Scotiabank is one of Canada’s largest philanthropic organizations; as a major provider of donations and sponsorship, Scotiabank offers powerful funding opportunities for nonprofits as well as education institutions.

In 2007 Scotiabank contributed more than $43 million to community causes globally towards 4 focused areas – Education, Health, Social Services plus Arts and Culture programs. Scotiabank has Imagine Caring Company status – a designation created by Imagine Canada for companies that are committed to donating 1% of their pre tax profits towards building vibrant communities and encouraging social progress.

Scotiabank has funded both capital and program proposals, however a recent trend is to support more programs/services than capital projects. Scotiabank has no standard grant application form, instead it using an open application process where applicants can use their talents to submit their own proposal format. As with any successful grant application, a proposal should show support from government, business, education, non-profit and grassroots participants. It’s also essential that a proposal show a convincing need, realistic objectives and persuasive metrics that clearly measure the success of the program. More than likely, an application asking for more than $50 000, will require in person meetings, so an inspiring, creative and high impact presentation will be key.

Scotiabank sponsors events across Canada based on 2 criteria. First, the event must demonstrate that with Scotiabank’s support it can have a powerful impact in one of Scotiabank’s 4 focused areas of giving. Second, the event must stand out from other events based on a history of success, credentials of its organizers, size, uniqueness and public importance. Examples of events that Scotiabank sponsors include: Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Scotiabank Caribana, The Scotiabank Giller Prize, Rick Hanson Wheels in Motion and many more community events across Canada.

Applications for funding are reviewed quarterly. For projects that require less than $10 000 in funding, proposals are submitted to a local Scotiabank branch, ideally the applicant’s home branch. Proposals asking for more than $10 000 in funding are mailed to:

Director of Sponsorships and Donations
Public & Corporate Affairs
40 King Street West, 63rd Floor
Toronto, ON, M5H 1H1

Another funding opportunity from Scotiabank is the Scotia Employee Volunteer Program, where Soctiabank gives up to $1,000 annually to charitable organizations where its employees and pensioners are active volunteers. Furthermore, through the Team Scotia Community Program, Scotiabank matches funds raised by employees for local causes, up to a maximum of $5,000; therefore this is a funding opportunity of potentially $10 000.

Applying for Scotiabank funding will definitely consume resources and time, but it’s a worthwhile opportunity. With the right expertise and preparation, your organization could receive funding and partner up with leading socially responsibly bank whose footprint in communities and social change is growing every day.

Please contact me at jorge@jorgeleclair.ca and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you put together a winning proposal.