BCACG February News – New Staff Changes, Guideline Amendments, How to Program Descriptions
NEWS ABOUT STAFF CHANGES
As the 2018 season opens we’re getting your calls and emails about the new year’s grant applications. I’m appreciating hearing stories of your successes and for some, of frustration and a determination to make a better application. I’m writing to tell you that I’ve accepted a new opportunity to do important work in housing and community building. I’ve given my notice effective February 28 and will be starting a new position as Manager, Non Profit Portfolio with BC Housing in Prince George. I am looking forward to this new chapter and am especially intrigued to work in northern BC.
I’ve been with the BCACG since October 2013 and it has been a pleasure to work with you and on behalf of the non-profit sector in British Columbia. I’ve been able to get to know many of you and enjoyed talking with you about your programming and how to prepare a more effective Gaming Grant Application. I’ve especially enjoyed doing the training workshops and note that one of our successes is a strong commitment from the Gaming Branch to training and outreach with a recognition that this is a complex application. I have also had numerous conversations with the Gaming Branch and developed a deeper understanding of their perspective, including the constraints inherent in administering such a Grant. Certainly greater mutual understanding (and more capacity) will make the Gaming Grant more relevant to sustainable communities in towns throughout the province. And of course, apply continued pressure with the Branch and with your MLA about how you use the Gaming Grant to make your community stronger and healthier – convey the impact of the work you do. This is a core reason why the Gaming Grant is important and why it has an obligation to community programming.
The Board has posted for the Executive Director position. Information is in the News section of www.bcacg.com and will be circulated through our and other networks. The posting is on CharityVillage.com. Spread the word about a great opportunity for an adult educator, government relations and community development character who has a background in the Gaming Grant. It would be an advantage to know the history of attachment between Gaming Grants and the Community and to have extensive experience in non-profit operations. The location of work is negotiable. The position works from a virtual office. Travel in the province is substantial and proximity to Victoria and Metro Vancouver is an advantage.
GUIDELINES AMENDED 2018
The Gaming Grant Guidelines have been amended as of February 1, 2018. The current version is available here https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/gambling/grants/guide-cgg.pdf
There are a few changes worth noting:
- Section 3.1 The language about directors being members of the Society has changed. It used to say that Directors must be drawn from within the membership and now it says that Directors of the Society need to be members of the Society, but it doesn’t distinguish the order in which that needs to happen. The intent here is that the membership be open as well as the Society being representative of its membership.
- Section 3.2 – Chambers of Commerce were included as an ineligible organization. Primarily a Chamber is orienting its work around its membership and its programing is for business benefit and not directly for broad benefit.
- Section 4.3 – Services Clubs – the information about Services Clubs hasn’t particularly changed but it has been re-organized in an effort to consolidate the information and make it easier for the Club Treasurer and Programs Chair can find and know the information.
- Section 5.1 of the Guidelines, about organizational financial eligibility and proving financial need, has changed in two parts. First, when an organization has revenue allocated to the future year or funds received for a designated purpose, these liabilities are acknowledged and no longer be counted against you. Second, a “going concern” clause has been added. If the organizational financial situation casts doubt on its financial stability, Gaming may decide that the organization is a poor investment or that the risk is too great to justify a Gaming Grant.
- Section 6.3 The intake dates for Arts and Culture, and Sport have shifted by one month. Arts and Culture groups apply from February 1 to April 30 and Sports groups apply from March 1 to May 31. Gaming has made this shift hoping to balance the intake of the grants, which will help to meet their target of providing notice within 12 weeks of receipt.
- Section 6.5 – The option for a Reconsideration – essentially a Reconsideration is with regard to financial issues, ie the amount of grant awarded, and to challenge if there was an error on the part of the Branch. If there are concerns, questions or disputes about the understanding of the Analyst about the program or your organization – these are best addressed by contacting the main line for the Branch and speaking to the Analyst or the Community Outreach Manager.
HOW TO WRITE THE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Section 4.1 of the Guidelines says that program eligibility is measured on four points: has operated for 12 months, demonstrates community benefit, is accessible and inclusive, and has a sustainability plan. Focus the Program Description on these four points. At the end, add a fifth point about how the funds will be used – the Describe in Detail section of the Application where you’ll talk about key things that you see coming up in the next year – and summarize your financial ask. The Analysts read several hundred applications per year and many each day. Keep your program description tight and focussed to the four items stated in the Guidelines. Click here for full details.
FREE COMMUNITY GAMING GRANT WORKSHOP @ RICHMOND
Topic: Community Gaming Grant Workshop
Date: Friday, February 23, 2018
Time: 9:00 am – 12 pm
Location, Richmond Caring Place – Room 340.
Cost: Free
Limited seating. Book your seat early to avoid disappointment!
The Fraser Valley Community Charitable Gaming Association (FVCCGA) is a non-profit society that supports community groups applying for a Community Gaming Grant.
Our workshops review the eligibility requirements, program description and details, budget, in-kind support, volunteers and key considerations when accounting for activities.
Hear about new updates to the Guidelines and join us for an interactive session with community groups with opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on your programming.
About the facilitator:
David Sheach is the Facilitator for the FVCCGA and is Executive Director of the BC Association for Charitable Gaming. He is presenting a three hour Gaming Grant workshop to help you prepare an accurate application and manage the funding according to the conditions of the grant.
For more information email: executivedirector.bcacg@gmail.com