How To Apply

Give Where You Live Fund – How To Apply

Nanaimo Foundation invites registered charities or other qualified donees operating within the communities of Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cedar, Gabriola Island and Lantzville to apply for Give Where You Live Fund grants in support of projects and programs that are addressing current community needs.

Nanaimo Foundation has a two-stage application process. The first stage is a Letter of Intent, which consists of a brief proposal to determine basic suitability. The second stage is the submission of a full grant application.

Stage One: Letter of Intent

The Letters of Intent submission intake period is currently CLOSED. If your organization submitted a letter of intent, you can expect to hear from us in mid-late January with next steps. 

Letter of Intent submission instructions:

  • Email Letter of Intent as a PDF attachment
  • Subject Line should read: Letter of Intent – Organization Name
  • Submit electronically to [email protected]

Letters of Intent are a high-level overview of your organization and the project or program for which you are seeking funding. Letters of Intent should not be more than two-pages, or 1000 words, and should contain the following information:

  • Summary of your organization – what is the mission and purpose of your organization? 
  • Statement of the needs or community priorities that the project/program will address, and how the project/program was identified as a priority by your organization?
  • Which other organizations in the community you are working with (as appropriate)
  • Concise description of the activities to be undertaken
  • Start-up and completion dates
  • The amount requested from Nanaimo Foundation and where it will be allocated in your expenditures
  • Organization registered charitable number
  • Name, title, and contact details of applicant

Letter of Intent Review Process

Foundation representatives and members of our Grants Advisory Committee will review your letter of intent for basic eligibility and fit with Nanaimo Foundation priorities, purposes and goals. A representative may contact you with additional questions.

Stage Two: Grant Application

If the Foundation determines that, based on your letter of intent, your request aligns with our guidelines and goals, you will be invited to submit a full grant application.

Application Review Process 

After receipt of your application, the Foundation will review and assess your funding request. A Foundation representative may phone or meet with you at this stage to go over further details of your project. The assessment may include consultation with other funders, stakeholders and those knowledgeable in the field and/or community.

Members of our Grants Advisory Committee will also review your application in order to provide an assessment and recommendation to the Foundation Board of Directors. Committee decisions are sent as recommendations for final approval by the Nanaimo Foundation Board of Directors. You will receive written notification of the decision, along with the terms and conditions of any approved grant.

All submitted materials become the property of Nanaimo Foundation.

After a Grant Has Been Awarded

Payments will be processed upon receipt of a signed Grant Agreement confirming:

  • Activities will reflect those described in the application form
  • Proper fiscal management
  • Willingness to share project successes and challenges with Nanaimo Foundation and the community
  • Public recognition of the support received from Nanaimo Foundation, with the Nanaimo Foundation logo and recognition resources
  • A Grant Recipient Report will be submitted within one year of receiving the grant approval letter from Nanaimo Foundation.

Give Where You Live Fund Grant Cycle Timelines

Letters of Intent Intake: October 1 – November 30

Letters of Intent Notifications: January

Pilot Projects Application Submission: February 1 – 28

Pilot Projects Grants Disbursed: March

Capital Projects Application Submission: May 1 – 31

Capital Projects Grants Disbursed: September