ESSENTIAL NEEDS FUND
GUIDELINES

The Richardson Foundation believes that a vibrant arts sector, educational opportunities, engaged young people, and a healthy environment are key elements of quality of life in our city and has seen the positive impact that capital investment can have in a community.

Similarly, United Way Winnipeg focuses on strategies central to quality of life in Winnipeg – supporting young people to be all they can be, helping families move from poverty to possibility, and empowering healthy people in strong neighbourhoods.

Toward these goals, the Richardson Foundation established the Essential Needs Fund at United Way Winnipeg, dedicating financial support for urgently needed small-scale capital projects and purchases that will have positive, immediate impact for our community agencies.

Together, the Richardson Foundation and United Way Winnipeg are proud to partner on this initiative, working together in reviewing all Essential Needs Fund proposals and determining grant recipients.

 

ESSENTIAL NEEDS FUND OBJECTIVES

• To enhance the quality, accessibility, and use of community programs and facilities by providing funding for urgently needed small-scale capital improvements and purchases that have not yet been actualized due to budget constraints.
• To increase the capacity of agencies and programs with a focus on the arts, education, youth, and/or the environment.

The Essential Needs Fund is only open to current United Way Agency Partners.

 

PROJECTS

Funds may be used to support the costs associated with crucial and highly needed small-scale capital improvements and/or purchases that provide positive, immediate impact in the community. “Capital” is defined as purchases or the creation of assets that are expected to be used for a period of at least three to five years. The Essential Needs Fund will prioritize time-sensitive, critical projects that can be completed within a one-year timeframe. Projects must show urgency and justify their immediate impact.

 

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Essential Needs Fund grants can be used for capital expenses including, but not limited to:

• High-priority and small scale facility upgrades
• Replacement of broken or malfunctioning appliances critical to programming (e.g., washers, dryers, dishwashers, etc.)
• Replacement of broken or malfunctioning furniture (e.g., tables, chairs, etc.)
• Small scale renovations to increase accessibility
• Equipment to support program activities
• Musical instruments to support program activities

 

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Essential Needs Fund grants cannot be used for the following:

• Programming, staffing, and/or operations
• Programs, activities, or services outside of Winnipeg
• Expenditures incurred and/or activities undertaken before a grant is awarded
• Direct contributions to annual fundraising drives, capital campaigns, or special fundraising
• Funding a capital deficit
• Construction of new buildings
• The dismantling, moving, and/or reassembling of buildings
• The purchase of land or buildings
• Medical research and/or equipment
• Software and warranty

 

GRANTS

In 2024, Essential Needs Fund grants will be offered through two intake periods: Spring and Fall. For each intake period, agencies may apply under one of three categories:

 

*Agencies may apply for both intakes under any of the above categories if an exceptional need arises.

 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Projects will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Ability to increase the capacity of programs and agencies with a focus on the arts, education, youth, and/or the environment.
• Ability to improve the quality, accessibility, and use of community programs and facilities through small-scale capital improvements and purchases that are needed and have not yet been actualized due to budget constraints.
• Projects that demonstrate urgency and that can be completed within a one-year timeframe will be evaluated as favourable.
• Projects that are aimed at upgrading existing features will be evaluated as favourable.
• The Essential Needs Fund prioritizes urgent, small scale capital projects with a particular focus on projects under $5,000.

 

REQUIREMENTS OF AGENCIES

Agencies that receive Essential Needs Fund grants are required to:

• Spend monies exactly as specified in the funding agreement, unless prior permission is granted.
• Agencies should begin to implement their projects as soon as funding is confirmed. Agencies must use every effort to complete their project within one year. Agencies will provide an update to United Way Winnipeg at the six-month mark. Any projects not started within six months, or not completed within one year, will be reconsidered by the funding committee.
• Submit a final report at the end of the project.
• Note “Essential Needs Fund: A Richardson Foundation and United Way Winnipeg Partnership” support in newsletters and other materials.
• Provide tours and photos, as requested.

 

FUNDING AGREEMENTS

Agencies will be required to sign a funding agreement that outlines:

• Financial contribution
• Project outcomes, activities, and timelines
• Reporting requirements
• Disbursement schedule

 

REPORTING

Once projects are complete, agencies will submit:

• A short report outlining project activities and outcomes
• Receipts for all expenditures
• Photographs, videos, and/or testimonials (if applicable).

 

Important dates for Spring intake:

Grant application available: February 1, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.

Application deadline: February 29, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Anticipated allocation decisions: April 2024

 

ESSENTIAL NEEDS FUND

INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION FORM

1. Contact Information

• Agency
• Address
• Contact person
• Contact person job title
• Contact person phone number
• Contact person email

 

2. Project Information

• Project name
• Project description

What do you plan to do?

Is this project a new addition or an upgrade to an existing structure?

• Urgency

How long has this project been a need for your organization? How critical is this project in delivering your services?

If your agency applied for this project in the past and it was not approved, please share how this project continues to be critical for your agency.

How many program participants benefit from the completion of this project?

• Goals

Please note that the objective of the Essential Needs Fund is to increase the capacity of agencies and programs with a focus on the arts, education, youth, and/or the environment.

How will your project improve the quality, accessibility, and use of your space or programming?

• Process

What is your project management plan and/or timeline? How will you ensure that you can successfully complete this project within a one-year timeframe?

• Sustainability

How will this project be maintained and sustained over at least the next three to five years?

 

3. Budget

• • Project budget, including other funding sources. A budget template has been provided.
  • Please select the Funding Tier for your proposed project.

 

4. Quotes, estimates and/or other relevant documents

 

5. Photos

 

6. Partnerships (if applicable)

• • List partner(s) and describe their contribution(s).

 

Submission

Online Application
Link provided in email announcement.

If you have any questions or require assistance with the application form, please contact:  essentialneedsfund@unitedwaywinnipeg.ca