Olds Institute (OI) officials have created a new system they believe will make it easier and more fair to accept and process requests for funding or other assistance.
It's called an Initiative Support Request or ISR.
Those who ask OI for funding or other support are asked to fill out a form available on the OI website.
OI executive director Mitch Thomson says having those forms filled out ensures that OI “is able to support initiatives that align with this non-profit organization's objectives and ensures a fair and equitable process which engages volunteers from all corners of the community.
“This process enables sponsors to consider what success looks like, the longevity of the project and what resources are needed to implement these initiatives in the community,” he adds.
Those looking for funding or other help from OI are asked to submit their ISRs by noon on Friday, Oct. 28.
“We recognize that we have the board structure and an organizational structure that could help support other types of community initiatives,” Thomson says.
“Anybody can come to us and say ‘hey, I have a great idea. I'd like to create a sports field,' or ‘I think housing for the homeless is an issue.' We're looking to try and support these things more fully,” Thomson says.
“We could provide marketing assistance; we could provide some volunteer development support; potentially help steward volunteers and also financial resources.
“We just started to kind of open up the doors of the tent a little wider.”
Thomson says the OI mandate is to create a vibrant cultural scene, strong economy, strong social network and healthy environment.
“We recognize that in some of those areas, we haven't been as strong in the past as we'd like to. And there are other groups in the community that are doing good work. We don't want to duplicate anything, just support some of the good things that are happening in the community,” he said.
OI intends to have a couple of intakes regarding requests for funding or other help – one at the end of this month and another next April/May.
