Outreach Support Fund

The Outreach Support Fund provides funding for projects which advance social change, focus on the removal of inequities and empower marginalized groups.

Projects recently funded include:

• Funding for a community worker at the Toronto Christian Resource Centre who will initiate  activities to assure social cohesion between mixed income community members after redevelopment of Regent Park.
• Interim funding for Turtle House Art/Play Centre, an expressive arts program for refugee children to help them learn ways to communicate effectively with their peers to resolve conflict.
• Guatemala Microcredit Program supports the distribution of small loans to projects that stimulate community involvement and improve family income.
• Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto promotes mental health and civic engagement  in the Latin American community.
• Student Christian Movement at UofT-a student led ecumenical organization which provides a community in which students may explore their faith and be challenged to embody a faith in which the search for justice is an integral part.
• A Toronto Urban Native Ministry program to work with Aboriginal youth seeking a healing journey.
• Campaign of Binongan Indigenous Communities against Mining in Lucan-Baay, Phillipines - supports resistance against government-authorized mining projects on indigenous lands.

Fund Objectives

• To fulfill the calling of the United Church of Canada as expressed in its Creed to demonstrate commitment to the "love, justice and freedom of Jesus Christ" of the TSP Mission Statement and to support advocacy for and struggle by powerless amd marginalized groups.
• To help build community in the wider world, firmly based on the values of the Gospel.
• To nurture hope, both in ourselves and in those with whom we share our resources.
• To raise awareness of justice concerns in the congregation.

Evaluation Criteria

• The applicant's acceptance and/or respect for the objectives stated above.
• The applicant's commitment to carry out a program which advances social change, focuses on the amelioration/removal of inequities existing in the local, national and global community, empowers marginalized groups and strives to correct systemic inequities/problems.
• The funding awards in a given year will be divided approximately one third for global projects/programs and two thirds for local.
• Normally, multi-year grants may be made for up to three years. However, where the applicant's association with TSP is strong, and the project objectives closely aligned with those of TSP, this time could be extended.
• Applications must be supported by a TSP member(s).
• In accordance with the strategic plan approved for the period 2009 -2014, we will focus our public witness in the areas of housing/homelessness, aboriginal justice, peace making and climate justice.         

Application  Procedures

• TSP members are invited to recommend and endorse applicants whose projects / acitvities they are well aware of, and whose programs/projects are in keeping with the Objectives stated above in section 1. If the project is funded, the TSP contact will report on the project to the congregation.
• Applicants are required to submit in writing a project/program proposal, outlining its nature, scope, the budget, the anticipated results, and whether other sources of funds are being sought.
• Primary distribution of the amount available in the Outreach Fund will be made by the end of October , based on the applications received  by September 10, 2010.
• Up to $1000 will be reserved from an amount available in the fall, to cover emergency requests later in the year (urgency for funding prior to the ususal autumn deadline must be identified.)
• An amount determined by the Public Witness Circle will be reserved for use by pastoral staff for emergency assistance to individuals.
• Funding recipients are required to submit a report on the allocation of funds at the end of the project or program year (or accompanying a renewal application). The TSP contact will be responsible for ensuring that this is forthcoming.
• Successful applicants for the Outreach Fund who do not have a charitable registration number will be required to sign an agency agreement with Trinity-St. Paul's.
• Once funding decisions have been made and publicized, congregational members will be advised of the opportunity to make additional contributions to a particular project.