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Live Green Community Investment Program

The City of Toronto’s Live Green Toronto Program offers human and financial resources to strengthen and enhance the ability of Toronto’s neighbourhoods and community groups to take collective action on climate change, clean air and sustainable energy use.

The Live Green Toronto Community Investment Program (CIP) is intended to help build capacity within the community to identify, develop and initiate collective actions that reduce greenhouse gas and smog-causing emissions or help adapt to the changes that will occur as a result of climate change.  A priority of the program is to support community based organizations and groups seeking funds to get established so they can investigate and develop ideas for collective action in reducing emissions. The goal of CIP is to help communities identify climate change and clean air issues of concern to them, take collective action and empower them with the ability to take action on these issues.

Download Live Green Toronto Grant Recipient Project Summaries

Community Investment Program Guidelines

The City of Toronto wishes to assist neighbourhoods and locally-based organizations in:

  1. reducing greenhouse gases;
  2. improving air quality; and
  3. adapting to changes caused by climate change.

The CIP is designed to provide support to those communities in our city that are: grassroots in nature; engaging all members of their community; developing concrete collective approaches to reducing greenhouse gas and smog causing emissions; and inspiring other people in our city to make a contribution to making a positive change. Grants from $1,000 to $25,000 are available for Community Investment Projects.

Specifically the City is interested in proposals that:

  1. directly enhance the capacity of individuals or communities to engage in one or more of the above objectives;
  2. foster long-term behavioural change for a lasting impact in one or more of the above three objectives; and
  3. contribute to a tangible goal related to one or more of the above three objectives during the life of the project.

Priority is given to projects that:

  1. are grassroots, community-based initiatives;
  2. display innovation in terms of program design, audience reached or delivery mechanism;
  3. include local community partnerships;
  4. include clear measurable indicators;
  5. do not duplicate a program being delivered in the community by another organization;
  6. help communities take responsibility for protecting the environment;
  7. sustain and promote a greener economy and community; and
  8. create conditions to increase community engagement of people of all ages, abilities, economic levels and cultures.

Who is eligible to apply?

Organizations can include but are not limited to:

  • Residents and neighbourhood associations;
  • Community groups including youth and school groups, service clubs, and ethnic groups;
  • Charitable organizations operating in Toronto; and
  • Environmental organizations operating in Toronto.

If you are applying as a community organization that does not have not-for-profit status, you must partner with a sponsoring organization to act as your trustee if you are invited to apply for Step Two of the application process. Please contact the Toronto Environment Office if you require assistance in finding a sponsoring organization.

Organizations NOT eligible for funding include:

  • For-profit businesses;
  • Individual residents;
  • Grant making organizations;
  • Organizations allied with political parties;
  • Organizations without a clear demarcation between religious and community service functions at the program and budget levels; and
  • Academic institutions, hospitals, school boards

If you have an idea that advances the goals and objectives of our program but your group does not qualify, please contact us. We may be able to offer support or assistance in other ways.

What is the application process?

The maximum grant provided to any individual project is $25,000.

The City will review applications for CIP twice in 2012. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the City of Toronto’s Environment Office in advance to discuss their proposals (416-392-1135).

Step One - Letters of Interest

Interested applicants should first complete a letter of interest along with the Letter of Interest Cover Page (MS Word). Your Letter of Interest should not exceed two (2) pages and should briefly outline the nature of your proposal, the approximate budget, the amount being requested, a general work schedule and expected project outcomes. Please refer to the application deadlines below.

Toronto Environment Office staff will review the letters of interest and identify the proposals the City wishes to pursue.

The Letter of Interest Cover Page and your Letter of Interest should be submitted electronically in MS Word to: livegreengrants@toronto.ca.

Step Two - Full Application

Based on the Letters of Interest, we will invite groups to submit full applications. Please note this is not a guarantee of funding.  Please ensure that you include all the requested information, including the Full Application Cover Page (MS Word). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and applicants will be asked to re-submit their application in the next granting cycle. Applications received after the listed deadline will not be reviewed and must be resubmitted in the next granting cycle.

Those groups invited to submit full proposals should develop an application according to the amount requested as detailed below:

  • Grants requested for amounts under $10,000 should submit an application not to exceed 5 pages and complete sections a. to l. below.
  • Grants requested for amounts over $10,000 should submit an application not to exceed 10 pages and complete all sections as detailed below

Applicant and Project information

  1. Name of the project and project location
  2. A statement of the proposal goal(s) and objective(s)
  3. The broader context of the proposal and how it relates to the goals and objectives of the Live Green Toronto Program

Project Background and Outcomes

  1. A brief rationale for and description of the project activities including any background work you have done on the project
  2. The anticipated outcomes including a discussion of how the initiative will result in a reduction in greenhouse gas and smog causing emissions

Work Plan and Measures of Success

  1. A brief work plan (including start and end date) and a description of how you will track progress (including measurable cultural or environmental benefits such as number of people educated or metres of urban space that have been environmentally enhanced)
  2. The potential challenges and opportunities to achieving the project’s overall goals
  3. If the project is a multi-year project, please provide a breakdown of your work plan for each year and each phase of the project
  4. Both qualitative and quantitative measures should be discussed in your proposal. Examples of quantitative measures include for example the amount of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere or the number of people reached thorough the delivery of your program. Please refer to the Project Quantification Guidelines for assistance. Qualitative measures include changes in awareness, knowledge or behaviour and are typically determined through a comparison of pre and post intervention surveys

Budget and Communication Materials

  1. A one page proposed budget including materials, supplies and equipment, communication media such as newspaper or radio ads, capital or maintenance costs for the project and staff time
    • It is recommended that no more than 15 per cent of the grant may be allocated to professional consultant fees. Budgets exceeding this percentage must have prior approval from the Toronto Environment Office
    • Costs associated with the regular operation of your organization such as office rental, utilities, phone, fax, internet, accounting services etc. are not to be included as part of the funding request
    • It is recommended that that no more than 10 per cent of the grant request be allocated to agency/organization project management/coordination staff time associated with the project. Budgets exceeding this percentage must have prior approval from the Toronto Environment Office
    • All project expenses should be directly related to the goals and objectives of implementing the project and reducing greenhouse gases and/or improving air quality
    • Asphalt removal is not eligible for funding
    • Periodic evaluations of funded projects will be determined by the City of Toronto staff and grant recipients

Additional Information

  1. Short summary of the group, its objectives and history
  2. A description of the project team, and key partners
  3. Identify any negative or positive impacts of other projects on your proposed work
  4. Provide more detail for f) including what you will measure to determine the long and short term success of your project
  5. Provide more detail on how you plan to use the money including how your project will be self-sustaining and identify any associated maintenance costs on a yearly basis and who would be responsible for long-term maintenance
  6. Include a communications plan and how you plan to provide appropriate recognition of the Live Green Program at all events, promotions and media coverage related to the project
  7. Describe the interpretative and/or educational value of your project

In support of your 5 to 10 page application, you should also append the following:

Organization Backgrounder

  1. A one page bio of key project staff
  2. The most recent financial statement of your organization and the sponsoring organization if one exists
  3. A summary of other financing obtained in support of the project
  4. A list of your organization’s board members and the sponsoring organization if one exists
  5. A verification letter from a sponsoring organization if you are not a registered organization with the Canada Revenue Agency
  6. Proof of not-for-profit status of your organization or a letter from a sponsoring organization who will act as a trustee for the project and confirmation of the trustee organization’s not-for-profit status.

Unless critical to your application, do not include additional printed material, e.g. annual reports or newsletters. This material will not be forwarded to the review committee. Please provide four (4) paper copies of the proposal, printed double-sided, and submit an electronic version, in Word, to: livegreengrants@toronto.ca

How will applications be assessed?

Applications will be reviewed by an independent Review Committee, supported by staff in the City of Toronto Environment Office. Projects will be evaluated on the basis of:

  • the organization's history and track record,
  • the proposals fit with the goals of the Live Green Toronto Program,
  • the organization’s readiness to undertake the proposed work,
  • potential project results and likelihood of success,
  • the potential to learn about new approaches and practice, and
  • the strategies used to reach new audiences who have not been targeted by previous initiatives.

Key Application Deadlines 2012

All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the City of Toronto Environment Office in advance to discuss their proposals.

Please submit your application by mail to:

Live Green Toronto Funding Programs
c/o Jeff McCormick
Senior Environment Planner
Toronto Environment Office
City Hall, 21st Floor, East Tower
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2N2
Tel: 416-392-1135

And by email to:

livegreengrants@toronto.ca

2012 Spring Session
Application Steps Deadlines
Application process open January 9, 2012
Letter of interest February 6, 2012
City extends invitation to apply February 22, 2012
Full application deadline March 12, 2012
Review Committee decision Mid-April 2012

Additional Information

Please note that you may be asked for additional, relevant information to assist in the review, assessment and monitoring of your application.

Conflict of Interest

All City of Toronto staff, including staff involved with the Live Green Toronto Program are guided by the City of Toronto’s Conflict of Interest Policy. A copy of this policy is available upon request from the Toronto Environment Office.

Appeals

You may appeal the decision regarding your grant application after Step 2 of the process. Appeals should be made in writing to the City of Toronto at the same address as your original application. The Appeals Committee will consider and respond to your appeal. l.

Approved Applications

If your Community Investment Program application has been approved:

  • Successful candidates will be required to sign a legal agreement which will specify the project details to be funded by the City, and set out the requirements for financial recording keeping, financial reporting and a review to be conducted by the City of Toronto to ensure that funds are used for the purposes for which they were granted. A copy of the legal agreement is available upon request.
  • The City of Toronto may place additional conditions on grant recipients over and above those normally required in grant agreements if deemed necessary.
  • Successful candidates must submit a detailed work plan with phasing details prior to commencement of the project; the work plan to outline the timing and nature of anticipated expenditures. A template will be supplied.
  • If your organization has charitable status and receives a full or partial GST rebate reimbursement from the City of Toronto for projects costs, the City of Toronto will not cover expenses that you will be reimbursed for.
  • An advance of up to 90 per cent of the grant may be authorized by the Director of the Toronto Environment Office so that the grant recipient may commence their undertakings in a timely manner. The balance will be reimbursed after expenditure reports have been submitted to the City of Toronto in accordance with the project reporting schedule.
  • Ten per cent of the total project grant will be held back until receipt of the final project report.
  • The grant recipient shall notify the City of Toronto in writing of any material changes proposed to the nature of, or budget for, the activities for which the grant has been approved and shall use the grant for such altered activities only with prior written consent from the City of Toronto. The City of Toronto has the right to refuse payment for services and material costs submitted which it feels does not reflect the terms set out in the agreement.
  • The grant recipient shall not transfer or assign the grant or any part thereof to another organization or individual, without explicit recognition of this intent in the project proposal or the prior written consent of the City of Toronto.
  • Any funds awarded must be put to their intended use by the date stated in the agreement unless prior written approval has been given by the City of Toronto regarding extension.
  • Any unused portion of a grant remains the property of the City of Toronto. If the City of Toronto has already provided funds for the unused portion of the grant, the grant recipient shall immediately repay it to the City of Toronto.

Repayment of Grants:
The grant recipient shall, at the request of the City of Toronto, repay the whole or any part of the grant as determined by the City of Toronto, if the grant recipient:

  1. ceases operating;
  2. ceases to operate as a non-profit organization or collective;
  3. dissolves;
  4. merges or amalgamates with any other party;
  5. commences or has commenced against it, any proceedings of bankruptcy or is adjudged bankrupt;
  6. has knowingly provided false information in its grant application;
  7. uses grant funds for purposes not approved by the City of Toronto;
  8. breaches any of the terms or conditions of the grant; or
  9. breaches any of the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights code in its operations.

The recipient shall notify the City of Toronto immediately, in writing, if any of the above events occur.

Accounting:
The recipient shall keep and maintain all records, invoices and other documents relating to the grant in a manner consistent with generally accepted accounting principles and clerical practices and shall maintain such records for a period of three (3) years from the date of approval of the grant by the City of Toronto.

The recipient will authorise the City of Toronto, at all reasonable times, to inspect and copy any and all records, invoices and documents in the custody or control of the recipient which relate to the grant for a period of three (3) years from the date of approval of the grant by the City of Toronto. This right of inspection includes the right to perform a full or partial audit of the aforementioned records, as considered appropriate by the City of Toronto.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification:

  • The City of Toronto shall not be liable for any damages, injury, or any loss of use or profit to the recipient arising out of, or in any way related to, the grant recipient’s operation.
  • The recipient shall indemnify the City of Toronto, its officers, employees and agents, against all costs, damages and expenses incurred as a result of a claim or proceedings related to the grant recipient’s operations, unless such costs, damages or expenses arise from the negligence or wilful act of an officer, employee or agent of the City of Toronto.
  • The City of Toronto shall be entitled, at any time to impose such additional terms and conditions on the use of the grant that, in its sole discretion, it deems appropriate.
  • The grant recipient will provide reports on activities and financial statements for grants in a format satisfactory to the City of Toronto. The reports will be submitted according to a schedule set out in the agreement.
  • Copies of permits and approvals from other agencies (MNR, MOE, etc.) for projects requiring such approvals must be in place prior to any work commencing and must be received by the City of Toronto by the date of the first scheduled invoice. Funds will not be transferred until the required documentation is received.
  • Any publicity or public information regarding the approved project will acknowledge the support of the City of Toronto.
  • Successful candidates must provide a draft of all communications pieces related to their project which containing the City of Toronto’s name. This will be done within a mutually agreeable time frame, for approval by the Toronto Environment Office. The City’s name may only be used with written permission from the City. The City reserves the right to review all material before distribution to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the maximum/minimum amount of a grant?
A: The maximum grant available to any one project is $25,000 and the minimum grant award is $1,000.

Q: Are there any costs that are not eligible?
A: Any costs not directly associated with the project are not eligible. Asphalt removal is not eligible for funding. Please see the General Guidelines which outline further conditions on eligible costs.

Q: Are core administrations costs funded?
A: As long as the funds are not going to be used solely for staff salaries, administration costs such as staff salaries will be considered. Please see the General Guidelines which outline further conditions on eligible costs.

Q: Are there any organizations that are not eligible for funding?
A: Yes, for-profit businesses, individual residents, grant making organizations, organizations aligned with political parties, organizations without a clear demarcation between religious and community service functions at the program and budget levels, lobby groups, academic institutions, hospitals and school boards are not eligible for funding.

Q: What is the funding period?
A: Grants need to be used within one (1) year of the first instalment.

Q: What types of projects have been funded in the past?
A: For a complete list of grant recipients, visit www.toronto.ca/livegreen/greenneighbourhood_rebates_awards.htm.

Downloads and Further Information

Download the Community Investment Program Overview (MS Word)