Description

This pilot program aims to facilitate the MLA committees’ timely access to funding for projects or initiatives that support the progress of the Association’s Strategic Plan. Funding through the Program can range from $100-300 for small, $400-600 for medium, and $700-900 for large grants. Occasionally, and based on funds availability, the Program may support applications that require funding above $1,000.

Examples include, but are not limited to, hiring a graphic designer to produce an infographic, hiring a student to help with an environmental scan exercise, inviting an expert or a consultant to work with a committee on a specific topic, and funding to produce educational videos or events.

Program Liaisons

Planning Officer and Assistant Planning Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Fiscal Officer

Call for applications

To be sent out every 6 months on MLA-L by Planning Officer: First call in early February before the committee's meeting at the MLA annual conference, followed by a second call in August or September.

Decision Turnaround

Maximum of 4 weeks with the possibility of expedited decision-making on request. NOTE: Depending on the timing of the application and the project timeline, the Planning Committee may need to postpone their review and board approval recommendation to the following fiscal year.

Application Process

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year by one or more members of a committee and must be endorsed by the committee chair and a majority of committee members.

Applications should be sent to the Planning Officer for the Planning Committee’s preliminary review and, if needed, for additional information gathering. The Planning Committee will then forward the application as well as its recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval.

Applications must include a clear description of the project/initiative the micro-grant will be funding. They should also include:

• A description of how the project/initiative supports the Values, Goals, and/or Objectives of the MLA Strategic Plan;
• A detailed budget and any relevant quotes, if applicable (example provided below);
• List the project steps with a clear timeline (best estimation);
• Name of the project leader(s), and any other responsible members, with contact information.

An application example and template are provided below.

Micro-grant Expenditure Timelines

Ideally, funds should be expended within the fiscal year in which the application is put forward.

Reporting

Within 30 days of the project completion, the project leader(s) must send a completion report to the Planning Officer, reporting on the application project’s outcomes. If applicable, the reports should also highlight any unforeseen issues that impacted the progress of the project as initially anticipated. Committee annual reports should include a mention of the successful micro-grant application and, subsequently, mentions of any milestones, challenges, and the project completion.

Micro-grant Application Example and Template

Download a sample micro-grant application (.pdf).

Download a micro-grant application template (.docx).