Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation

Youth Opportunities Fund Grassroots innovation guide 2015-2016

An agency of the Government of Ontario Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

About the ONTARIO tRILLIUM FOUNDATION The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and is Canada’s leading grantmaking foundation. The mission of the Ontario Trillium Foundation is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector, through investments in communitybased initiatives. The Youth Opportunities Fund is a program of the Government of Ontario, administered by OTF.

TALK TO US! Email: [email protected] Phone: 416.963.4927 Toll-free:1.800.263.2887 TTY: 416.963.7905 Fax: 416.963.8781 Website: www.otf.ca/yof Facebook: Youth Opportunities Fund

Table of Contents About the Youth Opportunities Fund About the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF)

2

YOF funding streams

2

What are the changes?

3

Who benefits?

13

About the Grassroots Innovation Stream About the Grassroots Innovation Stream

15

Which groups are eligible to apply?

16

How will your group be supported?

17

Working with an organizational mentor

18

Preparing to Apply YOF Application Path

19

How to Apply

20

About the Expression of Interest (EOI)

21

How will the EOI be assessed?

22

Building your workplan!

23

Building your budget

25

Eligible expenses

27

Glossary

28

1

Youth opportunities fund

About the Youth Opportunities Fund The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) is an annual program that provides grants and capacity-building supports to community-based organizations and grassroots groups serving young people who face barriers to economic and social wellbeing.

YOF FUNDING STREAMS Strategic Collaborations Grassroots Innovation Stream: Stream: Supports collaboratives that are improving systems of services and opportunities for youth facing barriers

Creates opportunities for leadership and innovation for grassroots groups, including youth-led groups, working in the youth sector Enables groups to turn their ideas for youth wellbeing into reality Supports groups to gain new skills, learn from mentors, and build networks

Grassroots Innovation guide 2015 - 2016

2

What Are The Changes? The YOF contributes to improving the social wellbeing of young people through five outcomes. These outcomes come from Stepping Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario’s Youth Succeed. These were chosen because they respond to critical gaps in provincial services for youth. As you read about these five outcomes, consider how your idea contributes to these changes.

3


1

YOUTH FORM AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY, CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS THIS LOOKS LIKE:

Providing safe spaces and opportunities for youth to interact with peers and adults in positive ways. Supporting youth to develop their social identity, healthy relationships and interpersonal skills. I felt honoured to be given the supports to do work in my community, with my community, for my community. Much of the reconciliation projects taking place are between Indigenous and European-Canadian communities. This initiative was a fresh perspective on solidarity that stimulated dialogue between Indigenous and People of Colour communities. As a women’s project, we felt empowered being able to make connections to our experience as women from different racialized backgrounds. We committed to allyship and sisterhood. We bonded on our common relationship to the land and we are devoted to deepening our roots. Sisters of the Soil has been an incredible experience. — Latisha ‘Cairo’ Reddick, Eastern Woodland Metis Nation of Nova Scotia, Sisters of the Soil Grassroots Innovation guide 2015 - 2016

4

5


2

YOUTH HAVE AT LEAST ONE CONSISTENT, CARING PERSON IN THEIR LIVES THIS LOOKS LIKE: Increasing young people’s access to caring adults. Building the capacity of caring adults to better support and be allies to young people. Ontario Trillium Foundation made it possible for me to give youth opportunities to establish and maintain healthy relationships with adult role models. By providing the resources to help them achieve goals and engage in positive and supportive programs, the youth are not only learning and growing but they are also becoming contributing members of society.

— Soroush Fakhri, Afghan Mentorship Program


6

7


3

YOUTH HAVE FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS EQUIPPED TO HELP THEM THRIVE THIS LOOKS LIKE:

Supporting families and caregivers so that they can provide basic needs and promote positive youth development. Ensuring that families and caregivers have access to additional supports when they need it. It’s been great to introduce some young men to the involved fatherhood movement and to see them quickly grasp the importance and relevance of the work we are doing. Additionally by taking some of our youth leaders to certain meetings I’ve had the pleasure of showing them that it is possible for youth in our community to have a voice at important decision making tables. — Zakiya Tafari, Young and Potential Fathers


8

9


4

YOUTH ARE ENGAGED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THIS LOOKS LIKE:

Providing opportunities for youth to be involved and lead change in ways that work for them. Nurturing young people’s sense of responsibility to their communities. The Youth Opportunities Fund provided Asha with invaluable access to services and resources that allowed us to connect youth participants to the services that would have been otherwise inaccessible to them in their community — Jennifer Haque, Asha Bengali Girls Society


10

11


5

YOUTH KNOW ABOUT AND EASILY NAVIGATE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THIS LOOKS LIKE: Making community supports more collaborative, integrated, and easier for young people to navigate. The YOF helped me realise my calling, and achieve my goal of connecting youth from my community to the trades opportunities in Ontario. We are hosting the first job intake session for youth who would like to start a career working on the Crosstown LRT!

— Ameen Binwalee, Out of the Box


12

Who Benefits? The YOF engages and benefits youth between the ages of 12 and 25 years who are facing multiple barriers to social wellbeing.

13


We recognize that not all young people in Ontario have the same access to opportunities. We know that “who you are” and “how you get treated because of who you are” influences your choices and experiences – and makes it harder to reach your goals. The YOF is about making sure that all young people thrive, no matter where they’re coming from.


14

About the Grassroots Innovation Stream The Grassroots Innovation Stream is dedicated to creating opportunities for leadership and innovation for grassroots groups, including youth-led groups working in the youth sector.

Grassroots Test grants

Grassroots Scale grants

Test grants support groups to experiment with new ways to achieve one of the YOF outcomes for youth wellbeing.

Scale grants support groups to grow an existing initiative that is achieving one of the YOF outcomes for youth wellbeing.

Funded activities include:

Funded activities include:

Researching a new concept, idea or approach

Adding elements to an existing initiative for deeper impact

Bringing youth and communities together to build strategies and explore new ideas

Expanding an initiative to reach more youth

Developing or testing a new idea or approach Which groups can apply? Both newly formed groups and more established groups

Which groups can apply? The Scale grant is an opportunity for more established groups that are already achieving positive outcomes for youth Amount and term - Up to $100,000 per year for 3 or 4 year term

Amount and term - Up to $70,000 per year for 1, 2 or 3 year term 15


Which Groups Are Eligible to Apply? read through the following checklist to see if your group is eligible to apply to the Grassroots Innovations Stream. If the following statements are all true for your group, you are eligible to apply! Your group has a core membership of three or more people The majority of your group members live in the Province of Ontario Your group is unincorporated or incorporated in 2010 or later

Your group agrees to participate in monthly learning events, networking events, and mentoring sessions Your group is not eligible to apply for a Grassroots Innovation grant if:

Your group is either youth-led or a meaningful youth-adult partnership

You are applying as an individual young person

Your group agrees to work with an organizational mentor

The decision-making, initiative design, and delivery of activities are led primarily, or only by adults

The YOF will give priority to grassroots groups that: Include youth who reflect the identities of those youth they wish to engage. For example, if your group aims to primarily engage First Nation, Métis or Inuit youth, your team includes youth who share these identities. Are directly impacted by the issues being addressed in the proposed initiative.


16

How Will Your Group be Supported? The YOF provides support beyond funding. We are here to offer guidance and answer questions at every stage of the process. Pre-application Supports Information sessions Coaching from program staff (email or call us!) Design days for youth to meet and build their ideas together Workshops to support your group with the Expression of Interest (EOI) Workshops on building your work plan, budget, and expected results Visit otf.ca/yof to find our line-up of summer events. Make sure you register early.

17

Supporting YOF grantees As a YOF Grassroots grantee you will be part of a cohort of young leaders working to improve youth wellbeing across Ontario. For those groups approved for funding, we will offer skill-building workshops, evaluation supports, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Active participation in these learning events and mentorship sessions is a required feature of the YOF. Connect with us if you have any questions about this aspect of the YOF.


Working with an Organizational Mentor What is an organizational mentor? An organizational mentor is an incorporated non-profit organization or charity that provides project mentoring, administrative support, governance, and financial accountability. All of the groups we fund must have an organizational mentor. If you do not already have one in mind, the YOF can help your group connect with the right organization.

Completing an Organizational Mentor Agreement The Organizational Mentor Agreement describes your shared purpose, and the roles and responsibilities of grassroots groups and organizational mentors. The agreement must be signed and included in the second stage of the application process.

What is the organizational mentor fee? As you build your budget, allow up to 10% of your budget to cover supports offered by your organizational mentor.

You can submit your EOI without an organizational mentor, but the earlier you form this relationship, the better! Head to otf.ca/yof to learn more. Look for tools that will assist you in finding the right organizational mentor for your group.


18

Preparing to apply YOF APPLICATION PATH

1

get ready to apply Come out to the workshops and webinars. Check in with the YOF team about your idea!

2 3

Submit Expression of Interest September 23, 2015 OTF SHORTLISTs APPLICANTS

4 19

REGISTER YOUR GROUP

SUBMIT Full Application January 6, 2016


how to Apply Step 1 Head to otf.ca/yof to learn more! Watch the YOF video Take the self-assessment survey to see if you are eligible to apply Review Grassroots Application Tools (questions, tips, and scorecard) Check out our 2015 calendar of workshops and webinars Connect with the YOF team if you’re not sure if we are the right funder for your work

Step 2 Register your group by September 9, 2015 If you applied to the YOF before, you do not need to re-register, but you do need to update your group profile. If you are new to the YOF, you must register online. Groups registering after September 9 will not be eligible to apply.

Step 3 Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form by 5pm on September 23, 2015 The EOI should be completed on the OTF online application system, which you will have access to once you register. Let us know if you require an alternative method for submitting your form. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete the Full Application.

Step 4 Complete the Full Application by 5pm on January 6, 2016 Shortlisted groups will receive instructions on how to access the Full Application. At this stage, you will need an organizational mentor. You will be required to submit this agreement with your Full Application. Those groups approved for funding will begin their project in May 2016. Grassroots Innovation guide 2015 - 2016

20

About the Expression of Interest (EOI) What is an EOI? The EOI is the first step in applying to the YOF funds. OTF staff and the volunteer Grant Review Committee will review and assess your readiness to do this work, the overall readiness of the initiative and the potential impact of your initiative. All applications will be reviewed. Some will then be shortlisted and invited to complete the Full Application. All applicants will receive news on the status of their EOI in mid-November 2015.

What kinds of questions will you be asked in the EOI? Here are some questions you can start thinking about: 1. Which YOF outcome are you directly contributing to through your proposed idea? 2. What is the problem or challenge that you are exploring or tackling? 3. Who else is doing similar work to you? 4. What are you hoping to achieve? 5. What will you do? How will you do it?

21


How will the EOI be Assessed?

1

Group Readiness

2

Initiative Readiness

Your mission aligns with the mission of the YOF

You have clearly identified the problem you are trying to solve

Your group has a good track record

You have clearly identified the YOF youth who will benefit

Your funding request was realistic You share identities and experiences with your youth beneficiaries

You have community support and the people power to do this work

3

Impact You will directly contribute to at least one of the YOF outcomes You have described the change you want to make Your initiative will help to create more youth-friendly communities

Visit otf.ca/yof to access Grassroots Application Tools which include EOI questions, EOI writing tips, and EOI scorecard. Grassroots Innovation guide 2015 - 2016

22

Building Your Workplan! A workplan is the road map that outlines how your project will actually be implemented, including all your planning, activities, and wrap up. Activities in your workplan should relate directly to your goals and project narrative. Year 1

Expected result

Activities

These are your short and What will you medium-term results do to reach your results? List the most significant activities only. Plan to have two or three activities per result.

Resources

Indicators of success

Who will deliver this activity?

How will you know if your activities are effective?

What materials will you need to deliver this activity? (space, public, transit, etc.)

What will tell you that you are on track to achiecing your results?

What You Need to Know About Your Workplan Expected Result: What are you hoping to achieve? (Should relate to the YOF outcome) Activities: What are the actual things you will do to achieve your expected results? (This is a list of all action items needed to realize your results, along with a timeline for when they will be completed, and who will complete them. Be realistic and don’t overstretch yourself!) Resources: Who will deliver these activities and what materials do you need to deliver them? (This section includes all of the people, spaces, project supplies and equipment you need to make your activities happen) Indicators of Success: How will you know if your activities are successful? (This is how you plan to evaluate the effectiveness and success of your project. The indicators should be logical and relatively easy to measure i.e. attendance records, amount of positive feedback from participants, etc.) 23


Tips! Writing a workplan that is realistic will impress funders a lot more than a workplan over-packed with activities. Those reviewing your grant care more about the quality of the work you’re producing, than how many workshops you can squeeze into your project’s timeline Make sure your workplan has a coherent flow; does it include everything you talked about in your project narrative? Does it illustrate how your budget will be spent?


24

Building Your Budget Your budget, like your workplan, will serve as your financial roadmap for the duration of your project. It outlines where your grant money will be spent, and ensures that you’ve accounted for all of your program-related costs. EXPENSE ITEM

YEAR 1

TOTAL

Administration Project Expenses Evaluation Project Planning/Development Capacity Building

Total

$0

$0

What You Need to Know About Your Budget List all income and expenses (this should balance out to zero) Confirm if “other income” is pending or confirmed (Are you waiting to hear back about another grant you applied to? Do you know that a donation is coming your way? Be sure to include this, as well as the approval status.) Provide detailed breakdowns (Planning on spending $1000 on administrative expenses? Make sure you show where these funds are being allocated- i.e. $300 on phone/ internet, $100 on printing, etc. Including an accurate breakdown shows funders that you’ve done your research!) M ake sure everything adds up (Always double check your numbers…then check them again!) Don’t forget your in-kind contributions! (Think of these as ‘resource donations’. If someone is offering you free space for an event or a few hours of volunteer time then their values should be included in this section.)

25


Tip! Make sure everything adds up! always double check your numbers…then check them again!


26

Eligible Expenses All costs funded by OTF must be eligible and necessary to carry out the described project.

Direct Project Costs Direct personnel costs: >> S taffing costs (new or existing staff positions funded specifically for the project) >> V olunteer honorarium and expenses Direct non-personnel costs: >> O rganizational mentor fee (10% of the total budget) >> S pace rental (for project activities only, like workshop or event space)

>> P urchased services (including web design, printing, translation, etc.) >> S ervices needed to accommodate or support participants, volunteers and staff (facilitator who does ASL, renting spaces that are accessible etc.)

Ineligible Expenses Expenses related to political or religious activities

>> R ental or purchase of equipment necessary for the project

General or ongoing operating expenses (unrelated to the project)

>> Project supplies

Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests

>> C hildcare costs for participants and volunteers >> T ravel including tickets for public transportation for project participants

Deficit reduction

Fundraising campaigns Any capital and infrastructure costs

>> Refreshments >> O utreach expenses (i.e. photocopies, food for outreach events, etc.) >> Staff and volunteer training >> P romotion and publicity (i.e. brochures, posters, etc.)

27


Glossary Grassroots groups An unincorporated collective of individuals with several of the following characteristics: May not have a formal organizational or governance structure; May require supports to manage funds; May be youth-led; Does not operate for profit; Is directly impacted by the issue(s) being addressed

Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Includes the City of Toronto, and the adjacent Regional Municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel, and York.

Incorporated Non-Profit Group A group of three or more, which has completed the required documentation and filed it with the appropriate branch of the provincial (or federal) government. It is essentially “registering” the group/organization with the government.

Youth Refers to young people between 12 and 25 years of age, and up to age 29 for youth with disabilities or special needs.

Youth-Focused Group or Organization Any group, organization or legal entity that defines youth as a primary audience for its programs and/or services. In the YOF program, a youth-focused group is one where youth and adults work in partnership and share responsibility for decision making, planning and project implementation.

Youth-Led Group or Organization Any group or organization that: Has a majority of individuals aged 29 or under at the governance or decision-making level; Has youth, 12 to 29, managing the project (from planning, to implementation and evaluation); and serves youth as its primary mandate.


28

Creative: The Public Illustration: Erin McPhee project coordination: ArtReach