McKercher LLP Community Fund – FAQ’s

Community involvement has always been a priority at McKercher LLP. Our newly formed McKercher LLP Community Fund was created to invest in projects in our communities on an annual basis. Our fund supports initiatives that are aligned with our three pillars of investment and provide impact in our communities.

We are excited to see all the applications come in and cannot wait to announce the recipients of the grants. For those organizations still wondering if they should apply, please review our most frequently asked questions below.

What type of organizations are applicable to receive a McKercher LLP Community Fund grant?

Grants are open to registered charities and incorporated non-profits in Saskatchewan, or regional and/ or national charities and incorporated non-profits with operations in Saskatchewan.

My organization operates outside of Saskatoon or Regina (but still within Saskatchewan), is our project still eligible?

Yes! The McKercher LLP Community Fund was created to invest in communities throughout the entirety of Saskatchewan. Grants are open to registered charities and incorporated non-profits in Saskatchewan, or regional and/or national charities and incorporated non-profits with operations in Saskatchewan.

How are the recipients determined to receive a grant?

Applications are reviewed by a panel of volunteers from McKercher LLP with representation in both Saskatoon and Regina including staff, management, and lawyers. The projects we support fall under one or more of our pillars of investment. (1) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (2) Education & Literacy (3) Community Development & Capacity. The intent for the grants is to benefit communities throughout Saskatchewan. The panel will consider regional distribution in awarding the grants.

What will the McKercher LLP Community Fund not fund?

Investments through grants from the McKercher LLP Community Fund are meant to be granted to fund executable projects within the communities to provide impact in one or all of the pillars of support above. We would love to be able to support all organizations that submit an application. However, it is not within our reach to do so. Grants are not normally provided to:

  • Organizations that do not qualify for non-profit or charitable status
  • Conference sponsorship or attendance
  • Funding operational deficiencies, expenses, or salaries
  • Lotteries, raffles or cash prizes
  • Fraternal or religious organizations
  • Individuals, teams or travel
  • Widespread unaddressed form letter appeals
  • Tabled fundraising events

Will the McKercher LLP Community Fund support my tabled fundraising event?

Unfortunately, due to the matter of a tabled fundraiser, this is out of the scope of what qualifies for the grant.

I think the McKercher LLP Community Fund could provide support to my organization. How do I apply?

Applications are only accepted online via the form available on the McKercher LLP website. Link to the form is available by clicking here.

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications are being accepted until October 16th, 2023, at 5:00 PM CST.

Do you have a downloadable version of the questions and applications requirements?

Review applications questions before applying by downloading this PDF.

If my organization is selected as a grant recipient, what will it receive?

For 2023, if our adjudication panel approves your organization for a grant, our community fund will provide your organization with a $3,500 grant. Our firm also has experienced resources available to provide legal services to charities and non-profits in Saskatchewan. As part of our formal Pro Bono initiative, qualified recipients of a monetary grant from our Community Fund may also be eligible to receive legal services as part of our program. Those receiving grants for their project/program will also be asked to participate in a grant ceremony.

Where is the grant ceremony being held this year? (2023)

Location of the ceremony(s) will be dependent on the location of the investments granted.

Will grant recipients be publicly announced?

McKercher LLP will publicly announce the grants and promote them through various means including social media. Our expectation is to promote the successful project/program on our Community page and social channels.

What is required from an organization that is successful?

McKercher LLP would expect a progress report from grant recipients within 6 months of completion of the project/program. Note that successful applicants will also be required to sign a contract agreeing to terms to receive the grant.