What are the different kinds of capital projects that you fund?
We make capital grants for equipment, renovations, repairs and land upgrades. We will not fund, in whole or in part, the construction of a new building.
Does the Foundation fund outdoor installations such as field lighting, monuments, or swimming pools?
Under certain circumstances, OTF may fund outdoor construction and installations at the discretion of the Grant Review Team.
These circumstances include initiatives that:
• Support enhanced access (for example, a safer, accessible dock);
• Respond to evolving pressures for capital funds in local communities;
• Have a strong rationale (for example, best practice in the sector may be permanent installations instead of portable installations); or
• Are an essential part of a larger OTF funded initiative (for example, a small footbridge as part of a trail).
In all cases of outdoor construction and installation:
• There must be clear, strong and appropriate support within the community.
• The initiative must support OTF granting priorities.
• The initiative must have a sustainable five-year maintenance plan.
What is the maximum capital grant that you make?
Beginning with the November 1, 2007 application deadline, not-for-profit groups can apply for capital grants of up to $150,000. Previously the limit was $75,000 in most parts of the province. The raise to the maximum capital grant applies to applications to the Community and Province-Wide programs. The capital funding limit of up to $15,000 under the Simplified Application Process for Small Capital Grants remains the same.
Having already completed a capital grant, can our organization apply for another capital grant?
Yes. OTF does not limit the number of capital grants made to an organization. Ordinarily, funding for equipment and renovations is limited to one grant per project of up to $150,000. There are some exceptions, so please call your Program Manager to discuss your situation. For example, in areas with limited funding allocations, organizations may be approved for several grants for the same capital project to a cumulative maximum of $150,000 over a 5 year period.
Also, Grants made under the Simplified Application Process for Small Capital Grants are not part of this limit. Please note that grantees may have only one grant under the Simplified Application Process per fiscal year. For more information, please consult the Guidelines for the Simplified Application Process.
Do you cover developmental costs such as legal fees and survey costs?
Applicants can allocate up to 15-20 per cent of their capital grant application toward developmental costs as long as these costs are not retroactive.
Can our organization apply for a combination of capital, operating and project expenses?
Yes. Organizations can apply for any combination of operating, project and capital expenses.
Can our capital request be over one year?
Yes, an organization can apply for up to a maximum of $150,000 which can be part of a single or multi-year grant.
Are there any additional application requirements for capital requests that involve installing equipment or renovating a property?
We require two different kinds of documentation for such requests:
1) One of: Proof of ownership documentation, five-year leasing agreement or land use agreement (in the case of municipalities); and
2) At least two estimates from suppliers/contractors for all renovations or improvements to land or property. We may ask for fewer or additional estimates depending on the particular circumstances of the request.
What do you consider acceptable proof of ownership documentation?
For proof of ownership we require either a copy of the land deed or notice of assessment. For First Nations applicants, a certificate of possession is acceptable.
What should a leasing agreement include?
Leasing agreements must contain the following information:
• The name of the parties involved – the lessor and the lessee;
• The address or description of the property;
• The term of the agreement set at a minimum of five years;
• The payment for rent;
• The intended use of the premises; and
• Signatures of members of the lessee organization and the lessor who have been designated as having signing authority.
Do you fund capital requests for renovations and equipment to support programming in municipal facilities?
We consider capital requests in municipal facilities provided the applicant is an eligible organization and can provide a five-year lease or proof of ownership of the facility. Priority is given to those requests that increase access or demonstrate community need.