SOA Operating Grant Information

PROGRAM INFORMATION   

SOA Operating Grants Program Allocation Process

SOA Operating Grants are distributed based on eligibility, necessity and membership type. The amount of an Operating Grant varies according to organization size, the type of membership held, and the funds available.

SOA Membership Definitions

SOA Group Members: Organizations who hold one SOA Membership on behalf of their organization. These organizations are eligible for operating funding to a maximum of $500.

SOA Member Organizations: Organizations in which all participants hold an SOA membership. These organizations are eligible for operating funding greater than $500. The operating funding amount is based on the number of participants playing in the group.

For SOA Member Organizations, Operating Grants are calculated by means of an established formula based on total available funds. The formula provides a specified amount per member for the first 10 members, a lesser amount per member for the next 10 members and a smaller amount per member thereafter. The decision to award or not to award an Operating Grant is based on organization eligibility and submission of a complete application. The eligibility of an organization is determined by whether the organization meets required criteria as outlined below.

Eligible Applicants

• Are legally registered in Saskatchewan as non-profit organizations.
• Meet regularly, at least twice per month for a season of at least six months.
• Are members in good standing of the SOA as either a Group Member or a Member Organization.

SOA Membership Definitions

• SOA Group Members: Organizations who hold one SOA Membership on behalf of their organization. These organizations are eligible for operating funding to a maximum of $500.
• SOA Member Organizations: Organizations in which all participants hold an SOA membership. These organizations are eligible for operating funding greater than $500. The operating funding is calculated based on the number of participants playing in the group.

Ineligible:

• Activities or programs that take place before the deadline date. Funding is not retroactive and will not be considered if the operating year has been completed.
• Applicants who have any outstanding reports for previous grants received from the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association Applications delivered or postmarked after the deadline.
• Applications that are incomplete, illegible, or unsigned.

Payment Cycle and Reports

Operating Grants support the activity of the applicant taking place within its identified fiscal year. Approved Operating Grant amounts are paid in two equal instalments. The first half of the grant is paid shortly after approval of the grant. Final payment is sent after a completed final report has been received by the SOA.

• If changes of scale, scope or focus are made after the initial application has been approved, any
  disbursed funds must be returned, and a new application must be filed.
• Recipients of Operating Grants Program funding are required to submit a final report including financial statements. The final report is due no later than 90 days following the operating year. Final report forms are available on the SOA website.

Eligible Expenses to be outlined in final report:

• The financial activity of SOA members will typically include participant fees, other revenue such as ticket sales, donations, and fund-raising activities along with the SOA.
• The SOA grant will cover up to two-thirds of the operating budget.
• SOA will consider administrative expenses up to 25% of the total budget.

Ineligible Expenses:

• Activities or programs that take place before the deadline date. Funding is not retroactive.