Vision for Change guidelines

1. INTRODUCTION

Vision for Change provides partial funding to eligible organizations for direct development of websites and databases by visionTech4u- an IT consultancy firm in Ottawa, Ontario.

1.1 Role of visionTech4u

We administer the grant program and determine which organizations will receive grants, the grant amounts and develop the projects for them.

1.2 Role of the grant recipient

Grant recipient must meet specific criteria (Clause. 3) and will be accountable to the funding guidelines.

1.3 Purpose of the grant

The Vision for Change is in support of our Non-profit Technology Development Initiative. The purpose of this grant is to help organizations in Canada to streamline their community activities via easy to maintain websites integrated with social media, web-based databases and intranet.

2. THE VISION FOR CHANGE GRANT

2.1 Who can apply?

Non-profit organizations that directly deliver programs to their community are eligible for a project grant. A project is defined as an ongoing service or activity designed to achieve one or more defined objectives. Each application is assessed on its own merit, and within the context of available funding and community need. An application does not guarantee any level of funding.

2.2 What is the maximum grant available?

The grant will be 25% of the individual project development cost to a maximum of $5,000 for approved organizations. The remaining 75% will be contributed by the organization.

3. ORGANIZATION ELIGIBILITY

An organization is eligible if it:

• Is not-for-profit
• Operates primarily for community benefit
• Provides a direct service to the community and is responsive to a community’s needs and issues

Organizations must fall within one of the following eight sectors:

1. Human and Social Services
2. Arts, Culture and Sport
3. Environment
4. Public Safety
5. Parent Advisory Committees
6. Preschool and Daycare
7. Religious organizations
8. Youth Groups/Sports Teams/Clubs

4. USING GRANT FUNDS

4.1 How can the grant funds be used?

Grant funds must be used to cover costs related to the direct development of an approved project.   

Projects must be developed in collaboration withvisionTech4u.

Eligible costs are limited to the design and/or development of:

• Website design and development
• Database development
• Client, donor and fundraising management applications
• Intranet
• eLearning applications

Ineligible costs include:

• Domain Name Registration
• Hosting
• Maintenance
• Stock photography
• Audio/Video Production
• Translation Services
• Hardware purchases (Including, but not limited to computers, servers, peripheral devices, monitors, cell phones, routers etc.)
• 3^rd party services
• In-house development or support services
• Professional development of staff
• Expenditure incurred prior to grant approval

4.2. Time frames- How soon must the grant funds be used?

Your organization must start the approved project within 3 months of its approval. The project must be completed within 12 months of it being approved. Delay due to unavoidable circumstances must be communicated to visionTech4u, in writing, for approval of extension.

4.3. What acknowledgement is required?

A grant recipient must acknowledge the financial assistance of visionTech4u on promotional materials of the funded organization.

5. APPLYING FOR A GRANT

5.1 How does an organization apply for a grant?

An organization may submit the online application form or send organization and project details to info@visiontech4u.com.

5.2 What are the deadlines for applying?

Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake.