alberta EcoTrust
Alberta Lottery Fund
EcoAction
Evergreen
TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment
Tree Canada
Canada Wildlife Federation
Mountain Equipment Co-op

Visit the websites of other major companies in the city where you live to see if they have community giving programs.

For schools in the Calgary area, the Calgary Parks Foundation has been a supporter of schoolyard naturalization projects over the past several years.  It may also be worthwhile to contact the Calgary Parks Foundation for funding opportunities.  For known funders in your area see the Map.

Recognizing donors
Some agencies will have guidelines for you to follow when recognizing their donation.  Schools have chosen to include donors in public ceremonies, on t-shirts, signs and event programs, and with thank-you letters.  Whatever method of recognition you choose be sure to check with your school board for any regulations they may have on the use of company logos on school property.