Strategic Community Initiatives Fund

The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process is intended to contribute to the advancement of human services goals and priorities and/or provide specific support to low income households.

Investments will be targeted to community-based initiatives and services that complement the core services of the Human Services Department. The County of Bruce recognizes that by investing in community-based initiatives it will serve to forward strategic goals, both economic and social. Additionally the investment demonstrates the County’s commitment to strengthening the community’s capacity to be responsive to changing needs and serves to leverage additional funding sources.

PRINCIPLES:

The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process will be guided by the following principles:

Alignment with Corporate Strategic Values - In particular the process will align with the corporate values of a community with regard for the high quality of life for all residents.

Accountability – The County will ensure that the funding is used for the purpose intended.

Responsiveness – An ongoing review of community needs will ensure all investments are responsive to changing needs in the community.

GOALS:

The granting process will allow for the County of Bruce to invest in initiatives that support the priorities of the County as outlined in the Strategic Plan or Departmental Business Plan or mandate and/or other priorities identified in Council endorsed planning initiatives.

The Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process expands the capacity of the community to address gaps in services and/or unmet needs of low-income residents in Bruce County to strengthen the service system.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS:

The Department will call for proposals annually based on available funds. Proposals may make a request for multi-year funding; however funding will be confirmed annually through the budget process.

GENERAL CRITERIA:

Initiatives receiving funding will have a mandate that benefits residents of the County of Bruce and in particular fit with the departmental mandates and/or business goals and strategies. The initiative/program should use demographic data, best practices and other research to inform the planning and or service initiative. The funded initiatives should not duplicate existing services/planning unless it is established that the duplication is justified and appropriate.

ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES:

Funding for the Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Granting Process be integrated into the Strategic Community Initiatives Funding Program of the Human Services Departmental annual budget cycle. New funding opportunities that occur outside of the budget process will be brought to committee for approval.

Staff of the Department will:

Administer the call for proposals, advising organizations in the development of proposals prior to the deadline;
Accept, review and evaluate proposals;
Develop and negotiate agreements with the organization leading the initiative being funded
Ensure that the agreements specify deliverables as well as any other terms and conditions that are required to meet the funding requirement;
Monitor the progress of the initiative in meeting the requirements of the funding; and
Develop and implement a process that supports the principles of the program

Administration procedures will be developed to implement the Strategic Community Initiatives Fund Program during each budget year and will include the following components:

The development of criteria in consultation with the other program areas of the Human Services Department;
Consultation with stakeholders and community planning tables as required in regards to present trends surrounding community need;
Criteria that address specific targets within the annual business plan or other strategic plans; and
Criteria that are appropriate to enhancing quality of life of residents such as service integration, accessibility requirements, capacity building, etc.

The Department will follow a standardized process to receive and review proposals and make recommendations to committee for funding allocations through the annual budget process.

EVALUATION AND REPORTING:

An annual activity report will be submitted, to understand the impact of the initiative and funding and to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and leverage other opportunities to increase community capacity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

The Director or Business Manager, Human Services, County of Bruce