City of Lethbridge and United Way partnership provides local
non-profits with access to grant-writing expertise
Lethbridge, AB – Non-profit organizations in Lethbridge are getting a hand to enable them to better compete for grant funding, thanks to a new partnership between the City of Lethbridge and the United Way.
“Non-profit organizations with the internal resources to retain or employ a grant writer are at a distinct advantage in securing grant funding over organizations without that capability. This means grant funding can often be awarded to the best grant applications, but not necessarily the best program ideas,” says Amanda Jensen, Support Services Coordinator in Community Social Development for the City of Lethbridge. “We’ve identified an opportunity to work toward leveling this playing field by offering grant-writing support.”
The pilot program will provide the opportunity for approximately 30 registered non-profit organizations in Lethbridge to consult with an expert grant writer when preparing grant applications. It’s being offered on a first-come-first-served basis. If demand warrants, the United Way will develop a waiting list.
“This program aims to help non-profits build their own capacity to produce well-crafted grant applications. They’ll have the chance have an expert look at their work and make suggestions for improvement,” says Janelle Marietta-Vasquez, Director of Fund Development and Operations for the United Way of Lethbridge and South Western Alberta. “Ultimately, if our local non-profits have stronger grant-writing skills, they’ll be more successful at securing grants for worthwhile programs that benefit our community.”
The United Way is delivering the program and providing in-kind support, while the City of Lethbridge is allocating up to $10,000 in available funding from provincial programs dedicated to child and family supports as well as homelessness. A grant-writing expert will be retained and will be available to interested non-profit organizations on an as-needed basis. Each participating non-profit group will be provided up to three hours of consultation (two hours to diagnose, edit and provide feedback on each grant application; and one hour for a final check).
Visit www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca/grantexpert for more information. Or contact United Way at 403-327-1700 or together@lethbridgeunitedway.ca to schedule an appointment with a grant expert.