Organizations in or serving west Windsor and Southwest Detroit are invited to apply for funding to help make this a meaningful year.
Applications are open for this year’s Community Organization Investment (COI) initiative through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.
The Community Organization Investment initiative provides funding of $50,000 (CDN) each year for a five-year period in both Canada and the US to registered charitable and non-profit organizations serving Sandwich/west Windsor or Delray/Southwest Detroit communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 (CDN) for events, programming and infrastructure improvements that will benefit local neighbourhoods. Funding is provided to successful applicants on July 1 each year and must be spent by June 30 of the following year.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is inspired by our host communities to deliver meaningful benefits that will serve as a catalyst for positive local change for years to come,” says Bryce Phillips, the CEO of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
“We are listening and collaborating with local residents and representatives to ensure that our community-based project initiatives continue to reflect local priorities and feedback,” adds Michael Hatchell, the CEO of Bridging North America, the private-sector partner that is responsible to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the bridge.
The second funding allotment of the five-year initiative was announced last June, where money was provided to eight exciting and unique projects – four in Windsor and four in Detroit – that benefit local youth and families, community centres and the area’s rich history. You can read about last year’s recipients and the programs funded under the COI here.
A presentation about the Community Organization Investment initiative was held December 1, 2021. Click here to view the presentation.
Another virtual information session is scheduled for January 12, 2022 at 1 p.m. Register to attend by emailing info [at] wdbridge.comor via our toll-free number at 1-844-322-1773.
The deadline to submit applications for this year’s funding is 4 p.m. (EST) on January 26, 2022.
- Learn more about specific eligibility requirements and the application/review process.
- Download the application form here.
You can submit an application electronically to info [at] wdbridge.com in word or .pdf format noting “Community Organization Investment Application, Attn: Manager Community Benefits” in the subject line.
You can also send an application by the deadline via registered mail in printed format to the attention of the Manager Community Benefits at: WDBA Main Office, 100 Ouellette Avenue, Suite 400, Windsor, ON, N9A 6T3. With the ongoing closure of the office due to COVID-19, in-person deliveries will not be accepted.
The applications will be reviewed by the project’s Local Community Group, comprised of 16 stakeholders from the host communities on both sides of the border. They will make recommendations to the project team about submissions to receive funding in 2022.
