PEI Seniors Secretariat 2011 Grant Application Funding Guidelines INTRODUCTION The mandate of the PEI Seniors Secretariat is to serve as an entry point for seniors to collaborate with government on matters relating to seniors, their issues and concerns; to act as a resource and information centre and to advise government on the development of public policy. The Seniors Secretariat has three primary roles and responsibilities which include: Providing policy and program advice to government and community; Public awareness and education; Research and information. The Seniors Secretariat achieves results through: seeking input and views of Islanders to assist in public policy development regarding seniors issues; encouraging the development of relationships among seniors, government and community-based programs and services that support seniors; providing leadership in the promotion of age-related research; and developing strong partnerships with seniors organizations and services. FUNDING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The PEI Seniors Secretariat achieves progress in its work plan through collaboration and/or funding other organizations to undertake project work. The intent of this funding program is to invite organizations and communities to undertake projects that align with the Secretariat s priority areas for action. The Secretariat has identified six priority areas for action: 1
o Ageism and Promoting Positive Images of Aging - Ageism is a form of discrimination that reduces seniors contribution and participation in society. The Secretariat seeks to address ageism by promoting positive images of aging and celebrating diversity. o Age-Friendly communities - Focuses on increasing awareness of the changing population demographic and taking action to support seniors to maintain active, healthy and productive community participation. A community in this case may include a town, village, city or municipality or an organization. o Financial security and safety The Seniors Secretariat is interested in increasing awareness of seniors safety issues such as injury prevention, prevention of abuse of older adults and increasing awareness of financial issues. o Healthy aging The Seniors Secretariat is interested in promoting physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco control and mental health and wellness for older adults. o Housing This area of focus involves identifying affordable, accessible, acceptable, safe and supportive housing options. o Social isolation Social isolation is complex and may effect people of any age, in seniors it can be especially important as it impacts on health and the ability to stay within the community. The Seniors Secretariat is interested in projects that reduce social isolation of seniors. Who is eligible to apply? Non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations in Prince Edward Island whose mandate and proposed project align with the work plan of the Seniors Secretariat are eligible for funding. 2
Projects that are forwarded by individuals not affiliated with a nonprofit organization) are not eligible. Universities and colleges, including university and college-governed institutes, are not eligible. In order to enhance the capacity for all organizations in the community, preference may be given to project-based organizations that do not have established core-funding provided by the Federal or Provincial government. Eligibility is based on the proposal s ability to communicate how one or more of the funding program objectives (listed above) are addressed. The proposal must demonstrate how older adults are involved in all aspects of the project, such as planning and implementation. Although not a requirement, a proposal that demonstrates other sources of financial and/or in-kind support will be viewed favorably. As these are one time only grants, projects that require multi-year funding will not be considered. All groups must commit to submitting a mid-project report and a final report that will be due one month after the project is completed. Eligible expenditures include: o Salaries and benefits; o Honoraria; o Professional fees (e.g. accountant, lawyer); o Facility rental and utilities; o Office equipment; o Materials and supplies; o Publicity and promotion; o Domestic travel costs (international travel not covered); o Organizational Audit; o Evaluation. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The Senior's Secretariat grant applications will be assessed on a point system based on the following criteria: 1. Organizational vision (10 Points) o Do older adults play a significant part in decision making for the organization? 3
o Is there organizational capacity and infrastructure in place to support this project? o Does the organization have a track record to justify and support this initiative? 2. Seniors Secretariat funding objectives (40 Points) o How clearly does the proposal demonstrate that it meets one or more of the PEI Seniors Secretariat's priority areas for action: - Ageism and Promoting Positive Images of Aging - Age-Friendly communities - Financial security and safety - Healthy aging - Housing - Social isolation 3. Project description and budget (50 Points) o Does the application provide a strong rationale as to why the work is needed? o Does the project/organization have community support? o Does the project/organization show creative ways to respond to community needs? o Is the project likely to succeed? Does it show realistic timelines and achievable goals? o If intended as ongoing work, is the project sustainable? o Is the project budget clear? o Is the submitted budget appropriate? APPLICATION PROCESS Applications/proposals must be received by July 15, 2011. Applications/proposals must meet the eligibility requirements. Grant applications will be assessed on a point system based on the applicant s ability to communicate how it meets the objectives of the funding program as expressed by the assessment criteria. A review committee will assess all applications. Your funding application must include: 4
o Completed application form (including all necessary attachments describing organizational and project information) o Budget that clearly outlines all expenses and revenues for the project (this would include other sources of funding and/or inkind support). Please submit your proposal to: Seniors Secretariat Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour 11 Kent Street, 2 nd Floor Jones Building PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 Fax: 902-894-0242 Email: seniors@gov.pe.ca Submitting a proposal does not guarantee funding. The number of projects that can be supported and the degree of support a project receives will be determined by the program budget. These are one time only grants. Projects that require multi-year funding will not be considered. As determined by the adjudicating committee, approved funding amounts may be different from proposal amounts. Organizations with approved projects will be required to sign a project contract. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Seniors Secretariat at 1-866-770-0588 or seniors@gov.pe.ca with any questions regarding the application process. 5