Program Details
- The Libro Prosperity Fund supports projects between $5,000 and $100,000.
- Grant applications are open once per calendar year. Application period: February 5, 2018 - March 15, 2018.
- Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Make sure to check the “Application Guide” at the top right corner of the application page.
- Applicants may be invited to submit additional information or be asked to make a presentation related to their project.
- Funding decisions & announcements will take place in September 2018.
- Funds will be made available in November. Approved grants may be paid out over multiple installments at Libro’s discretion.
Note: If funds are required prior to November our Sponsorship and Donations program may be more suited to your request.
Program Guidelines
Local Decision Making
All Libro Prosperity Fund applications are reviewed and selected by a combination of locally elected Owner Representatives, staff and Libro Board members to ensure we are meeting the unique needs of the communities that we serve, while also having an impact on the region.
Focus Areas
Opportunities with measurable results and that focus on the following three areas are strong fits for our program:
- Regional Economic Development
- Money Smarts
- Youth Leadership
Applicants will be required to demonstrate how their program or initiative will impact at least one of the desired outcomes in the specific focus area.
Learn more about the Prosperity Fund focus areas and desired outcomes.
Funding Criteria
Ineligible applicants or projects
- Not aligned with Libro values
- Individual or private business applicant
- Projects and programs taking place outside of southwestern Ontario
- Partisan or religious event or purpose that are not open to all members of the community
Ineligible expenses
- Deficit or debt reduction
- Retroactive expenses
- Ongoing operational or core expenses
- Endowment matching grants
Projects must meet the following mandatory criteria:
- The organization must be a not-for-profit, registered charity, co-operative or community group
- Generates benefits in southwestern Ontario
- Demonstrates fiscal responsibility, effective management and skills and expertise
- Demonstrates a commitment to the project through a meaningful contribution of their own human and/or financial resources
- Addresses one of the desired outcomes of our focus areas
In addition to the mandatory criteria, applications will be assessed on the following value added criteria:
- Initiative contributes to one or more of the desired outcomes of the focus areas
- Has metrics for measuring outcomes in one or more of the focus areas
- Uses, enhances, mobilizes or expands the skills, capacities and assets of local people and communities
- Creates opportunities for Libro staff and Owner involvement especially if it helps us build new skills, insights and capacities
- Shows evidence of collaboration with others in the same field
- Initiative is new and innovative to our region and has elements others can learn from- addresses a challenge or opportunity in southwestern Ontario in a new way or from a new perspective