City Enrichment Fund
The City Enrichment Fund is the overall name for the City of Hamilton’s municipal investment in a wide range of program areas that supports the City’s strategic plan. The fund comprises 6 Program Areas (Agriculture, Arts, Communities, Culture & Heritage, Community Services, Environment, Sports & Active Lifestyles) with funding streams and categories.
2022 City Enrichment Fund application intake has now closed.
Thank you to all who submitted, funding recommendations will be made to Council Spring 2022.
Funding Areas
Program areas - 6 unique sector areas are served by the City Enrichment Fund.
Funding Streams - Specific grants available within each program area.
Categories - There are categories within the funding streams. Please refer to the individual program handbook for details.
Agriculture
- Programs & Events
Arts
- Arts Operating
- Arts Festivals
- Capacity Building
- Creation and Presentation Grants for Arts Professionals
Communities, Culture & Heritage
- Events & Established Activities
- New Projects
- Capacity Building for Cultural Organizations
Community Services
- No One is Hungry or Without Shelter
- Everyone Feels Safe
- Every child and Family Thrives
- No Youth is Left Behind
- Everyone can Age in Place
- Community Capacity Grows
- Everyone has Someone to Talk to
- Emerging Needs and Program Innovation
Environment
- Capacity Building
- Projects & Programs
Sports & Active Lifestyles
- Long Term Athlete Development Planing & Implementation
- Sports Awareness
- Capacity Building
- Sport Development / Inclusion
- Accessibility
- Active for Life
- Multi-Sport Housing
Application deadlines
Program application intake is open until 4:30 pm, November 1, 2021
Determine your eligibility
Grant eligibility for the overall fund is in the General Guidelines:
- Program Funding request is up to 30% of the total eligible program budget
- The program takes place within the City of Hamilton
- Legal status of the organization: Non-profit, community organization, volunteer organization with non-profit goals
Submitting your application
Step 1 Develop a grant proposal that explains how you plan to use the funds. Businesses need to show a cost estimate that includes how much funding you need and how the money will be spent.
Step 2 Complete the online application demonstrating that you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your proposal.
Please be advised there are specific items which are deemed eligible and ineligible in the program specific handbooks. Please review this closely as the ineligible items will be removed.
Program Areas
Review the program areas handbooks and attend the relevant funding area workshops.
Agriculture Handbooks & Workshops
Agriculture Program - Handbook (PDF, 279 KB)
Workshops
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3 pm
Thursday October 14, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3 pm
This session is for potential applicants, new or returning, to the Agriculture program area. The session will cover: Goals and objectives of the City Enrichment Fund (CEF); the online application process and review of questions/required materials; financial requirements/eligibility, and; adjudication criteria.
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Arts Handbooks & Workshops
Arts Program – Capacity Building - Handbook (PDF, 298 KB)
Arts Program – Creation and Presentation for Artists - Handbook (PDF, 364 KB)
Arts Program – Arts Festivals - Handbook (PDF, 349 KB)
Arts Program – Arts Operating - Handbook (PDF, 349 KB)
Workshops
Thursday September 23, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3 pm
Review of all Arts Program Streams (not-for-profit organizations):
- Streams
- Eligibility
- Goals
- Application process
- Budget
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Monday September 27, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3 pm
Review of Creation & Presentation Stream (artists and collectives)
- Eligibility
- Goals
- Application process
- Budget
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Communities, Culture & Heritage Handbooks & Workshops
Communities, Culture & Heritage Program - Capacity Building for Cultural Organizations Handbook (PDF, 298 KB)
Communities, Culture & Heritage Program - Events & Established Activity Handbook (PDF, 355 KB)
Communities, Culture & Heritage Program - New Projects Handbook (PDF, 363 KB)
Workshops
Tuesday September 21, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3 pm
Review of all Communities, Culture & Heritage Program Streams:
- Eligibility
- Goals
- Application process
- Budget
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Community Services Handbooks & Workshops
Community Services Program - Grants Handbook (PDF, 363 KB)
Community Services Workshop Presentation (PPT, 1.5 MB)
Workshops
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Online Session
10:30 am to 12 noon
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Online Session
2 to 3:30 pm
Community Services Stream: This session will provide an overview of the submission requirements for the 2022 City Enrichment Fund for established programs highlighting changes from 2021.
Community Services Stream: This session will provide an overview of the submission requirements for the 2022 City Enrichment Fund for new and returning applicants to the Emerging Needs category.
Register for October 20, 2021: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-service-cef-information-session-established-tickets-182068390457
Register for October 27, 2021: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-service-cef-information-session-emerging-needs-tickets-182095882687
Program Manager: [email protected]
Environment Handbooks & Workshops
Environment Program - Grants Handbook (PDF, 379 KB)
Workshops
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Location: Online
4:30 to 6:30 pm
This session is for potential applicants, new or returning, to the Environment program area. The session will cover: Goals and objectives of the City Enrichment Fund (CEF); the online application process and review of questions/required materials; financial requirements/eligibility, and; adjudication criteria.
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Wednesday October 14, 2021
Location: Online
6 to 8 pm
This session is for potential applicants, new or returning, to the Environment program area. The session will cover: Goals and objectives of the City Enrichment Fund (CEF); the online application process and review of questions/required materials; financial requirements/eligibility, and; adjudication criteria.
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Sport & Active Lifestyles Handbooks & Workshops
Sport & Active Lifestyles Program - Grant Handbook (PDF, 185 KB)
Sport & Active Lifestyles Information Sessions Presentation (PDF, 1 MB)
Workshops
New Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Online Session
1 to 2 pm
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Online Session
7 to 8 pm
All Sport & Active Lifestyles Streams: This is your opportunity to meet with the Sport and Active Lifestyle Program Manager and discuss specific application questions, budget questions, and/or to troubleshoot the online portal. Recommended: bring a laptop and or copy of your application/budget.
Register by emailing
[email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a grant?
A grant is money given to a person or organization that is designated for a specific purpose which does not need to be repaid. It is for a specific period (use it or lose it basis).
What is the City Enrichment Fund (CEF)?
The City Enrichment Fund is the overall name for the City of Hamilton's municipal investment in a wide range of program areas that support the City's strategic plan; Our Future Hamilton Community Vision. It is comprised of program areas, streams and categories / funding priorities.
Program Areas
The six unique sector areas are served by the City Enrichment Fund.
Funding Streams
Specific grants available within each program area.
Categories
There are categories within funding streams. Please refer to the individual program handbook for details.
Eligibility?
Applicants must consult both the general guidelines and the program specific handbooks in order to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
The following types of organizations are eligible within the City Enrichment Fund:
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Organizations with a charitable number
- Community associations
- Unincorporated groups with not-for-profit goals and governance structure.
- Creation & Presentation artists and collectives (Arts Program Only)
Funded activities must take place within the city of Hamilton.
Where do I start?
- Read the General Guidelines and handbooks specific to your program area and stream.
- Review the Grant Applicant Overview Presentation (PDF, 607 KB)
- Review Program Budget Overview (PDF, 303 KB) and download the template. It can be used to help plan out your program budget, however the numbers are inputted directly online.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online by registering a City Enrichment Fund Account.
When is the deadline for CEF Grant Applications?
The deadline for all applications is November 1, 2021 before 4:30 pm.
Who sets the ratings?
Adjudication teams review each application and assign scores based on set benchmarks. A minimum of 3 independent staff or peer adjudicators review each application and assess a score out of 100.
What is the City Enrichment Fund’s grant process?
- Application Intake Period via online application process
- Internal documentation and processes 330+ Financial Reviews
- Adjudication of Applications Scores Assigned Funds allocated according to consistent funding rational
- Program Area Meeting & Report Preparation
- Grants Sub-Committee Review - Spring
What is the process to pay back surplus money?
Per the approved guidelines and # 7 in the funding agreement:
The Recipient acknowledges and agrees to return to the City any surplus or unspent CEF Funds to the City within 30 days after the scheduled completion of the Initiatives, unless an extension is granted by City Council. It is the responsibility of the Recipient to request an extension by contacting the Grant Co-ordinator in writing prior to the expiration of the 30-day period within a calendar year.
A cheque can be submitted to the Program Manager or Grant Coordinator within 30 days of the scheduled completion of the program. Cheques are payable to the City of Hamilton.
How do I submit Final Reports?
A requirement of the CEF is the submission of final reports. CEF Final Reports provide valuable information to help us measure and demonstrate the impact of our funding programs. Reporting requirements can be found on page 20 of the CEF general guidelines.
Note that having an overdue final report may impact future grant payments.
The City Enrichment Fund’s mandate is that of a grant program. Funds are requested and to be utilized in accordance to the Council approved CEF guidelines. Accountability is to the tax paying dollars of not only the participants of the fund, but to the greater community.
2021 CEF Program
Funding Recommendations - Grants-Sub-Committee meeting: June 8th, 2021
Next Steps - Grant recommendations were conditionally approved at the June 8th Grants Sub-Committee Meeting and by Council on June 23rd pending the submission of a program status form to Program Area Managers.
Review the appendix with the results for pending program status forms.
Our community health and well-being remain top priority as we remain focused on working with our City Enrichment Fund (CEF) applicants and community partners to navigate through these uncertain times.
Unspent Funds
The CEF operates on an annual cycle. Funds not spent in accordance with the grant request, will need to be returned to the City per the approved guidelines and Item #7 in the funding agreement. All questions, program updates and inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].
City Council Approvals
2021 Council Meetings
2020 Council Meetings
- May 27, 2020 - City Enrichment Fund Report to Council (Phase 1) – Report GRA20003
- Appendix “A” to Report GRA20003: 2020 City Enrichment Fund – Operating Grants
- Appendix “B” to Report GRA20003: 2020 Events–Cancelled Postponed till July 2
- Appendix “C” to Report GRA20003: 2020 Program Grants –TBD
- Appendix “D” to Report GRA20003: 2020 Events TBD – July 2 to Dec
- Appendix “E” to Report GRA20003: 2020 CEF Payment Plan (Revised)
- Appendix “F” to Report GRA20003: 2020 CEF Summary Sheets
- July 9, 2020 - City Enrichment Fund Report (Phase 2) to Audit, Finance & Administration Committee - Report GRA20003 (a)
- August 13, 2020 - City Enrichment Fund Report (Phase 3) to Audit, Finance & Administration Committee - Report GRA20003 (b)
- September 24, 2020 - City Enrichment Fund Report (Phase 4) to Audit, Finance & Administration Committee - Report GRA20003 (c)
- 2020 City Enrichment Fund Adjudication Teams (PDF, 89 KB)
2019 City Council Meetings
- City Council Meeting - May 23, 2019
Council approved Grants Sub-Committee Report 19-002 (PDF, 47 KB)
Revised appendix A - GRA 19-002 (PDF, 3 MB)
City Enrichment Fund Adjudication Teams (PDF, 88 KB)
2018 Council Meetings
- City Council Meeting – June 27, 2018
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 18-003 (June 12, 2018) (PDF, 41 KB) - City Council Meeting – May 9, 2018
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 18-002 (PDF, 77 KB)
Revised Appendix A – GRA18003 (PDF, 4.1 MB)
City Enrichment Fund Adjudication Team (PDF, 84 KB) - City Council Meeting – February 14, 2018
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 18-001 (PDF, 31 KB)
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-005 (PDF, 48 KB)
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-005 Appendix A (PDF, 118 KB)
2017 Council Meetings
- October 12, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-005 (PDF, 45 KB) - February 8, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-001 (PDF, 32 KB) - May 24, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved:- Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-008 (PDF, 257.1 KB)
- 2017 CEF Summary (PDF, 531.8 KB)
- 2017 Adjudication Teams (PDF, 14.5 KB)
- June 1, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved:- Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-003 (PDF, 35.8 KB)
- Creation and Presentation Funding Recommendations, GRA17008 – Appendix C (PDF, 295.5 KB)
- June 28, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved:-
Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-002 (PDF, 14 KB)
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- August 18, 2017 Council Meeting
Council approved:- Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-002 (PDF, 14 KB)
- Grants Sub-Committee Report 17-004 (PDF, 14 KB)
2016 Council Meetings
- November 9, 2016 Council Meeting
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committee Report 16-004 (PDF, 32 KB) - October 12, 2016, Council Meeting
Council approved: Grants Sub-Committtee Report 16-002 (PDF, 70 KB) - June 22, 2016 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 12 of General Issues Committee Report 16-016 (PDF, 1 MB)
Council approved: 2016 City Enrichment Fund Approved Grants (PDF, 605 KB) - February 26, 2016 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 4 of the Audit, Finance & Administration Committee Report 16-003 (PDF, 34 KB)
2015 Council Meetings
November 25, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 6 - Audit, Finance & Administration Committee Report 15-012 (PDF, 35 KB)
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September 9, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 5.3 - Grants Sub-Committee Report 15-016 (DOC, 1.04 MB) -
May 27, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 8.15 – Grants Sub-Committee Report 15-002 (PDF, 114 KB)
2015 City Enrichment Fund Summary, GRA15001 – Appendix A (PDF, 303 KB) - February 11, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 8.1 - Bridge Funding for the 91st Highlanders Athletic Association
- January 21, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 7.3 - Boris Brott Music Festival
- January 10, 2015 Council Meeting
Council approved: Item 8.13 - City Enrichment Fund - Implementation Phase 2 (PDF, 118 KB)
Contact
Grants Coordinator
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 4524
Email: [email protected]
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