Major Contributions Program

Program Description

The Major Contributions Program provides funding to six key priority areas:

Environmental Infrastructure. This area focuses on the provision of clean water, sewer upgrading and waste management infrastructure for Haida Gwaii communities. It is viewed as the foundation for building a sustainable Islands’ economy.
Environmentally sustainable economic infrastructure. This area builds on the foundation projects established under priority area 1. It enables private sector jobs and business creation through infrastructure projects such as energy options studies, tourist trail systems, campgrounds, and extended higher speed Internet access. The Board is prepared to accept applications that deal with a wide range of responsible economic development infrastructure of benefit to the common good of all Islanders. This area does not replace bank financing.
Islands-Wide Governance Project. It is apparent to the Gwaii Trust Board that more study needs to focus on systems of Islands-wide governance that maximize local control of economic decision-making.

While the Gwaii Trust Board works towards the broad goals of self-sufficiency and sustainability for Haida Gwaii, it is not a governance body. The Board realizes, however, that effective economic development requires good governance that is collectively effective. Therefore this priority project seeks application(s) that demonstrate a combined threshold of legitimacy for carrying out the project. An Islands-wide initiative is sought. It is envisaged that one project will be funded.
Other basic infrastructure. This area is intended to supplement existing government programs of general application, and to build upon the sustainable and common good initiatives listed above.

It is intended to cover ambulance services, health centre construction and renovations, and the construction or renovation of administrative, cultural, educational, governance and municipal offices.
Recreation infrastructure and planning. This area is aimed at supporting construction and renovation of recreation centers and recreation programs planning to meet community needs not met by government programs of general application.
Emergency preparedness and planning. This area is planned to support such initiatives as earthquake preparedness studies, and the provision of fire fighting equipment and emergency communications networks (both hardware and software), not covered by existing government programs of general application.

Guide to Applicants

The Major Contributions Program will allocate $855,000.00 in this fiscal year (2008/2009) to successful applicants based upon the following criteria:

This Program supports applications revolving around all levels of community infrastructure and planning. Building safer, healthier, more attractive and desirable communities, enhances everyone’s lifestyle, and makes the communities at large a more desirable place to work, live, play, and visit

Available for this call $500,000.00 (one allocation call per year)

Equity Requirement 0%
Maximum application 500,000.00
Key tests: Merit & Need
Core funding: Not Available
Multi – Year funding: available up to 2010-2011.(one per Community) Already allocated.
Administrative costs 10% maximum ( but not if the persons admin expenses permitted )
Facilitator’s costs maximum $500 per day
Project must confirm demonstration of support by originating or relevant community.
Partnerships encouraged and expected wherever possible.
May assist existing and supplement government programs but not replace.
Letter of support (preferably 2 – from unrelated parties)
Cost quotes from all suppliers and other income sources.
Letter confirming all other income sources.
Costs quotes from all suppliers and other verifiable expenses.
Letters confirming Goal and Objective of the Gwaii Trust.
Clear Projects process description of all aspects of the project from start to finish – including final evaluation.
Funded as 30% upon approval (1st request) balance through invoice matching approved advance, last 10% is held until confirmation and final evaluation documentation received.
All Projects approved with an equity component will be funded to the same degree as the equity approved.
All Advances will be funded upon the receipt of invoice, based on the percentage of the project funding approved.
Project s greater than $25,000.00 will be subject to a minimum of two site visits, with one occurring at project completion.
On Projects in excess of $100,000.00 there will be a minimum of three site visits, with one occurring at project completion.
On projects in excess of $100,000.00 there will be some type of recognition posting citing Gwaii Trust as the (or a) funding source.
On all projects where funding is outstanding over one year, site visits will be accompanied by a shortened reapplication from the applicant that must be approved by the board in order to advance any further funding.
Projects outstanding for longer than one year will have site visits and accompanying reports forwarded to the Board at least quarterly.
all project proposals must be supported by the originating or relevant community. Community buy-in is a must. Partner shipping is also encouraged and expected, where possible.
the key tests for project support are merit and need, as determined by the Gwaii Trust Society Board of Directors. Simply put, projects must demonstrate their merit and their need to the Board;
all project costs and sources of funds must be confirmed and documented (ie. supported by cost quotation and/or commitment letter); and
proposal, project timeline and cash flow must be complete and accurate.

Please take time to fill out the project evaluation form and submit it with your final report click here this evaluation form must be completed and submitted with your letter of request for final payment along with photos and receipts. If you have any questions please call the managing administrator at the Old Massett office.

There is one (1) application period for this program. The application date is: January 29, 2010.

Projects may be awarded for multiple-year funding at the discretion of the Board but should not extend past the 2010-2011 fiscal year. One (1) multi-year funding project per community at a time.

The maximum contribution from Gwaii Trust towards facilitator costs is $500.00/day per facilitator.

Online Application Form