Unfortunately, some funders have introduced "One application per entity" policies to their funding streams, which negatively impact shared platforms like MakeWay, who often have multiple groups operating under the same charitable number wanting to apply. This is something we proactively look out for:

• The shared platform team reviews all funding opportunities that we come across for eligibility restrictions, and individuals will notify Project Specialists and the Director, Shared Platform if we find one.
• One of the team will reach out to the funder immediately (often via our Foundation colleagues if they have relationships) to explain the shared platform model and to ask for an exemption.
• The specific messaging we use varies on the funder and any related context; however, it typically includes an explanation of the shared platform model, the rationale for the model (always linking back to equitable distribution of charitable funds) and examples of other funders who recognize shared
  platforms. We’ll always work towards a phone call with senior staff when possible. We have experienced success using this approach with many funders such as RBC Foundation (yes – finally!), Bell, Community Foundations of Canada, Toronto Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, Canadian Roots Exchange and various provincial and Federal government funding streams. Where we haven’t been successful, it’s typically due to organizations requiring Board approval to change a policy which is often too time-consuming or not a priority. Ontario Trillium Foundation is an example of a funder who we continue to engage in conversation with, but after 18 months they are not intending to reverse their decision to accept only one application per entity.
• When we are not able to secure an exemption, the shared platform team is the unfortunate position of needing to choose one application to submit on behalf of the shared platform, using the following process:
  • Projects are asked to submit a summary of their planned application by a certain deadline, which will be set with enough time for the successful project to complete a full proposal.
  • Our initial approach is always to explore a collaborative applications between multiple projects (often challenging to tie together) or to see if projects have other partners they can apply through.
  • Once we have exhausted these options, we will use a decision matrix to assess applications based on criteria including likelihood of success, availability of alternative funding, urgency of the funding, and whether a project has been impacted by these restrictions in the past. The Director, Shared Platform will make a final decision and communicate this to all interested projects.
• NOTE: We have also submitted applications through both MakeWay Foundation and MakeWay Charitable Society in the past to at least be able to submit two applications, though the outcome has been mixed as many funders won’t fund Foundations/intermediaries.
  

Operationally, the shared platform team has an internal tracker that we use to capture which funders have these limitations, who is having conversations with them, what the outcome is, and key messaging/rationale that has been successful. We always endeavor to be fully transparent with projects when these restrictions arise, and if we think they will impact likelihood of success. Funder advocacy around shared platforms continues to be a priority for MakeWay, and we’re working on a version of the shared platform brochure for funders to help with education across the sector