Building Safer Communities Grant

The City of Hamilton is pleased to launch its Building Safer Communities Grant in partnership with Public Safety Canada.

The intent of the grant is to provide multi-year funding for community-led initiatives that aim to prevent, and address risk factors associated with youth gun and gang violence.

From 2023-2026, nearly $2.5 million dollars will be invested into community initiatives through this grant to support specific priorities identified in Hamilton’s Building Safer Communities Multi-Year Plan(PDF, 10.31 MB). The Building Safer Communities Grant aims to provide opportunities for multiple organizations to work together collaboration to create programs or initiatives that will have the greatest impact on youth in Hamilton.

Informed by community engagements with youth, parents and guardians, and service providers across Hamilton and research, the grant will focus on these priorities:

Preventative Programs - Expand and launch preventative programs that facilitate youth and community connections, strengthen youth capacity, build positive pathways including employment, recreation, mentorship as well as awareness and education around the realities of gang involvement.
Comprehensive Support Services - Expand and launch programs that support youth exiting gangs through comprehensive support services.

These priorities are central to the Building Safer Communities Grant. Applicants can apply to one or both streams with a focus on supporting target populations and populations currently underserved which include:

Indigenous Youth
Black Youth
Female Youth
Newcomer Youth

Learn More About The

Building Safer Communities Grant

Application Details

Guidelines & Criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Apply?

The legal status of the organization and/or applicant must be a non-profit, registered charity, community organization and/or volunteer organization with non-profit goals. Applicants should have a demonstrated track record of working in the Hamilton community to promote the safety and well-being of community members, especially youth.

We strongly encourage collaborative applications from multiple organizations. Together, we can leverage the strengths and expertise of diverse organizations to develop and implement community-based solutions that address systemic barriers for youth, improve access to services, design new approaches and strengthen systems to work better for youth and their families.

NOTE: Please indicate on the application form if the submission is being done in collaboration and submit only ONE application per group.

Evaluation Process

The City is committed to an open, transparent evaluation process and will release a call for community grant reviewers (with no conflicts of interest) in the coming weeks. The Grant review team will review and score applications based on a transparent criterion.

Budget Details

Review the eligible expenditures criteria before preparing your proposed budget.

Eligible Expenses

Administrative costs (up to 15%)
Costs associated to conferences
Culturally appropriate expenditures
Honoraria
Meals and/or refreshments for participants
Office equipment, supplies and materials
Professional and consultant costs
Rent and normal utilities
Salaries and wages and benefits
Translation and simultaneous interpretation costs
Travel, accommodations, and related expenses

Ineligible Expenses

Maintaining existing services without adaptation or addition of novel aspects
Donations to other groups or organizations, religious groups, or political parties
Support to ongoing already funded programs or activities where this funding would duplicate other funding received
Fines and penalties
Membership fees in clubs and organizations
Alcoholic beverages
Scholarships for participants
Capital costs, regular salaries and rent of office space

The final awarded amount will depend on the scale of the initiative/program/project and the community impact.

NOTE: Multi-year funding will be provided from November 2023 to March 31, 2026. Initiatives that receive funding are expected to start in 2023 and work towards sustainability after March 2026. As such, proposed initiatives should be focused on longer term, comprehensive solutions.

How to Apply/ Application Checklist

Review each of the tabs for application details, guidelines & criteria and frequently asked questions before submitting an application
Ensure that project or initiative meets the eligibility requirements for the grant program
Answer all application form questions in full
Ensure all co-applicants reviewed and approved application before submitting (for collaborative projects)
Provide sufficient budget details to justify the funding amount requested.
Ensure organizational capacity to implement and support the proposed project for the grant timeline (Fall 2023 to March 2026)
Contact [email protected] with any application or grant program questions before submitting application
Complete the online Grant Application Form (lower on this page) on or before October 11, 2023

Grant Eligibility Guidelines

To be eligible for the Building Safer Communities Grant, proposed projects must meet these equirements:

The legal status of the organization and/or applicant must be a non-profit, registered charity, community organization and/or volunteer organization with non-profit goals. Seed funding for smaller scale or start-up agencies or programs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The applicant must have a demonstrated track record of working in the Hamilton community to promote safety and well-being of community members, especially youth.
The project and/or program/service must take place within the City of Hamilton.
Proposed projects must be focused on longer term, comprehensive solutions.
The proposed project must align with the goals and priorities of the granting program. Specifically, the proposed program, project or service must center on at least one of the Building Safer Communities Grant Priorities:
- Expand and launch preventative programs that facilitate youth and community connections, strengthen youth capacity, build positive pathways including employment, recreation, mentorship as well as awareness and education around the realities of gang involvement.
- Expand and launch programs that support youth exiting gangs through comprehensive support services.
To qualify for funding, programs/services must be available free of charge, near neighbourhoods where the target populations reside or frequent and will be offered during hours where there is currently a lack of programming/services.
Must provide a clear project proposal that includes:
- a commitment to equity and inclusion,
- a plan to engage and serve one or all the target populations identified in the multi-year program plan (Indigenous, Black, newcomer, female-identifying youth, and their families), and
- a plan to measure and report on project outcomes and impact.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to effectively implement the proposed project.
Financial request must be in line with the proposed project activities and timelines.
If the proposed initiative is part of a larger project for which the applicant has already received funding, there must be a clear demonstration that the Building Safer Communities Grant funding request will be supporting a new activity or program.

Success Criteria for Building Safer Communities Fund

To help you prepare your proposal, below is a breakdown of each of the Building Safer Communities Grant goal areas, example of projects that align with the goals, potential measures of success, and a checklist of the required components.
Please note that the measures provided are just an example, we ask that applicants determine which information and indicators best inform reporting for the outcomes they intend to achieve. Additional measures may be developed in the future based on input from organizations applying to this grant.

Expand and launch preventative programs that facilitate youth and community connections, strengthen youth capacity, build positive pathways including employment, recreation, mentorship as well as awareness and education around the realities of gang involvement.

Example projects

Recreation programs and/or mentorship programs for youth
Employment programs for youth
Parenting/caregiver support and/or system navigation programs for parents/caregivers /youth
Delivery of programs within or accessible to relevant communities to ensure youth and their families has access to programs and services where they are most likely to engage.

Potential measures of success

Increased participation from target population and populations currently underserved, specifically programming for young women and Indigenous youth (measure: number of participants, level of satisfaction related to tailored programming)
Increased partnerships/collaboration between community agencies (measure: new collaborations)
Increased participation in a greater number of programs and services (measure: number of participants and an increase in new programs/services)
More accessible hours provided after hours (measure: number of programs offering services during flexible hours, level of satisfaction related to accessible hours)
Closer proximity to relevant programs and services (i.e., shorter geographical distance) and/or accessible virtual programming (measure: level of satisfaction related to accessibility of programming)
Robust program evaluation which measures impact of programming before and after (measures: to be determined)
Increased access to programs to improve community-led youth supervision
Increased knowledge and capacity to apply ARAO, decolonial, and trauma-informed approach (measure: number of staff and volunteers trained from service providers, pre/post level of knowledge)
Increase in specific number of programs for Indigenous youth (measure: number or new/expanded programs)
Increase in participation of Indigenous youth in programming (measure: number of self-reported Indigenous youth participating in programs)
Increase in leadership/staffing/mentors of programs and services of those with relevant lived experience from priority populations (measure: number of staff self-reported to have relevant lived experience and representative of priority populations)

Checklist for required components

Program and/or service offers youth and families strategies and support to prevent involvement in youth violence including guns and gangs. Project facilitates youth and community connections, strengthens youth capacity, and builds positive pathways including employment, recreation, mentorship as well as increased awareness and education around the realities of gang involvement.
Applicant has identified and tried to eliminate barriers to access by reviewing hours of operation, policies, locations, languages, and staffing.
Project demonstrates an anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization lens and trauma-informed approach to programming and services through leveraging key community partners to enhance culturally appropriate program options will be prioritized.
Program/service will be available free of charge, near neighbourhoods where the target populations reside or frequent and will be offered during hours where there is currently a lack of programming/services.
Applicants provide a clear rationale around recommended hours of programming. If the program or service will involve any start/stop periods to best serve the target population (i.e., after-school programs may ramp up or down at certain points during the year), these periods should be accounted for in the project plan and an explanation for how the grant funding will remain purposeful during these times should be highlighted.
Project will start in 2023 and work towards sustainability after March 2026.

Expand and launch programs that support youth exiting gangs through comprehensive wraparound services.

Example projects

Services for gang-exiting youth who are ready to re-integrate into the community such as housing supports, mental health and crisis support, employment and training, peer mentorship.
Innovative approaches to providing services that are accessible beyond the typical 9:00am-5:00pm hours, including 24/7 services if needed (partnerships and collaborations, piloting of services, etc.).
Access to emergency shelter through the provision of wraparound care and increased sense of belonging. This may include piloting new collaborations between agencies with complementary mandates. More robust programming for older youth (approx. 18-25 years old) who are transitioning into adulthood and need critical life skills.

Potential measures of success

Pilot/launch of new and/or innovative programs such as mentorship, employment opportunities, skill development (measure: number of new and/or innovative programs)
Robust program evaluation to help test the programs and identify improvements (measures to be determined by applicants)  Scaling of existing programs to increase participation, adding more robust programming, new locations etc. (measure: satisfaction of youth, new locations, related to accessibility of programs)
Pre/post program evaluation that demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive support services (measure to be determined by applicants)
Increase in number of participants (youth and families/ caregivers) (measure: number of youth and family/caregiver attending programs, demographic information.)
Increase in coordination and access to multiple services/supports through streamlined approach (measure: pre/post knowledge of youth-serving service providers of resources and referral pathways, number of warm referrals from primary agency that match the needs identified by the youth)
Increase in new and/or innovative collaborations between agencies with complementary mandates (measure: number of agencies reporting new and/or innovative collaboration)
Increased coordination between services for transition age youth (measure: level of effective coordination)
Sustainable model for ongoing collaboration between agencies developed (measure: sustainable model developed)

Checklist for required components

Program/service focuses on strong support systems (safe housing, employment, recreation, families) to prevent and provide early intervention to reduce youth gang involvement.
Project outlines system-wide programs/services that are accessible for youth in need of intervention, diversion, and reintegration support. Support provided needs to exist beyond the typical 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours and facilitate seamless transitions between agencies as youth move through key life stages and into adulthood.
Applicants have identified and tried to eliminate barriers to access by reviewing hours of operation, locations, offering services in different languages and/or with interpretation and staffing.
Project demonstrates an anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization lens and trauma-informed approach to programming and services through leveraging key community partners to enhance culturally appropriate program options.
Program/service will be available free of charge, near neighbourhoods where the target populations reside or frequent and will be offered during hours where there is currently a lack of programming/services.
Project will start in 2023 and work towards sustainability after March 2026.

Review and Evaluation

All applications submitted will undergo a fair and consistent review process. A panel made up of subject matter experts and community representatives will review all eligible funding applications based on set criteria and a standardized score.

Programs or initiatives should be targeted to youth 16 years and older.

Yes, you can apply for more than one eligible program. If you are applying for more than one program a separate grant application is required for each program.

Funding and accompanying funding agreements will be provided as soon as November 2023.

The legal status of the applicant must be a non-profit, registered charity, community organization and/or volunteer organization with non-profit goals. Seed funding for smaller scale or start-up agencies or programs may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Non-profit organizations that do not have a charitable registration number, but would like to apply for a grant, can do so through a “sponsor” organization.

We strongly encourage collaborative applications from multiple organizations to make the most of the Building Safer Communities Grant. Together, we can leverage the strengths and expertise of diverse organizations to develop and implement.

There is no minimum level of evidence required. We will consider all evidence that demonstrates the applicant has a strong track record of positive social impact. Any measures or evaluation completed that can support intended impact will be welcomed.

Yes, administrative costs up to 10% will be considered for this process.

Both new and existing initiatives can apply. For existing programs, if the proposed initiative is part of a larger project, there must be a clear demonstration that the Building Safer Communities Grant request will be supporting a new activity or program.

Funding cannot be used to support current programs and ongoing core operations as they exist currently. Applicants are asked to explain the change they are making to the program.

Funding is for up to 3 years - 2023-2024, 2024-2025, 2025-2026. Annual updates on the progress will be required and further outlined in the funding agreement for successful applicants.

We anticipate notice to successful applicants will be shared in October 2023 with funding to follow in November 2023.

Currently, there is not a set minimum or maximum for funding requests. As a guideline, funding requests should scale appropriately to your proposed program model as well as be well within your current capacity/experience as an organization. The Building Safer Communities Grant aims to provide opportunities for several organizations to work in collaboration to foster the greatest impact for youth in Hamilton.

Grant Application Form

The City of Hamilton will review your application in a timely manner. You will receive a response confirming the receipt of your application within 2 business days. All applications will be reviewed after October 11, 2023.

Section 1: Applicant Identification/Details

Type of Agency

Community Organization (non-profit, registered charity, community/volunteer organization with nonprofit goals)

System Innovation (more than one agency working to improve the way systems work for youth priority populations)

Legal Agency Name

For collaborative applications, list all agencies involved.

Brief Summary of Agency’s Main Mandate

For collaborative applications, answer for all agencies involved.

Primary Contact

This should be the primary contact person in respect to this application for funding, if a collaborative application, this is where funding will flow.

Name

Position Title

Email

Phone

Agency Address

Province/Territory

City/Town

Postal Code

Section 2: Project Proposal

Use bullet points to answer these project proposal questions.

Alignment with Program Goals

1. Describe how your proposed project aligns with one or both two key goals identified in the Building Safer CommunitiesMulti Year Plan – prevention programs and comprehensive wraparound services.

2. Describe how you have identified and tried to eliminate barriers to access by reviewing hours of operation, policies,locations, languages, and staffing.

3. Explain how your project will directly impact one or more of the identified target populations(s) for Building Safer Communities: youth and their families; gang-exiting youth; Black, Indigenous, newcomer, and female youth.

To be eligible for funding, please confirm if your project or initiative meets these requirements:

Program/services will be free of charge

Program will be near neighbourhoods where the target populations reside or frequent

Program will be offered during hours where there is currently a lack of programming/services

Program/services will be implemented between November 2023 and March 2026

Impact & Effectiveness

1. Outline the evidence available to support the potential impact of the project on youth gang involvement.

2. Summarize how you will show (e.g., measure and/or document) that your plan has been successful. Please specify at least one performance metric for each activity you plan to carry out. Metrics should be SMART (specific, measurable,achievable, realistic, timely).

Project Implementation & Management

1. Outline your organizational capacity and capability to effectively implement and manage the proposed project.

2. Describe the feasibility considerations you have made to ensure implementation of this project in the grant programtimeline.

Section 3: Budget Details

The City of Hamilton supports administrative costs directly associated with the funded project to a maximum of 15% of the total grant budget. For this grant, eligible administrative costs could include back-office functions such as: technology support, bookkeeping, human resources, and project oversight.

Expenditure categories:

Costs associated to conferences
Culturally appropriate expenditures
Honoraria
Meals and/or refreshments for participants
Office equipment, supplies and materials
Professional and consultant costs
Rent and normal utilities
Salaries, wages and benefits
Translation and simultaneous interpretation costs
Travel, accommodations, and related expenses

Budget

Re-order	Proposed Expenditures	Description of Activities Associated with Costs	Project Cost - Year 1	Project Cost - Year 2	Project Cost - Year 3	Weight	Operations
	Proposed Expenditures Use applicable category	Description of Activities Associated with Costs Use timelines where applicable	Project Cost - Year 1 Nov 2023 - Mar 31, 2024	Project Cost - Year 2 Apr 1, 2024 - Mar 31, 2025	Project Cost - Year 3 Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026	Item weight

more items

Total Funding Request

What is the total amount you are requesting from the City of Hamilton in this application?

What is the annual breakdown of costs based on budget cycles?

Year 1: Nov 2023 - Mar 31, 2024

Year 2: Apr 1, 2024 - Mar 31, 2025

Year 3: Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026

Briefly describe the potential for long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.

Disclaimer: City Hamilton reserves the right to request proof of purchase, audit, or otherwise investigate to ensure any approved funding is spent in accordance with this application

Anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization lens and trauma informed approach

Summarize how the project takes an anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization lens and trauma informed approach to programming and services through leveraging key community partners to enhance culturally appropriate program options.

Applicant acknowledges that all grant recipients must attend a community-developed anti-racism, decolonization, anti-oppression training as part of the grant program.

Section 4: Acknowledgement

I have the signing authority for this organization

Name

Title/Position

Date

If applying as a collaborative, please upload a document with signatures from all partners.

One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: jpg, jpeg, pdf, doc, docx.

I acknowledge that information in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Any error, omission or misrepresentation may disqualify me from receiving funding or may result in funds being recovered by the City of Hamilton.

Notice of Collection

The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected by the Building Safer Communities Grant application will be used for the purposes of administering the Healthy and Safe Communities, Community Safety and Well Being Plan. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors for Healthy and Safe Communities related matters. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws.
Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to: Senior Project Manager, Community Safety and Well Being Healthy & Safe Communities, Children's and Community Services 28 James Street North, Lister Block, 6th Floor Hamilton, ON L8R 2K1 Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 3735

Date modified

September 14, 2023