Project Funding

Accelerating Progress

Each year we promote existing and new joint community projects by holding networking events, project-based workshops and fundraising campaigns. GEL encourages projects that make connections between priority issues and actions as a way to accelerate progress.

GEL’s Role

  • Coordinate planning, implementation and reporting on community progress
  • Promote public education and awareness and build partnerships
  • Strengthen networking and sector involvement
  • Determine and obtain financial support
  • Bridge activities within the curriculum
  • Facilitate delivery of services and products for responsible behaviours

Project Support

GEL is now accepting funding applications for 2007 environmental projects in Guelph and Wellington County. Funding is made available through GEL’s annual Smart Changes Environmental Lottery where 100 % of the proceeds support community environmental initiatives. Download guidelines and entry form below. Applications are accepted, reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis from May 7 to September 30, 2007 or until annual funds run out.

Project Funding 2007 Guidelines
Project Funding 2007 Application

Draft project guidelines were first circulated at a Winter Workshop in 2003. Below is a list of the qualities that make a project worthwhile at the community level.

Community Focus

  • Has a community-wide perspective (can impact many people)
  • Promotes citizen participation and education
  • Supports local and regional priorities

Long-term Benefits

  • Addresses current environmental issues
  • Makes visible contribution to environmental improvement (fills a gap)
  • Is proactive, innovative, and solution oriented

Collaborative Effort

  • Brings together two or more partners and/or sectors
  • Engages skills in a team approach (maximize interests and expertise)
  • Leverages resources and volunteers

Achievable Scope

  • Has a defined work plan, budget and timeline
  • Is a reasonable funding request (within award range for funding assistance)
  • Has specific activities that can be completed within one year

Measurable Outcomes

  • Identifies indicators of progress that can be evaluated
  • Can be a model replicated by other groups
  • Clearly demonstrates how progress is being made