Increasingly, the Gosling Foundation supports projects that leverage the “Engagement Organizing” (EO) model to expand and enhance the capacity of nature organizations.

 

Funding is available for projects that use EO tools to make nature organizations stronger and more independent. For example, this could include:
•    Securing EO expert support to aid in organizational change
•    Taking advantage of an engagement opportunity to recruit supporters (e.g., an emerging local environmental issue)
•    Training and/or coaching of volunteers, board members or staff in aspects of Engagement Organizing occurring in the context of a project or goal (e.g., if an organization decides to review and update its mission to better address a challenge)
•    Purchasing and implementing appropriate data management software to enhance interaction with members and track their participation in the organization’s activities

 

Project results should be specific and measurable (e.g., increased membership, number of contacts, project participation, etc.).

 

Our experience shows that organizations are better able to evolve their practices when they collaborate and learn from other organizations. That’s why we believe in facilitating communities of practice, bringing together a variety of groups from the nature sector. When feasible, we connect successful applicants with an appropriate community of practice.

 

Before applying, please do your EO research. Review our material, visit the Sustainability Network’s Engagement Organizing resource and learning events page.

 

Funding Available
Up to $10,000 for new projects

 

Deadline
Proposals can be submitted at any time and are considered at least quarterly: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1.

 

How to Apply
Email a one-page letter of interest to the Foundation’s executive director, skozak@goslingfoundation.org, briefly outlining your proposal. Please include:
•    a description of your proposed project, including which EO tools you plan to use
•    how the proposal fits within the interests of the Foundation
•    how the project will strengthen your organization when complete
•    innovative and/or strategic elements of your proposal
•    resources being sought and those already secured
•    Registered Charitable Tax number (or that of your partnering organization)
•    An electronic copy of your last annual report, if available

 

Recently supported projects
•    Hilliardton Marsh Research and Education Centre, Ontario — mobilizing its members and supporters for greater financial engagement
•    Northern Spotted Owl Breeding Program, British Columbia — conducting an organizational review to expand its volunteer base
•    Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, Ontario — implementing a new supporter data management system
•    Bee City Canada, Ontario — initial convening of representatives from municipalities from across Ontario in 2018