A. SCREENING CRITERIA 

For projects seeking operational funding, On-going Operational Costs are defined as:

• Those costs which are intended to support staff positions and regular payments expected to be made by the organization in order to ensure the continuity of its operations. These would include among others; rent payments; utilities; levies; and other contractual obligations. Further there is an expectation that such funding would be required to support these activities until the organization ceases its operations or at least for a long period of time.
   
• Staff and other costs deemed to be operational costs may be eligible for funding if:
  • They are designated for a project to be undertaken by the organization for a period of time of no more than 3 years.
  • They are designated as start up costs for the organization but there is a clear plan for on-going support of the operations in the future and that the time frame for the longer term operational funding is outlined in the plan.
  • They are identified in the proposal as operational costs for longer than three years, but there is very clear evidence of community support and there is a clear exit strategy outlined in the plan.
     

B. KEY COMMUNITY GOAL CRITERIA

• Environmental goals
• Social goals
• Economic goals 

The following goals apply in the context of contributing to environmental quality and health in a way that makes a difference:

1. Improvements to ecological and environmental conditions (maximum 10 points)
Includes factors such as:

• habitat conservation, reclamation and/or rehabilitation
• protection / recovery of endangered species
• maintain healthy wildlife populations
• reduce human-wildlife conflicts

2. Increase ecological and environmental knowledge / stewardship amongst citizens, businesses, government (maximum 10 points)
Includes factors such as:

• environmental coordination programs
• educational programs and knowledge dissemination
• recognition and incentive programs for environmental awareness / stewardship
• special events and celebrations

3. Reduction / Improvement of environmental impacts of human activities (maximum 10 points)
Includes factors such as:

• toxic waste reduction
• air & water quality improvements
• noise & light pollution reduction
• solid waste management
• increase recycling activities
• energy efficiency and reduction of green house gases

4. Increase scientific knowledge (maximum 10 points)
Includes factors such as:

• improve archiving, accessibility and use of ecological / environmental information and expertise
• biological research and inventories
• environmental monitoring

5. Land Use Planning Processes (maximum 10 points)
Includes factors such as:

• sustainable resource management
• urban forest, parks and green space
• reservoir operations
• forest management
• wetlands management
   

The social goals are intended to include all age groups, ethnic/cultural diversity, gender and economic groups in the community. 

1. Social Support Network and Leadership (max 15 points)
   • Strengthen existing programs and services to meet current needs
   • Create new programs and services to meet emerging needs
   • Develop leadership and organizational capacity
   • Support community participation, sense of belonging and volunteerism
      
2. Wellness and Health / Safety and Security (max 10 points)
   • Access to and provision of adequate services (physical, mental & social well being)
   • Promotion / education of healthy lifestyles
   • Provision of affordable housing
   • Address conditions leading to substance abuse
   • Address conditions leading to violence and crime
   • Address poverty
      
3. Education (max 10 points)
   • Create first-class, integrated, lifelong community learning opportunities
   • Provision of adult education to meet individual skill development requirements
   • Build community support for the school (K-12) system
   • Address literacy and learning disabilities
      
4. Recreation, Arts, Culture and Spiritual Values (max 15 points)
   • Develop diverse recreational opportunities
   • Increase participation in arts and cultural activities
   • Expand recreation, arts, culture and heritage infrastructure 

1. Support long-term economic stability and growth in the area (maximum 10 points)

   Includes factors such as:

   • increases net economic activities including spin-offs and ripple effects
   • provision of infrastructure or support to achieve economic goals
   • creates a positive economic environment
   • is sustainable and stable over the long term
   • brings income into the local economy (contributes to economic base activities)
   • adds value to an existing product or service
   • consistent with the Community Economic Development Strategy
      
2. Increase economic diversity in the area (maximum 10 points)
   Includes factors such as:
   • diversifies existing economic sector dependencies
   • provides a new product or service to the local economy
   • increases local participation in information and technology sectors
   • fosters entrepreneurship and small business development
   • supports business training and skill development
      
3. Increase local employment opportunities (maximum 10 points)

   Includes factors such as:

   • number of jobs created (direct and indirect)
   • access to employment for local citizens especially unemployed, underemployed and youth
   • proposed employee training component
   • wage rates (living wage most desirable)
   • stability of employment (full-time employment preferred)
      
4. Encourage financial investment in the area (maximum 10 points)
   Includes investments in people and organizations or capital investments in land, buildings, infrastructure, etc.
    
5. Promote local control and benefits (maximum 10 points)

   Includes factors such as:

   •   residency of proponent
   • opportunities for participation
   • distribution of benefits

C. GENERAL PROJECT CRITERIA

1. Project planning (maximum 10 points)
   • project proponent has the demonstrated organizational capacity and appropriate expertise 
   • adequate and logical background and planning leading to a technically sound proposal
   • project encourages innovation and shows a creative approach
   • a sustainability plan has been prepared for multi-year or long term projects
      
2. Funding (maximum 10 points)
   • leverages funds from other sources
   • best funding option (i.e. there is not an alternative funding source)
   • cost effective
   • preference will be given to local purchase and employment
      
3. Urgency (maximum 8 points)
   • seriousness of the issue addressed
   • ongoing work requiring continuity
   • time sensitive
      
4. Builds community capacity (maximum 7 points)
   • builds capacity (knowledge, expertise, organizational ability, etc.) within community organizations
   • provides opportunities to develop local skills and knowledge
   • builds collaborative community and broader partnerships 

D. COMMUNITY SUPPORT