This is a one-time allocation of funds in the NWT Environmental Stewardship Fund in Memory of Doug Ritchie. The Fund is for advocacy work that promotes a clean, sustainable and healthy environment for all NWT residents. The NWT Environmental Stewardship Fund in Memory of Doug Ritchie consists of an endowment of $25,000 collected through donations since April 2015. Donations are still accepted through the Yellowknife Community Foundation.

Charitable organizations as well as NWT residents are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000. If an organization does not have charitable status, it may consider partnering with an organization that has charitable status or the grant may be allocated to an individual. Individuals receiving a grant will be issued a T4A.

The deadline for applications is October 13th, 2015. A selection committee will make decisions about the amount of each grant and the number of grants. Successful applicants will be notified on November 2nd, 2015.

Proposal leads must be NWT-based individuals or organizations, however partnerships with local, territorial and national partners are eligible and encouraged. In honour of Doug who filled out his fair share of funding proposals over the years, there is an absolutely firm two-page limit for the funding proposal, including a budget, and a statement of the goals, potential impact and benefits the project will produce. Any expenses related to the project are eligible. There is no deadline by which the funding must be spent and no final reporting is required.

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Budget
• Potential to influence lasting policy or change at the community level
• Environmental benefits to the target community or NWT
• Amount of potential positive awareness the project will build
• Confidence that proposed actions will deliver on project goals

Doug Ritchie was a well-known, and highly respected NWT environmental crusader. He loved the NWT and its people and wanted to make the North a better place for all its residents. Doug passed away on January 10, 2015 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.