Press Release
Tbaytel yesterday announced $20,000 for a new funding program taking place in 2017 that will enable individuals, groups, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario to create and implement projects that bring more good to neighbourhoods and communities.
The Tbaytel for Good Community Fund’s “Good Community” program is a new funding opportunity that will run during two campaigns in 2017, offering eligible organizations in Northern Ontario’s diverse not-for-profit sectors the chance to complete projects during 2017-18.
Community groups or committees also are eligible to apply by partnering with a registered organization for a project endorsement.
Applications will be short-listed to five semi-finalists by a panel of judges, then the public will vote to decide which two projects will receive $5,000 each.
“The ‘Good Community’ program will enhance the good work being undertaken by dedicated volunteers and organizations across the Tbaytel-serving territory,” said Dan Topatigh, president and CEO of Tbaytel.
“By launching the first-ever ‘Good Community’ program, we’re opening opportunities for local and regional organizations operating in the sectors of animal welfare, community wellness, recreation and culture, environment, and innovation and technology,” he noted.
For this spring, Tbaytel for Good also is bringing back its “Good Neighbour” funding program, which provides up to $500 for local neighbourhood initiatives.
The funding is available for original ideas that add to the beautification, quality of life, or sense of community for residents living in Northern Ontario neighbourhoods.
“The merit of the ‘Good Neighbour’ program is that it is open to people of all ages and offers financial support to neighbours, families, or groups who want to do good deeds where they live,” said Topatigh.
“Tbaytel will be especially excited to see applications that promote pride, passion, and togetherness among residents for a more vibrant Northern Ontario.”
Several community groups and organizations were on hand for yesterday’s announcement, which included an award of $500 to a local volunteer who is helping newcomer youths settle into a new life in the region.
At the event, a challenge also was issued to the local and regional community to start celebrating the many other individuals and organizations who do good deeds every day to make Northern Ontario a better place to live.
Tbaytel is inviting the public to share photos, videos, and stories on its official Facebook and Tbaytel for Good Instagram pages until March 31, 2017 to say thank you using the hashtag #GoodCommunity or #GoodNeighbour.
At a glance:
•A total of $32,500 in project funding is available for 2017;
•Application deadline for the spring “Good Community” program is May 2;
•Application deadline for the “Good Neighbour” program is May 16;
•Projects should be a new or enhanced activity;
•All project activities must take place within the serving territory of Tbaytel, and must occur between June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018;
•Voting will take place between May 26 and June 8; and
•All spring campaign winners will be announced June 9.
Meanwhile, Tbaytel’s “Good Schools” program will return later in 2017, along with the second instalment of the “Good Community” program.
An independent panel of judges will assess the applications and select the recipients of the “Good Neighbour” program funding, as well as the five semi-finalists for the “Good Community” program funding.
For full details on the Tbaytel for Good Community Fund, visit www.tbaytelforgood.net
