CEF Environment Program

CEF does not guarantee that funding is recommended at the full request amount. A passing application does not guaranteed funding.

• Up to 30% of the eligible project budget up to a maximum of $25,000; including capital improvement or equipment costs of up to $8,000 that clearly contribute to building the organization’s capacity 
• Funding Requests Over $15,001: Funding requests should not exceed 30% of the total program budget
• Funding Requests Below $15,000: CEF funding requests cannot be 100% of the proposed program and must demonstrate additional funding / revenue sources

The City Enrichment Fund does not fund 100% of program expenses. Application budgets should include diverse revenue in support of the proposed program.

• Successful applicants are eligible to receive Capacity Building every year
• Not-for-profit environmental organizations whose mandates align with the objectives of the CEF Environment program 
• The program activities must occur in Hamilton and must benefit the local community
• Groups of two or more organizations facing similar organizational challenges may collaborate on capacity building projects
• Organizations that have been incorporated for less than a year are not eligible to apply

• Groups that do not have an environmental mandate
• Groups that have not submitted a final report for CEF grants received for previous project(s)
• Foundations; political parties/organizations; for-profit groups and ventures; individuals; and religious organizations (except in cases where the applicant demonstrates clear boundaries between religious activities and the budget of the proposed program)
• Organizations whose activities come under the jurisdiction of other departments or agencies of the City of Hamilton or other governments (i.e. school boards, post-secondary institutions, social service organizations, hospitals, business improvement associations)

• Retaining external expertise or consultants to collaborate with the applicant on a specific capacity building project or program, including the external experts, consultants, or coaches’ fees and travel costs within Ontario
• Organizational and human resource assessment, change management, and similar processes
• Board development and improved governance practices
• Mentorship, coaching, job shadowing, and professional development
• Business development programs aimed to build the capacity of the applicant to generate fee-for-service revenues
• Capital improvement or equipment expenses of up to $8,000 that clearly contribute to building the organization’s capacity (CEF staff will contact the applicant to request more information about the organization’s existing assets or equipment, the current condition of the assets or anticipated lifespan of the asset and the upgrades required)
• Professional development fees and travel for participation in seminars, training sessions, or workshops within Ontario (please provide a description of the event or session, such as a copy of the agenda or programme, as an attachment to your application and demonstrate how participation in the session will enhance the organization’s capacity)
• Mentor and job shadowing honoraria and travel costs
• Fees related to the use of licensed organizational development tools and related costs
• Staff costs to participate in, or coordinate, the capacity building program

• Ongoing operating costs (including staff time not directly related to the proposed capacity-building program)
• Research and publications
• Undergraduate, post-graduate or other academic and professional training that does not enhance the capacity of an organization to provide programming or services aligned with funding priorities
• Capital project planning studies
• Retroactive activities
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate good use of public funds. Organizations will be assessed separately using the following assessment criteria and weight:

40% Organizational Capacity as demonstrated by:

• Stable organizational leadership (board of directors), established organizational policies and procedures, financial sustainability, and concise strategic plan
• How the organization’s mandate aligns with the objectives of the Environment program area 
• A clear vision for how the capacity building initiative will enable the organization to develop and / or respond to the changing needs of the environmental sector
• The ability to generate earned and private sector revenue (if applicable) or ability to create and enact long-term plans to achieve financial stability

35% Program Merit as demonstrated by:

• A clear description of the proposed capacity building initiative that explains how the initiative will further the organization’s reach / impact and provide greater benefits to the community
• The initiative’s relevance to the community and current challenges or issues
• The initiative’s potential to add to the unique identity of Hamilton by providing new, improved, or innovative ways for the public to participate
• A detailed project plan that includes a balanced and realistic budget
• The initiative’s potential to equip the organization to create strong and successful relationships and partnerships within the community
• Comprehensive and clearly described outcomes that are SMART 

25% Community Impact as demonstrated by:

• Alignment to the community vision

CEF does not guarantee that funding is recommended at the full request amount. A passing application does not guaranteed funding.

• Up to 30% of the eligible project budget up to a maximum of $35,000; including capital improvement or equipment costs of up to $8,000 that clearly contribute to building the organization’s capacity 
• Funding Requests Over $15,001: Funding requests should not exceed 30% of the total program budget
• Funding Requests Below $15,000: CEF funding requests cannot be 100% of the proposed program and must demonstrate additional funding / revenue sources

The City Enrichment Fund does not fund 100% of program expenses. Application budgets should include diverse revenue in support of the proposed program

• Not-for-profit environmental organizations whose mandates align with the objectives of the CEF Environment program 
• The program activities must occur in Hamilton and must benefit the local community
• Groups of two or more organizations are encouraged to partner on collaborative initiatives

• Groups who do not have an environmental mandate
• Groups that have not submitted a final report for CEF grants received for previous project(s)
• Foundations; political parties/organizations; for-profit groups and ventures; individuals; and religious organizations (except in cases where the applicant demonstrates clear boundaries between religious activities and the proposed program budget)
• Organizations whose activities come under the jurisdiction of other departments or agencies of the City of Hamilton or other governments (i.e. school boards, post-secondary institutions, social service organizations, hospitals, business improvement associations)
• Activities that promote existing City of Hamilton programs

• Eligible projects and programs include, but are not limited to, those that will increase public participation in environmental initiatives, and that will achieve measurable outcomes 
• Expenses related to activities taking place within Hamilton
• Salaries and wages directly related to the project 
• Project administrative costs including insurance, permit fees, copyright fees, etc. (except any fees related to alcohol)
• Transportation within Ontario to and from program activities by organizers, participants, staff, and volunteers
• Consultants, instructors, and experts’ fees
• Equipment and facility rentals 
• Materials and supplies directly related to the project 
• Capital assets up to a maximum of $2,000 per item if no more than 30% of the total amount of funding provided by the City is used for capital asset costs
• Marketing, promotion, and audience development costs
• Costs of recruiting, training, supporting, and recognizing volunteers
• Translation of material aimed at the public or as appropriate for the project
• Program evaluation activities

• Expenses not directly related to the program or expenses of activities that take place outside of Hamilton
• Ongoing operations not related to the program (e.g. salaries, wages, travel, supplies, material, minor capital assets, fundraising, marketing, governance, website development and other costs related to ongoing operations)
• Purchase of equipment and capital expenses over $2,000 per item and/or not directly related to the project 
• Development of proposals or applications
• Alcohol and associated expenses required to provide alcohol (permit fees, police, fencing, etc.)
• Expenses related to competitions (e.g., purchase of prizes, expenses of jury members)
• Deficit reduction
• Programs or activities that have already taken place
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate good use of public funds. Organizations will be assessed separately using the following assessment criteria and weight:

25% Organizational Capacity as demonstrated by:

• Stable organizational leadership (board of directors), established organizational policies and procedures, financial sustainability, and concise strategic plan
• How the organization’s mandate aligns with the objectives of the Environment program area
• The ability to generate earned and private sector revenue
• A successful track record in project and/or program planning and delivery 
• Organizational capacity is demonstrated through concise organizational profile, workplan, volunteer plan, financials, etc.

45% Program Merit as demonstrated by:

• The project or program’s potential to: directly protect, rehabilitate, or enhance the natural environment; raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the Hamilton community; directly protect Hamilton residents, businesses, and/or organizations from the impacts of climate change (adaptation projects); and/or, reduce GHG emissions within Hamilton
• A balanced and realistic budget 
• The program relationships and partnerships with other community organizations and/or initiatives
• The program’s potential to provide new, improved, or innovative ways for volunteers and members of the public to participate
• An effective workplan that considers all necessary resources for implementation – volunteers, staff, time, materials, etc.
• The quality and quantity of the proposed activities 

30% Community Impact as demonstrated by:

• Comprehensive and clearly described outcomes that are SMART
• Alignment to the community vision

This session will introduce the City Enrichment Fund and provide an overview of the Environment Program – Capacity Building and Projects & Programs streams.

The presentation will cover eligibility, submission requirements, timelines and a Q&A. This session is intended for returning and new applicants.

Application Information Form

• Applicant Contact Information
• Additional Contact Information
• Organization/Applicant Full Public Facing Name:
• Organization/Applicant Legal Name
  • All Funding agreements and payments will be issued to the Legal name
  • Please note that the legal names of organizations will be made public.
• Organization/Applicant Address
• Is your mailing address different from your Organization/Applicant address?
• Legal Status of Organization (Select all that apply)
  • Not-for-profit
  • Registered Charity
  • Individual Artist or Collective (not eligible in SAL)
  • Unincorporated group with not-for-profit goals and governance structure
• (Questions for Unincorporated Groups Only)
  • Unincorporated groups must demonstrate governance structure through a governing committee, and an organizational bank account
    • Organization has 3 or more Board members, or Governance Committee Members
    • Organization has a bank account in the organizations name
• Organization Date Established (must be at least one year prior to Application Intake
• Is your organization’s head office located in the city of Hamilton?
• Will the program for which you are applying take place within the city of Hamilton? 

Program Information Form

• Brief Summary in 60 words. 
• Organization’s Mission or Mandate Statement. 
• Provide a brief history of your organization. 
• Provide a detailed description of your program (Approx. 1000 words). 
  • What makes your program important? 
  • Describe your programming theme and objective, format, location, activities, and anticipated schedule for the year of delivery. What elements make your program unique?
  • If the application is for a returning program, describe any “lessons learned” from previous years. How have past successes or challenges shaped this year’s program? Include your evaluation method (e.g. surveys, in-person interviews, participation rates, etc.).
  • How will this program further your organization’s reach/impact and provide greater benefits to the community?
  • Specify how funding from the City Enrichment Fund will be used. (Approx. 500 words). 
• Specify how funding from the City Enrichment Fund will be used. (Approx. 500 words)
• Your description should relate to the details provided in your programming description and the proposed budget.
• Be specific on which of your expenses will be funded using CEF funding and why these expenses are important to the success of the initiative.

Describe how this program can be scaled should the total funding request not be received. (Maximum 500 words)

• The City Enrichment Fund does not guarantee that successful applicants will receive their full grant request. Applicants are asked to confirm how they will adapt to funding amounts below request level.
• How will your program increase community participation? (Maximum 500 words). 
  • Details on the following: 
    • How are others contributing to the success of your program? This may include partnerships with provincial and national organizations, community outreach groups, other not-for-profits, for-profit organizations, neighbourhood associations, etc.
    • How will you collaborate with them and how do these relationships help to ensure the program meets its goals and objectives? 
• What are the measurable outcomes of your program? 
  • What is your desired outcome/goal and how will you measure your success in achieving each outcome/goal?
  • Ensure that your outcomes and measures are SMART(specific; measurable; attainable; realistic/relevant; timely). Review a guide to Constructing Grant Performance Measures (Outputs and Outcomes).
  • See the sample outcomes and measures in the table below.
• Provide up to three measurable outcomes of the program that benefit the organization and /or the community.
  • What is the primary goal?
  • What does success look like?
  • How is success measured?
  • What is the start and end state? 
• Describe both formal and informal program partnerships. How do these relationships enhance your program activities? (Approx. 300 words). 
  • How are others contributing to the success of your program? This may include partnerships with provincial and national organizations, community outreach groups, other not-for-profits, for-profit organizations, neighbourhood associations, etc.
  • How will you collaborate with them and how do these relationships help to ensure the program meets its goals and objectives? 
• List the team members that will ensure your program is well managed and achieves your desired goals. Include a brief explanation of how their expertise / specialization will make your program a success. (Maximum 300 words). 
• This may include staff, members of the Board of Directors, and volunteers. 
• What are each team members’ skills, education, experience, knowledge and how will their skills (etc.) contribute to the success of the program?
• How does this program enrich the city? (Maximum 300 words). 
  • Why is this program needed and how was it identified?
  • What benefits does your programming have on the agriculture sector and the City?
  • What are the challenges facing your organization?
• What City of Hamilton’s community priorities does your program align with (select up to three that apply):
  • Culture and Diversity
  • Economic Prosperity & Growth
  • Community Engagement and Participation
  • Healthy & Safe Communities
  • Clean and Green
  • Built Environment and Infrastructure
• Describe how your program is aligned with the community priorities chosen. (Maximum 200 words). 

Organizational Capacity Form

• Complete the chart that shown on the application form to indicate which of the relevant policies your organization has in place and when they were implemented, reviewed, or updated.

Budget Information Form

• Brief Revenue and Expenses (10 points)
  Provide point form, brief notes to support proposed budget. of line items.
• In-kind: Provide the estimated volunteer hours and value of other in-kind contributions. The total in-kind value will automatically be reflected on the program revenue.

Attachments – Support Material and Documents   

• Board of Directors list (mandatory) - Include role & titles, length on BOD. 
• Staff list (mandatory) - Include job titles and whether full or part-time.
• Financial Statements (mandatory) - If audited financial statements are not available, then unaudited statements are required. Note: for grant requests greater than or equal to $30,000 audited financial statements are mandatory.
• Program Marketing Material (optional). 
  • Include support material that will help the assessors evaluate your application (e.g. project plans, reports, or studies, fundraising and marketing materials, etc.)
• Program Specific Material (mandatory).
  • Provide a copy of your organization’s Strategic Plan (mandatory). 
  • Include any additional support materials (optional)

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Form

To help us understand how IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) groups are currently supported through City Enrichment Funds, please identify the target population for the specific program you are apply to for this application. These are for data collection only and will not be scored or affect your program’s overall evaluation.

Declaration Form

Complete declaration form to certify to the accuracy of your application, and that your organization understands the terms and conditions related to the application. All declaration statements must be agreed to in order to submit.

Signing Authorities Form

Approved funding recommendations will be sent a City Enrichment Fund Funding Agreement. To ensure accurate delivery, please provide the correct signing authority(s) for your organization.