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Volunteering in the community is one of the most personally rewarding activities for any citizen. Volunteers, working with charitable and not-for-profit organizations across Ontario, are a cornerstone of community life. Volunteering as a member of an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Review Team (GRT) is a great way to take your experience, knowledge and commitment to the next level.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. OTF has two grant programs, Community and Province-wide. The Community Program relies on the involvement of more than 300 local volunteers who work together in 16 regional GRTs, reviewing grant applications and recommending funding.
The mission of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector, through investments in community-based initiatives.
Volunteers Make It Happen
Grant Review Team members are volunteers who are appointed by the Government of Ontario for a term of one, two or three years and may serve for a maximum of six years.
The Minister of Culture appoints a Chair for each GRT. Working closely with knowledgeable and helpful Foundation staff, each team assesses and recommends the allocation of community grants in its area. The teams work under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
General Responsibilities of Grant Review Teams
The number of members appointed varies by region, and is generally between 18 and 24 members for each of OTF’s 16 grant review geographic areas.
The major expectations of GRT members are:
1) Reviewing, together with Foundation staff, local requests for grants, which are compatible with local priorities and within the GRT’s budget allocation. Recommended grants must also be compatible with the Foundation’s mission, program directions and eligibility criteria.
2) Participating in the Foundation’s communication activities to help ensure broad public knowledge of OTF activities and adherence to OTF’s media relations policy.
3) Identifying funding priorities that meet local needs and opportunities based on OTF granting priorities.
4) Participating in meetings and activities: Given the nature of the work, team members typically devote 10 - 20 hours per month on average to activities ranging from the reading of documents, to applicant site visits, to team meetings. GRTs will generally meet three times per year for a half-day or full-day meeting. Meetings may be held via teleconference calls, though most tend to be held in person. Some travel is required.
Benefits
The vast majority of Grant Review Team volunteers report they gain as much, if not more, from the experience than they give. Some of the benefits are:
- Increased knowledge of the needs and services in communities
- Satisfaction that comes from working with a dedicated and supportive team of volunteers and staff
- Opportunities to represent OTF at public events
- Participation in Foundation professional development opportunities
- Exposure to current research and information on a community and province-wide basis
- Development of personal and professional networks that can last a lifetime
Grant Review Team Member Attributes
Committed volunteers find great satisfaction in fulfilling their roles with the Foundation. Here are some attributes that successful members typically possess:
- Sound judgement
- Team focus and commitment to understanding and working within established granting policies
- Broad knowledge of their community and its needs
- Generosity of spirit and support for diversity
- Knowledge regarding at least one of the four sectors served by OTF
- Commitment to the mission, vision and values of OTF
- Comfort working with technology including websites, e-mail and teleconferencing
- Respect for confidentiality of applicant information
- Ability and willingness to invest the time and energy to attend meetings, site visits and events
Foundation Policies
All volunteers must sign and adhere to the Foundation's Code of Conduct and Ethics Guidelines and Conflict of Interest Guidelines.
To Learn More about the Ontario Trillium Foundation
People who are interested in this role are encouraged to learn more about OTF. You can call us at 1.800.263.2887 and we can put you in touch with staff who will be pleased to tell you more about this rewarding role.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a member of a GRT, please apply directly to the Government of Ontario’s Public Appointments Secretariat. Application forms and details about the application process can be found at: www.pas.gov.on.ca. You can also call the Secretariat at 416.327.2640 or write:
Public Appointments Secretariat
Room 2440, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley St. West
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1 |