Social ServicesPOD

Social ServicesPOD provides technical assistance to health and social service not-for-profits engaged in developing and strengthening their organization, adapting to change and embracing the challenges of diversity. Social ServicesPOD grants enable groups to work with an experienced consultant or resource person specifically on those activities which lead to enhanced organizational effectiveness.

Who Can Apply
How to Apply
Application Deadlines
Application Guidelines and Forms
Organizational Assessment: Benchmarking Tool
Working with Consultants
Reporting
Past Grant Recipients
Funders

April 2009 Update

Over the next few months we'll be taking a look at our long-standing 'Partners in Organizational Development' programs to see how to better align these with the new realities of not for profit organizations.

We'll be consulting with all of our funders as well as some of the organizations that have made use of these grants and we look forward to rolling out renewed 'capacity' (formerly POD) grants programs in the Fall.

Who Can Apply

Social ServicesPOD is available to health and social service organizations that are registered not-for-profit societies in good standing in the Province of British Columbia. Organizations should:

• have been in existence for a minimum of 2 years
• deliver the majority of their services in British Columbia
• have a minimum of 5 Board members

How to Apply

The Program Description and Guidelines document contains more information about Social ServicesPOD and must be read before submitting an application. Because we have limited staff and many inquiries, we have created some documents to help you explore the POD granting information on your own, and assess the eligibility of your organizational development project. This helps us focus on your specific questions, when you are ready to apply.

These steps can help you clarify your eligibility and your questions prior to contacting the Centre for Sustainability. Note: The following documents refer to the Spring 2008 grant cycle (now closed) and will be updated when a new grant deadline is set.

• Read the Program Description and Guidelines MSWord

• If, after reading this document, you still have questions, the Frequently Asked Questions page can be very helpful.

• If your organization is eligible for funding, read the Instructions and Application Form MSWord

• At this point, any questions you have should be answered by contacting the Programs Director by phone or email.

• Complete the application form in full, following the instructions carefully.

• Submit your application by the deadline by email to the Programs Director (please note the new email address).

• We will acknowledge receipt of your email within a few days. If you do not get this confirmation, please contact us again as your email might have gone missing.

Application Deadlines

2009: The next grant cycle is anticipated for the Fall.

To be notified about future grant deadlines, subscribe to our email News updates.

Application Guidelines and Forms

The Program Description, Guidelines, Instructions and Application Form from Spring 2008 are shown below for your information. Once the next deadline is set, these documents will be updated.

Spring 2008 Program Description and Guidelines MSWord
Spring 2008 Instructions and Application Form MSWord

Organizational Assessment: Benchmarking Tool

A first step toward managing rather than experiencing evolution is to gather the group of primary stakeholders and carry out a facilitated organizational assessment process. We have developed a simple benchmarking tool that guides you through an analysis of your programs, management, governance, resources, and systems.

Organizational Assessment: Benchmarking Tool Available shortly for download

Working with Consultants

If you need help finding a facilitator, consultant or mentor, we suggest you visit the Supplier Directory at WorkInNonProfits.ca. You may also post an RFP on the site at no charge.

For tips on finding, choosing and working with consultants, please visit our Resources page.

Reporting

If your organization is selected for funding, you will have a specific amount of time to complete your project. At the end of your project you will be required to complete an evaluation report using the template below. Email your report and any attachments to the Programs Director.

Evaluation Report Template MSWord

Not able to complete your project by the reporting deadline?
Please contact the Programs Director to request an extension. Often projects are delayed and we would much rather work with you on a new timeline than force you to complete by the deadline and jeopardise the process or quality of the work.
However, remember that you are generally not eligible to apply for another grant until the current one is completed.

Past Grant Recipients

Below are the results of past Social ServicesPOD grant cycles:
Spring 2005 | Fall 2005 | Spring 2006 | Spring 2007 | Fall 2007 | Spring 2008

Note: All Spring 2008 applicants have been notified of the results by email.

Funders (2008/9)

City of Vancouver - Social Planning Department
United Way of the Lower Mainland
Vancouver Foundation