Time running out to apply for Community Organization Investment
Bridging Communities received $15,000 under the 2020 Community Organization Investment initiative to increase the social interactions of seniors in Delray, Michigan.
$4,100 was provided under the 2020 Community Organization Investment initiative to support the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup at two locations in Sandwich, Windsor.
The Sandwich First Baptist Church received $20,000 under the 2020 Community Organization Investment initiative to help construct a heritage museum that will honour the Sandwich area’s role with the Underground Railroad and to celebrate the contributions of African Canadians to the region.
It is a great opportunity to start 2021 on the right path.
Applications are open for this year’s Community Organization Investment (COI) initiative and eligible organizations in west Windsor and Southwest Detroit are encouraged to apply for this funding through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.
The Community Organization Investment initiative provides funding of $50,000 (CDN) each year in Canada and the US from 2020 to 2024 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 the Sandwich/west Windsor or Delray/Southwest Detroit neighbourhoods.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is working closely with our neighbouring community members, involving them in the project and delivering meaningful benefits that will positively impact their quality of life,” says Bryce Phillips, the CEO of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
“The Community Organization Investment is an extension of our Community Benefits Plan and the result of continued collaboration with our many stakeholders and will provide positive outcomes for the communities in west Windsor and Southwest Detroit,” adds Aaron Epstein, the CEO of Bridging North America, the private-sector partner that will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the bridge.
The first funding allotment of the five-year initiative was announced last June, where money was provided to nine exciting and versatile projects – six in Windsor and three in Detroit – that benefit local children, youth and seniors, support business districts and honour the area’s rich history.
You can read about last year’s recipients and the programs funded under the COI here.
The deadline to submit applications for the 2021 funding is 12PM (EST) on January 27, 2021.
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Learn more about specific eligibility requirements and the application/review process.
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View the presentation from the December 9, 2020 virtual information session 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. Due to 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 stakeholders from the host communities on both sides of the border, who will make recommendations to the project team about projects to receive funding in 2021.
