Introduction

                         Family & Community Support Services of the City of Grande Prairie supports the provision of local preventive social services by community groups and agencies through a variety of activities including: consultation and facilitation, planning and evaluation assistance, information and referrals, special project collaboration, and the provision of financial assistance (through the FCSS grant program). These activities are carried out under the auspices of a joint municipal/provincial program regulated by the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Act of Alberta. The City of Grande Prairie allocates this funding based on the needs of the community.

 

Eligibility for Support

                        To be eligible, each proposed project must be managed by, or under the auspices of a community group or agency which is incorporated (or in the process of becoming in corporate) as a non-profit society in Alberta; or operating under the administrative jurisdiction of a school division or municipality. Each project must be of a preventive nature that enhances the social wellbeing of individuals and families through promotion or intervention strategies provided at the earliest opportunity.

 

Each project must fit under one of the outcome statements listed below: 

Outcome#1   Prevention

Help people develop independence, strengthen coping skills and become more resistant to crisis.(e.g. outreach services projects, support groups)

 

Outcome#2 – Local Autonomy

Help people to develop an awareness of social needs.(e.g.public education projects) 

Outcome# 3 –Community Development

Help people develop interpersonal and group skills which enhance constructive relationships among people.(e.g. youth drop in cnetre projects, cultural support projects)

 

Outcome#4 – Accountability

Help people and communities to assume responsibility for decisions

and actions which affect them. (all agencies reporting on outcomes)

 

Outcome #5–Volunteerism

Provide support that help sustain people as active participants in the

community.(e.g. project involving volunteers)

 

  Projects are not eligible for support if they:

·        Primarily provide for there recreation needs or leisure time pursuits of individuals,

·         Are primarily rehabilitative in nature,

·         Offer direct financial assistance to sustain individuals or families,

·         Duplicate existing services in the community.

 

Operating Grant Applications

For projects or programs that entail ongoing operational costs. Project requests in this category tend to be for off setting deficits in the base/operating costs of providing an existing service.

Ongoing projects are expected to reduce their reliance on FCSS grants over time, increasing their proportion of other revenues.

All organizations receiving an Operating Grant will be required to sign a formal funding agreement outlining funding conditions and expectations. Reporting requirements include (but are not limited to) Year-End Annual Report, Outcomes Report, and Audited Financial Statements.

In addition to financial support, community groups may also access other non-monetary forms of support such as consultation on a variety of topics relating to non-profit organizations, facilitation, assistance with Board Development, resource materials, some AV equipment and meeting space.

Operating Grant Application Process

STEP 1
July 30, 2007         Complete Funding ApplicationOnline www.muniportal.ca print a copy at
                              http://fcss.cityofgp.com or pick up a hard copy at FCSS Office at 10030 102 Ave 
                              Submit your application by July 30^th/07

STEP 2
August 15/2007      Review by FCSS staff to ensure all required information is correctly entered on 
                                the application form and collect any additional information

STEP 3
August 31/ 2007        FCSS Department budgets finalised

STEP 4
September 2007     All funding requests are presented to the Community Development Committee (CDC). 
                               The Committee recommends funding allocations for projects

STEP 5
November 2007     Budget requests are presented to Council during Council budget deliberations. 
                              Agencies may request the opportunity to make a brief presentation to Council during the 
                              public portion of budget deliberations. Contact FCSS Manager for further information

STEP 6
December 2007    Council makes final budget decisions. FCSS Manager informs agencies of final budget 
                             decision informs agencies of final budget decision

STEP 7
January 2008     Memorandum of Understanding and first quarterly cheque sent to agencies

The grants are issued at the beginning of the municipality’s financial (calendar) year.

Applicants should note that the grant approval process might be delayed during municipal election years.

Each application must be accompanied by:

• Current certificate of Incorporation as a Society (unless on file)
• Current list of Board member names (Do not include addresses or phone numbers as per F.O.I.P. legislation)
• Current by-laws of the organization (unless on file) complete audited financial statement from the previous financial year.

For application, please visit www.muniportal.ca – application and search for FCSSOR pick up a hard copy at FCSS Office