Merritt workshop to offer grants
Local non-profit groups could benefit from a substantial grant after attending a free workshop that is being held in Merritt on Sept. 20.
Community Futures Nicola Valley, United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo and the Merritt Social Planning Council are teaming up with Enterprising Non-Profits — a grant facilitator — to offer the free workshop.
“We gave a $10,000 grant to the Merritt Walk of Stars several years ago to do their business planning and to take a look at how they could make it not just a program, but how they could make it sustainable by operating it with some business practices,” said David LePage, program manager at Enterprising Non-Profits, who will be conducting the workshop.
“It’s for a very broad spectrum of non-profits who are either exploring or have existing business models.”
Just by attending the workshop, these organizations qualify for one of many grants handed out by the group.
Grant applications are available at the workshop, where up to $10,000 in business development funding may be granted to each applicant.
After receiving the applications, Enterprising collaborates with funders — including the Vancouver Foundation, the Vancity Community Foundation, the Northern Development Trust, the Southern Interior Trust, Columbia Trust and Capital One — to decide who qualifies for the grants.
Approximately 60 grants are handed out each year, representing nearly $350,000.
The workshop is geared towards non-profits that are looking to generate additional revenue or develop employment for targeted individuals such as youth at risk or people with disabilities.
Others, like the Walk of Stars, are cultural groups that look for a sustainable business model.
“The basic goal is to introduce and support non-profits that are looking at using a business model to further their success or their sustainability,” he said.
Stakeholders will learn about building a social enterprise, which is a business operated by a non-profit. The goal is to be a successful business, but to also create a social environmental or cultural purpose.
Enterprising Non-Profits travels to 25 communities throughout the province each year, visiting different municipalities each time.
Two application reviews and funding announcements are made during any given year.
The local workshop is being held at the Merritt Civic Centre in Room 2, which is at 1950 Mamette Ave. The duration is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 20.
People can register for the workshop at www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca.
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