COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP SPRING 2016 PROJECT GUIDE Timeless Contributions. Real Possibilities.
1 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is pleased to provide the Spring 2016 guide to Community Investment Partnership (CIP) projects. CIP connects you to timely and innovative projects in our community. Consider this a strategically considered and vetted list of ideas for you to support with your fund. This guide contains projects that range in scope and focus, each one addressing a specific emerging need in the community. These projects are being presented to you at a time when funding will have a tangible impact. In most cases, the organizations doing frontline work in the community have identified these projects as priorities. Proposals for each project are vetted by expert advisors and ECF staff. ECF s endowment has seen remarkable growth in recent years, and so too has the sophistication of our granting programs. The CIP Guide includes projects examined through our Foundation Directed Initiatives program and our Vital Signs Grants program in addition to the usual Community Grants Program. Foundation Directed Initiatives are larger projects being led by organizations ECF has a relationship with and entail an investment over several years. Projects funded through the Vital Signs Grants address strategic issues identified through an annual statistical analysis that ECF and the Edmonton Social Planning Council conduct. The economic challenges affecting Edmonton have put a great deal of stress on local charities. ECF has received more applications than it is able to fund in 2016, but your participation in CIP can help ensure fewer declines are necessary. As all of the projects in this guide have been carefully evaluated and determined to be funding priorities, ECF is committed to finding the money to support them. ECF s discretionary funds are limited, therefore when donor advised fund holders support projects that interest them it ensures more community needs can be addressed. Partnering with us through CIP is an ideal opportunity to support a quality program with an identified need. You can participate in any of these projects by allocating a portion of the available grant dollars from your donor advised fund to that project. HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE If any of the projects in this guide interest you, we encourage you to contact our office. Call or e-mail Alex Draper, Donor Grants Associate, at 780.426.0015, ext. 119, or at adraper@ecfoundation.org. Deadline to support projects: June 20th, 2016
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2 What if I want more information about a project? This guide contains only brief summaries of proposed projects. Further information can be provided upon request. What happens if the project I choose does not receive other funding or if other donors choose the same project? Projects have been considered by our advisory committees (volunteers with expertise in their respective sectors) and grants will be made from our limited discretionary funds. If a project receives more support than needed from donors, ECF staff will contact you to discuss alternatives. My fund is small. Can I still participate? No matter how much your fund has available to grant, you can participate in CIP. By combining your fund s granting power with others at ECF, you can enhance the impact of your granting decisions and leverage our discretionary dollars. If you wish, you can also provide an immediate gift in support of one of the projects. Do I have to contribute to the programs you identify? No. You may choose a grant recipient on your own. Alternatively, the Guide to Taking Action sent to you previously outlines a number of other granting options. The Guide to Taking Action is also available on our website or upon request. Do I have to contribute for multiple years to support projects with a longer duration? No. You may choose whatever kind of commitment you are comfortable with.
3 vital signs grants The Vital Signs Report is an annual check-up conducted by ECF, in partnership with the Edmonton Social Planning Council. Vital Signs Grants turn knowledge into action by providing up to three years of funding for community programs that address a specific factor illuminated in the report. The 2015 report focused on Edmonton s Urban Aboriginal population. Expert volunteer committees made up of Indigenous and community leaders reviewed and selected projects that address the high rate of homelessness affecting Indigenous people. VITAL SIGNS GRANTS
4 HOUSING SUPPORTS FOR WOMEN Healthy housing options for Aboriginal women to help them reintegrate after a period of incarceration. These housing options provide Indigenous cultural supports, opportunities for the women to live with their children, and connections to the wider host of programming available through Elizabeth Fry Society, reducing recidivism. ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF EDMONTON (EFS) EFS provides a supportive environment for individuals, particularly women in contact with the legal system. EFS works to reduce barriers and improve community integration for women and girls who are or are at risk of becoming criminalized. 40,000 PER YEAR FOR 3 YEARS
5 CONNECT THE DOTS Crisis intervention and service navigation for Indigenous people in need of support. This program is focused on keeping together Aboriginal families who are involved with Children s Services. The newly hired coordinator will guide clients toward long term solutions for health, wellness, and housing. CREATING HOPE SOCIETY OF ALBERTA (CHS) CHS engages in a process of reconciliation to support Aboriginal and non-aboriginal caregivers. Programs focus on providing child welfare education and parenting resources. The Society is working to end the historically devastating impacts that have been inflicted upon Indigenous people. 40,000 PER YEAR FOR 3 YEARS
6 WALK BESIDE ME: INDIGENOUS MENTORSHIP AND LIAISON PROJECT A cultural liaison will provide resources for clients to develop life skills, gain employment, improve education, and access community resources. This project will enhance the services currently provided by Edmonton John Howard Society to better meet the individual needs of urban Aboriginal people. EDMONTON JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY (JHS) JHS serves young people without support systems, people impacted by family violence, and men and women at risk or involved with the justice system. Their programs include housing, help finding employment, connection to community, public legal education, financial literacy courses at the Edmonton Remand Centre, housing for youth, and services for individuals involved in domestic violence. 40,000 PER YEAR FOR 3 YEARS
7 ISPICIWIN (THE JOURNEY) A community stabilization support worker will provide housing supports including eviction prevention. This new position will be based out of the Mosaic Centre and is part of a joint initiative with Niginan Housing (see next page). The community stabilization support worker s focus on housing homeless people and preventing homelessness will complement and work in tandem with Niginan s cultural support worker, addressing multiple aspects of the same complex problem. E4C AT THE MOSAIC CENTRE The Mosaic Centre focuses on building relationships with vulnerable individuals and bridging connections to available services. People experiencing crises such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, and addictions receive one-on-one support. E4C operates a wide range of programs that move people toward positive, healthy, and lasting change. 40,000 PER YEAR FOR 3 YEARS
8 MIYOPIMATISIWIN (GOOD LIFE) PROJECT A cultural support worker position at Mosaic Centre will provide programs addressing individual and generational trauma. This project exists in tandem with the housing support provided through E4C at the Mosaic Centre (see previous page). Niginan s program is rooted in Indigenous culture, tradition, and wisdom. NIGINAN HOUSING VENTURES AT THE MOSAIC CENTRE Niginan addresses the particular needs and requirements of Indigenous people living in Edmonton. They provide supportive, affordable housing opportunities for individuals and families of Aboriginal ancestry. The Mosaic Centre was created in response to the needs of people in the community as a result of the increase in poverty, hunger, and homelessness. 40,000 PER YEAR FOR 3 YEARS
9 foundation directed initiatives The following projects are supported through the Foundation Directed Initiatives program, which invests in both new and ongoing high-priority charitable projects by offering multi-year funding to selected agencies. Agencies cannot apply for FDI funding; FDIs are chosen through a rigorous process internal to the Foundation and that complements ECF s Community Grants Program. FOUNDATION DIRECTED INITIATIVES
10 GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT One of the principle struggles faced by the entire charitable sector is a battle to be seen as a sophisticated and efficient group of organizations. Donors and funders want to invest in programs that are being run professionally. The Governance and Leadership Development program will train local board members and volunteers to succeed in their roles leading the charitable sector. This program will give more people the confidence to become board members, and give charities access to a larger pool of community members with a wider range of expertise. EDMONTON CHAMBER OF VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS (ECVO) ECVO serves and supports all non-profit organizations in Edmonton. They provide specially designed programs, workshops, and networking opportunities to approximately three-thousand non-profit organizations. 50,000 PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS
11 YONA-SISTEMA The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra has adapted the Venezuelan Sistema program for students at Mother Teresa School in central Edmonton. The students are given the opportunity to experience classical music education. Through the process of learning to play an orchestral instrument, youth are exposed to a completely new situation; this experience develops social skills, confidence, leadership, and language skills. The program has proven successful at positively affecting students and has seen healthy growth within the school over its first three years. Last year the project moved beyond its inaugural location into the community. It now draws students from several inner-city schools. EDMONTON SYMPHONY SOCIETY (ESO) The ESO is one of Canada s major orchestras, with 56 full-time musicians, diverse programming reflective of its audience, and an established program of music education for children and youth. 50,000 PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS
12 INNER CITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM The program creates a new model of care for socially vulnerable patients. In the past, patients would be treated in the emergency room and discharged only to return the next day. This initiative addresses the root problems that cause people to frequently require care. Healthcare staff connect patients to social service agencies able to address deeper social problems. Longer term benefits include significant cost savings, reduced wait times, and improvements to healthcare delivery. Over the next two years, the program will develop a standardized intake and assessment procedure for patients, develop addictions management strategies, and cement its relationships with community partners. ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation raises funds and resources for the Royal Alexandra Hospital and its number one priority: building better health care. Due to its location, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department treats many patients from Edmonton s inner city. 50,000 PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS
13 ABORIGINAL ELDER IN RESIDENCE Aboriginal students are encouraged to meet with an Elder for counselling, funding spiritual guidance and healing circles. With ECF funding, NorQuest was able to expand this service from one day a week to three days a week. This expansion is in response to increasing Aboriginal student enrolment and is integral to the success of NorQuest s Aboriginal strategy. The presence and wisdom of Elders helps preserve and foster Aboriginal traditions and provides social and cultural support for Aboriginal students. Elders strengthen the pride and kinship felt by Aboriginal people, helping to close the generation gap created by the legacy of residential schools. NORQUEST COLLEGE FOUNDATION NorQuest College provides education and training services to a diverse population, including (and perhaps especially) those who may face barriers to education. To help achieve this mandate, the college is seeking to increase its Aboriginal student population beyond the current (self-identified) 11.1% and to improve retention of and employment outcomes for Indigenous learners. 25,000 PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS
14 AFRICA CENTRE The Africa Centre was incorporated in response to a rapid influx of newcomers from African nations. It provides frontline social and educational programs to African immigrants. The centre emphasizes celebration of diverse African cultures and traditions while alleviating the need for multiple organizations. One example of a specific challenge this community faces is that children arriving in Edmonton are placed in school according to age, not education history. They therefore need support to catch up with peers and adapt to a new culture. COUNCIL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF AFRICAN CANADIANS IN ALBERTA The Council strives to create opportunities for the African community to engage in all aspects of society. This includes educational, cultural, social and economic endeavors that ultimately contribute to the holistic development of African individuals, families and communities. 40,000
15 UNDERSTUDY PROGRAM The Opera will cast understudies for the principal roles in each major production (six understudies per season). The program reduces the risks if artists fall ill, and provides rich learning and mentoring opportunities for emerging Canadian artists. Usually major roles will go to established international artists and the only other opera in Canada with an understudy program is Toronto; it is therefore difficult for young Canadian artists to gain experience. The understudies will also perform at community events in Edmonton. EDMONTON OPERA ASSOCIATION Edmonton Opera gives voice to opera in Edmonton and throughout Northern Alberta. In addition to producing operas, Edmonton Opera offers high-quality education programs and contributes to the versatile culture and arts scene in our city. 50,000 PER YEAR FOR 2 YEARS
16 PARTNERS FOR KIDS A movement focused on creating long-term success for children and families with complex needs. Partners for Kids (PFK) started at an inner-city school when community partners recognized the need for comprehensive school and community-based supports for children and families. The primary service providers are the Family Centre, Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area, and Edmonton Public Schools. UNITED WAY OF THE ALBERTA CAPITAL REGION (UWACR) UWACR works to improve the overall well-being of the community. From a position of coordinated efforts, the United Way seeks to provide concrete community impact and to build connections among community organizations, businesses, governments, and the general population. 100,000
17 CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOCUS á ç Supports culturally-focused programming in response to the significant increase in immigrant, refugee, and newcomer populations in Edmonton. The program emphasizes Francophone programming, meeting the needs of African newcomers. ECF funding will be used at the agency s discretion to fill gaps in programming to address the needs of culturally diverse children and youth. Discretionary funding allows the agency to respond to community needs as they shift over time. In particular, many funders do not allow grants to be used towards staff salaries; ECF funds can help fill this gap. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF EDMONTON & AREA SOCIETY (BGCBIGS) BGCBIGS is the amalgamation of two internationally recognized child-serving organizations in Edmonton: Boys & Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters. By combining the concepts of both, BGCBigs delivers programs that address the physical, emotional, academic, and overall wellness of children and youth. 50,000
18 community grants program The following projects are supported through the Community Grants Program (CGP). CGP is Edmonton Community Foundation s flagship granting program, responding to applications from charities serving the Edmonton area. CGP responds to our community s needs across all sectors, including: arts, culture and heritage; education and learning; community and social services; health and wellness; recreation and leisure; and the environment. COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
19 YOUTH URBAN BEE KEEPING CLUB In partnership with Northlands, this summer program will provide youth aged 12 to 15 the chance to see an entire cycle of beekeeping, from building hives to harvesting honey. Small groups will be responsible for caring for their own hive. Participants will learn about the lifecycle of bees and their importance to our community. Not only will this program teach youth the skills they need to be beekeepers, it will also connect young people living in an urban community to agriculture and nature. PRINCE S CHARITIES CANADA Inspired by the Prince of Wales, this Canadian charity focuses on supporting and growing philanthropic causes, including environmental sustainability, improving the lives of disadvantaged youth, education, responsible business, regeneration of heritage, and sustainable agriculture. 38,653
20 HEALTHY LAKE CLEAN RUNOFF PROJECT The Clean Runoff Project will engage, inform, and guide Pigeon Lake watershed residents and municipalities in reduction of external nutrients and contaminants in the runoff entering the lake. When the land around a lake is developed, the capacity to naturally clean water before it goes into the lake is decreased. This problem has contributed to algae blooms and a damaged ecosystem at Pigeon Lake. The Clean Runoff Project will teach people what action they can take to help restore the lake. PIGEON LAKE WATERSHED ASSOCIATION The association was created to improve Pigeon Lake and its watershed s natural environment and water quality by recommending action-oriented policies and best practices that support the long-term health, protection, and restoration of the watershed. 40,000
21 PROTECTING EDMONTON S HEADWATERS This project aims to secure protection for Edmonton s drinking water by designating the Bighorn Backcountry a Wildland Provincial Park. To do this, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Northern Alberta will organize and execute a series of community workshops, presentations, and events targeting concerned, active Edmontonians, and government officials. CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY, NORTHERN ALBERTA CPAWS promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of public land protection, ecological principles, and the inherent values of wilderness. They pride themselves on working co-operatively with government, First Nations, businesses, other NGOs, and individuals to achieve practical conservation solutions on a busy shared landscape. 43,612
22 WAVEMAKERS Wavemakers empowers students and teachers to take action on water issues. Curriculum-linked classroom resources and workshops ensure teachers are able to teach children about the importance of water, water use management, water challenges faced by people around the world, and how they can get involved to help with those challenges. This project will scale-up the program in Edmonton. CENTRE FOR AFFORDABLE WATER AND SANITATION TECHNOLOGY (CAWST) CAWST is an education, training, and capacity building organization for implementers of water and sanitation projects around the world. CAWST s vision is a world where people have the opportunity to succeed because their basic water and sanitation needs have been met. 22,600
23 RESEARCHING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ARTS Funding will be used to research the financial size and impact of our local arts industry in the Edmonton region. The resulting report will allow funders, organizations, and policymakers to have the necessary information and help them make better decisions regarding the arts in Edmonton. EDMONTON ARTS COUNCIL (EAC) EAC supports and promotes the arts community in Edmonton. The EAC works to increase the profile and involvement of arts and culture in all aspects of our community life. 42,500
24 MULTI-CULTURAL CENTRE RENOVATION Located at the east end of Edmonton s downtown, this newly renovated centre will be an important resource in the Boyle Street neighbourhood. When completed, the new gymnasium will be a modern performing arts venue, hosting resident companies like the Edmonton Beijing Opera Association and the wider community. This grant will support new lighting and audio systems in the gymnasium. EDMONTON CHINATOWN MULTI-CULTURAL CENTRE The objectives of the Centre are to promote Chinese culture, encourage cultural exchange amongst all ethnic groups, and enhance community social welfare. 40,000
25 INTEGRATED DANCE CREATION Alice Sheppard, one of America s leading integrated dancers, is coming to choreograph with CRIPSiE (Collaborative Radically Integrated Performers Society in Edmonton). She will also offer a 3-hour public inclusive dance workshop, and a public lecture about race, disability, and dance. Alice sought to work with CRIPSiE because of its innovative approach to inclusive dance. This is CRIPSiE s first opportunity to be mentored by a world-renowned disabled artist. ECF funding will ensure local artists are compensated for their time and expertise as they collaborate with Alice to create the new dance, which will be showcased in CRIPSiE s November 2016 production. CRIPSiE Creating high-quality art that challenges dominant stories of disability and oppression, CRIPSiE offers opportunities for people who are excluded from most mainstream dance activities. They focus on running programs in a way that emphasizes accessibility, leadership, learning, and meaningfulness for those with disabilities and others who are often marginalized in mainstream arts programs. 30,547
26 IMPROV. THEATRE FOR INNER CITY YOUTH This grant will support the expansion of an existing program teaching improvisation at inner city schools, for credit, to students facing complex challenges. There is a specific focus of connecting with and meeting the needs of Indigenous students. This program has already seen resounding success at Boyle Street Academy. The expansion will see it offered at two new schools (amiskwaciy and Centre High) in the coming school year RAPID FIRE THEATRE SOCIETY (RFT) RFT provides affordable, high-energy improvisation and alternative theatre, while creating exciting opportunities for participants. They also lead workshops for beginners, experienced performers, kids, and corporate groups. 37,700
27 PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPGRADE The property management software system used to manage Edmonton Inner City Housing Society s social housing needs to be modernized. The proposed solution is cloud-based software specially designed for social housing in Canada. It integrates property management, accounting, and compliance with government regulations. EDMONTON INNER CITY HOUSING SOCIETY (EICHS) EICHS provides secure, accessible, and supportive affordable housing in Edmonton s central communities for individuals and families who cannot afford market housing. Long-term, supportive, safe, and affordable housing is necessary for people to begin to address the other challenges they face in their lives. 47,100
28 MEETING LOCAL NEEDS WITH LOCAL SUPPORT This project is an expansion of the organization s programming in Edmonton by hiring an Edmonton representative. There currently is no employee designated to servicing Edmonton and therefore local clients face long waiting lists to access support for equipment and one-on-one consultations. DEAF & HEAR ALBERTA Deaf and Hear Alberta is dedicated to addressing the accessibility, advocacy, education and communication needs of the deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing populations of Alberta. Deaf and Hear provides interpretive services, consultations, assessments, and assistive technology. 40,000
29 THE KEYS TO PEACE OF MIND PROJECT In the interests of resident and staff safety, facility security, resident independence, and improved emergency access, this project will transition the Whispering Waters Manor in Stony Plain from traditional metal keys/locks to a keyless fob entry system. Part of the project will also include orientations for staff and residents to ensure they are comfortable with the system. MERIDIAN FOUNDATION The Foundation operates Whispering Waters Manor in Stony Plain, a lodge-style supportive housing facility for 101 seniors. The Manor makes a concerted effort to charge low rates and house low income seniors. 35,000
30 SENSORY ROOM This grant will help to rebuild the cutting-edge sensory room at CASA Centre, a mental health facility. This sensory room contains a large number of specially-designed fixtures that stimulate key senses (sight, touch etc.), which is a particularly important treatment method for children who may not have the full frontal-lobe development to actively respond to talk therapy. This is particularly effective for children affected by fetal alcohol spectrum of disorders (FASD). CASA FOUNDATION CASA advances the mental health of infants, children, and adolescents through family-centered clinical services, education, research, and advocacy. 37,211
31 PAN-DISABILITY CONNECTION Ten organizations in Edmonton are working together to identify and eliminate systemic barriers to employment for people with disabilities. Over the past ten months, they have mapped out the systemic barriers to employment from the perspectives of non-profit agencies that serve individuals, employers who are committed to creating inclusive workplaces, and the provincial funder for this sector, Disability Services. Several concrete projects have grown out of this partnership and ECF funding will allow those projects to continue to grow and develop. CHRYSALIS - AN ALBERTA SOCIETY FOR CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES Chrysalis works to ensure people with disabilities are accepted by and included in society for their abilities to contribute, and have the same rights and privileges as all citizens. Chrysalis offers personalized services designed to meet the needs of individuals and provide meaningful opportunities for growth and community inclusion. 69,168
32 PROJECT 9 Project 9 was created to entertain, educate, and raise awareness of Indigenous peoples through arts and reconciliation for children. The relationships between Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal children and educators are strengthened through authentic performances of Indigenous art in schools. Study guides will support teachers in continuing conversations in the classroom after the performance. RED SKY PERFORMANCE Internationally renowned for its artistry and innovation, Red Sky is Canada s leading company of contemporary world Indigenous performance in dance, theatre, and music. They have a reputation for following cultural protocols and creating authentic Indigenous art. 22,000
33 NATURAL PLAY AREA A nature-based outdoor play space for infants, toddlers, and pre-school children. The centre was recently forced to relocate, and now has a new outdoor space which must be fenced in. The area has minimal outdated pieces of portable play equipment but no trees or other greenery. ECF money will enhance this space with a focus on natural features, promoting active play and interaction with a natural environment. Fulton Child Care will coordinate with the local community league to ensure the space can be available to the wider community. FULTON CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION Fulton Child Care provides pre-school and before/afterschool care within the community. Fulton is the second largest non-profit daycare in Edmonton and was one of the first daycares in Alberta to become provincially accredited. The centre also operates a playschool and provides spaces for children with special needs. 72,350
34 HEALTHY ACTIVE COMMUNITY KIDS (HACK) PROGRAM The project will involve providing social, physical, emotional, and mental health activities to elementary and junior high school students in three area schools. ECF funding will support programming at Sherwood School. ACTION FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES SOCIETY OF EDMONTON (AHC) AHC builds the capacity of individuals and groups to improve their lives and communities. They use a community building process which includes support, mentoring and training, to improve the comprehensive and holistic health of diverse communities. 40,000
9910-103 Street NW, Edmonton AB, T5K 2V7 T: 780.426.0015 or 1.888.626.0015 ecfoundation.org