HOW TO APPLY

To minimize expenditure of time and energy on both sides, applicants must limit their application to three pages. The first half page (or less) should be devoted to a brief description of the proposed project or current operational expenses for which funding is being requested. Use the remaining two and a half pages to outline your proposal in detail.

Please do not include a covering letter. The information required for HIVA directors to make their decision should be contained within the text. We are trying hard to minimize time, energy and paper (for those applications sent in via hard copy) for all concerned.

Ensure that the type size and font chosen are easily readable. Do not try to cram more information into the three pages than can comfortably fit.

Be descriptive, but succinct. Proofread copy to eliminate spelling mistakes and grammatical and stylistic errors.

Please read all parts of this website carefully.

Information to include:

• Name of organization

• Charitable registration

• Address of organization or main contact

• Phone number and e-mail address if applicable

• Two directors' names with addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses

• Project for which funding is requested or operational expenses (if it's the latter then explain the type of work the organization performs on a regular basis)

• Brief description of goals/mandate of the organization and work done to date

• Budget for the project or operational expenses

• Other major funding sources (including private donors, governments, foundations), the value of each grant and the period of time they cover [This can be done in point form.]

• Volunteer involvement: approximate number of volunteers, a cross-section of the jobs they perform, and how many of them have been with the organization for three years or more. [Also can be done in point form]

• Explain how you expect to measure the success of the project and publicize your own efforts. [This does not refer to recognition for HIVA but for the work that you are doing.]

• Website address (if available)

Consideration for funding will also be given to groups that are just starting up, provided they can show that two or more directors have a track record in the environmental movement or have worked for other charities in a voluntary or professional capacity.

Groups requesting funding to purchase wilderness should name the other foundations, corporations or individuals involved or those they are approaching for additional funds. They should also indicate how and by whom the land will be managed and whether or not there are any conditions to be met before purchase can proceed.

Applicants should be prepared to produce a brief mid-season report (depending upon the length of the project and the size of the donation) outlining progress made to date and upcoming steps. The need for a report and its length will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

References or appropriate affiliations (for example, with the Federation of Ontario Naturalists) are welcome but not necessary.