Community Grants Program

BCM Insurance Company

COMMUNITY
GRANTS
PROGRAM

Investing in Niagara

Annual Investment in Niagara

In 1880, Bertie and Willoughby Mutual was formed by a group of farmers who were unable to find fire insurance at a reasonable cost. They got together to form their own insurance company. In 1898, Clinton Mutual was formed under similar circumstances. These two companies operated independently until 1970 when they amalgamated to Bertie & Clinton Mutual Insurance Company. In 2018, we rebranded to BCM Insurance.

Our origins were born out of a need to serve our community. As a way to expand our service to our community, we launched our Community Grants Program in 2019. Through this program our goal is to strengthen local non-profit organizations’ capacity to continue to do their great work in serving Niagara’s communities.

Grant Recipients – 2023

Amount Granted: $250,000

Each year BCM Insurance sets aside money to be given back the local community in efforts to create a social, environmental, or economic positive impact and reach our mandate of creating sustainable, livable, and workable communities in Niagara.

Because BCM Insurance is a 140+ year old company, we know how to make an impact that lasts. We want to help deserving projects, and companies reach their mandates and have longevity of doing good for Niagara!

Plant a Seed - BCM Community Grants Program

Introduction and Application Process

Benefiting the Niagara Region:

BCM Insurance is dedicated to making a positive impact in the Niagara Region and local communities we serve. To this end, we are proud to announce our Community Grants Program, which seeks to provide financial support to organizations and initiatives that benefit the communities where our policyholders live and work.

Our Community Grants Program is designed to help organizations in the Niagara Region that are working to improve the quality of life for residents and make a positive impact in the community. Whether it’s supporting education, health and wellness, the arts, or other areas that are important to our policyholders and the communities we serve, we believe that supporting local initiatives is an essential part of our commitment to the region.

Application and Selection Process:

To apply for our grant program, please follow these steps:

Review our grant program guidelines: Before applying, please review the guidelines and eligibility criteria on our website to ensure that your organization and project align with our funding priorities. Our grants selection committee will review all applications and consider the following criteria when making their decisions:
1. Alignment with our mission and funding priorities
2. Impact on the community
3. Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project or program
4. Demonstrated need
5. Collaboration with other organizations and partners
Prepare your proposal (suggested, but not required): To assist our grant assessors, feel free to prepare a detailed project proposal that includes a clear description of the project, the goals and objectives, the target audience, the timeline, and the budget. Your proposal should also explain how your project aligns with our mission and funding priorities.
Complete the online application form: Complete the online application form on our website. The application form will ask for basic information about your organization, project, and budget.
Submit your application: Once you have completed the online application form, submit your application via email by the deadline specified on our website. Late applications will not be considered.
Evaluation process: After the application deadline, our grant review committee will evaluate all applications based on our funding priorities and guidelines. The review process may include additional questions and requests for clarification.
Award notification: Once the review process is complete, we will notify all applicants of our funding decisions. If your proposal is selected for funding, we will work with you to finalize the grant agreement and payment schedule.

At BCM Mutual Insurance, we are committed to supporting the communities where our policyholders live and work. Through our Community Grants Program, we hope to provide financial support to organizations and initiatives that make a positive impact in the Niagara Region and help to build strong, vibrant communities. If you have any questions or would like to apply for a grant, please visit our website or contact our office for more information.

Guidelines to be a Successful Applicant

Guidelines to be a Successful Applicant

Understand the mission and priorities of the grant program: Before applying for a grant, make sure you have a clear understanding of the mission and priorities of the grant program. This will help you determine if your organization and project align with the goals and objectives of the grant program.
Read the application instructions carefully: Be sure to read the application instructions carefully and follow all of the requirements. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and your ability to follow directions.
Plan and budget thoroughly: A well-planned and well-budgeted project is more likely to be successful. Make sure your budget accurately reflects the expenses required to implement your project and that you have a clear understanding of the revenue sources available to you.
Clearly articulate your project’s goals and objectives: The grant application should clearly articulate your project’s goals and objectives and explain how the project will make a positive impact in the community.
Demonstrate need: Show the grant program why your project is necessary and how it will address a specific need in the community. This can be done through research, data, and/or testimonials from community members.
Include a detailed timeline: A detailed timeline for implementing the project should be included in the grant application. This will demonstrate your organization’s commitment to following through on the project and the ability to complete it in a timely manner.
Show evidence of community support: Demonstrate that the community supports your project. This can be done by including letters of support from community members, local businesses, or other organizations.
Be professional and well-organized: Submit a well-written, professional, and well-organized grant application. This will show the grant program that your organization is serious about the project and has the capacity to carry it out successfully.
Follow up after submitting the grant application: Following up with the grant program after submitting the grant application can show your organization’s commitment and interest in the grant.
Stay organized and keep good records: Keep good records of all correspondence and documentation related to the grant application process. This will help you stay organized and be prepared to provide additional information if needed.

By following these guidelines, your organization will be better prepared to submit a successful grant application and make a positive impact in the community. Good luck!