Applications for the 2024 Autumn Granting Cycle will open September 30, and be accepted under November 1, 2024.

The Maple Ridge Community Foundation (MRCF) recognizes a vibrant and healthy community is built through collaborative efforts, innovative partnerships and an unwavering commitment to create opportunities for all citizens to experience a high quality of life. Since 1976, MRCF has awarded over a million dollars in grants to a wide range of registered charities committed to building a better Maple Ridge. Our grants are made possible through the generosity of community-minded donors. We work closely with our donors to connect them with causes that matter in a variety of areas.

In considering applications for funding, the Board of Directors relies on the recommendations of the Grants Committee. The Grants Committee is comprised of current Directors and selected volunteers.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants include registered charities and qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. Applicants must include at a minimum with their application:

• CRA Registered Charity Number
• Comprehensive Project Specific Budget
• Current Financial Statements to demonstrate sound financial management of the organization.

WHAT WE FUND

MRCF supports a wide range of projects that will be of benefit to the citizens of Maple Ridge. Funded projects provide a direct service to the community or an innovative approach to a community initiative. Some questions to consider:

• Is the project clearly defined?
• Does the project align with the purpose of MRCF?
• Who will benefit from the project?
• Is the project supported by other local organizations?
• Does the project duplicate services that are already available in the community?

INELIGIBLE REQUESTS

Ineligible requests include and are not limited to the following:

• Grants are not awarded to fund day-to-day operating expenses such as wages & benefits, rent, utilities, insurance etc.
• Individuals or businesses
• 100% of a project’s costs
• Retroactive funding, or for any project expenses to be incurred prior to the Foundation’s decision.
• Fundraising activities
• Endowment grants
• Proselytizing faith-based or political organizations.
• Towards operating or capital deficits

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Following your review of the Grant Guidelines to ascertain your eligibility, applicants are to complete the application form in full and submit it on or before the deadline date. The Grant Selection Committee requires 4 to 6 weeks to review and process an application.

Only submissions on MRCF application forms will be considered. Note that written applications will be accepted by MRCF until 4:00pm on the closing date. Applications dropped off after the deadline will not be considered.

AFTER THE GRANT HAS BEEN AWARDED

MRCF requires the following of its grant recipients:

• Participate in our annual Grants Presentation held in November/December
• Any alterations to the project scope require prior approval by MRCF
• Public recognition of the awarded grant from the MRCF
• Submission of a final report within 12 months of the awarded grant
• In order to be considered for subsequent years, receipts for eligible expenses must be received prior to submission of an application for the subsequent year

• Written correspondence outlining how the grant funds were spent including a request for reimbursement.
• A statement describing the benefit/impact to the community.
• Receipts for expenditures.
• A written or email acknowledgement once funds have been received.
• Should the organization experience financial hardship such that the completion of the project is in jeopardy, send a written request for an early advance of funds to execassist@mrcf.ca.

In order to be considered for subsequent years, receipts for eligible expenses must be received prior to submission of an application for the subsequent year.