Call for Proposals: Leland and Thora Vance Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The Leland and Thora Vance Fund – Recreation and Church Grants provides capital funding to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of church and community recreation facilities in Wingham, Ontario. In 2026, the fund has a total of $250,000 available, including $100,000 for churches and $150,000 for recreational facilities. What Is the Leland and Thora Vance Fund? The Leland and Thora Vance Fund was established to improve the quality of life of people living in Wingham by supporting accessible community spaces. The fund recognizes the role that both places of Christian worship and recreation facilities play in strengthening community connections and wellbeing.

Funding is divided into two streams:

Church Grants: Support capital projects involving facilities used for Christian worship.

Recreation Grants: Support capital projects involving facilities that enable broad participation in community recreation.

How Much Funding Is Available? The total funding available in 2026 is $250,000.

The allocation is:

$100,000 for church projects. $150,000 for recreation facility projects. Funding is intended specifically for capital expenses rather than ongoing operational or program costs. What Projects Are Supported? The fund supports projects that create, develop, maintain, or improve eligible community facilities in Wingham. Church Facilities Eligible projects can support public spaces used for Christian worship. The focus is on capital improvements that help maintain or enhance facilities available for community worship and engagement. Recreation Facilities Recreation funding can support facilities that enable broad community participation in activities such as: Projects should demonstrate how improved facilities will contribute to community access, participation, and wellbeing. Who Is Eligible? Eligible organizations are those that provide: Public spaces for Christian worship; or Facilities supporting broad participation in community recreation activities. The facility must be located in Wingham, Ontario, and the proposed project must fall within one of the fund’s two eligible areas. What Does the Fund Mean by Capital Projects? Capital projects generally involve the creation, improvement, maintenance, or development of a physical facility or asset. For this fund, the grant is intended for capital expenses directly connected to an eligible facility project. Applicants should distinguish capital expenditures from routine operating expenses and program delivery costs. What Costs Are Not Eligible?

The fund does not support:

Ongoing operating expenses. General people costs. Program delivery. Service delivery. Routine operational activities. People costs may only be eligible where the labour is directly related to an approved capital project. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget is primarily focused on physical capital improvements rather than ongoing organizational costs. Why This Fund Matters Accessible churches and recreation facilities can provide important spaces for community participation, connection, physical activity, and social wellbeing. The fund helps organizations maintain and improve these spaces so they can continue serving residents of Wingham. Supported capital improvements can contribute to: Better community facilities. Increased access to recreation. Improved spaces for Christian worship. Stronger community engagement. Greater participation in sports and fitness. Improved outdoor recreation opportunities. Long-term sustainability of community assets. How to Apply

1. Identify the Appropriate Funding Stream

Determine whether the proposed project relates to: Christian worship facilities; or Community recreation facilities.

2. Define the Capital Project

Clearly describe what will be created, maintained, developed, or improved. Explain why the capital investment is needed and how it will benefit the community.

3. Confirm the Location

Ensure that the relevant facility is located in Wingham, Ontario.

4. Develop a Project Budget

Separate capital expenses from ongoing operating, staffing, program, and service delivery costs. Only include people costs where the labour is directly associated with the capital project.

5. Explain the Community Benefit

Describe how the completed project will improve access, participation, safety, quality, or long-term use of the facility.

6. Submit the Application

Provide the required organizational and project information, including details of the proposed capital work and associated costs. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Requesting funding for routine operating expenses. Including salaries unrelated to the capital project. Using the grant for program or service delivery. Proposing projects outside Wingham. Failing to distinguish capital costs from operational expenses. Applying under the wrong funding stream. Failing to explain the community benefit of the proposed improvements. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by: Clearly defining the capital improvement. Explaining the condition or need that the project addresses. Providing a realistic and detailed capital budget. Demonstrating broad community benefit. Explaining who will use the improved facility. Showing how the project will improve accessibility or participation. Clearly separating eligible capital costs from operating expenses. Demonstrating the longer-term value of the investment. Key Details at a Glance

Fund: Leland and Thora Vance Fund – Recreation and Church Grants

Total 2026 funding: $250,000

Church allocation: $100,000

Recreation allocation: $150,000

Funding type: Capital funding

Church focus: Public spaces for Christian worship

Recreation focus: Sports, fitness, outdoor education, playgrounds, trails, and other community recreation facilities

Operating costs: Not eligible

People costs: Generally not eligible, except labour directly related to a capital project

Program/se