funding sources for UC restoration?

[Piper]

So as I've said before, I am with a team of 3 guys who are restoring a UC that belongs to our local legion. We've taken this job on ourselves because it was a shame to see the UC simply sitting outside and rusting away. We've paid for all of the new components ourselves but don't want to do so any more. We're looking for sources of sponsorship and am wondering if anyone knows of a Canadian source for $$ for repairs/restorations of this sort. We are in Ontario Canada. I have looked into the CanadaRemembers website. They offer $$ for cenotaph (and site) upgrades or beautification but they don't allow for $$ to be provided for vehicle restoration. I'm wondering if anyone has ever approached Ford as the engine manufacturer for $$?

Any leads or suggestions would really be appreciated!

Cameron

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Piper

I'm wondering if anyone has ever approached Ford as the engine manufacturer for $$?

Cameron, great idea since Ford Canada built umpteen thousand of them - not just the engine!

Hanno

[chris vickery]

Sounds to me like you guys are looking for a benefactor for the project such as a corporate sponsor, group or private individual.
Always worth a shot to try Ford Canada or maybe the local Ford dealer.
Unfortunately these days, most sponsors seek some sort of recognition from their donations, whether it be through advertising or financially (eg tax receipts)I could see the local Ford dealer wanting to have it available for loan for promotion or advertising...
I think that your group may be in for a hard sell as it usually comes down to "whats in it for me" mentality.
Most museums have an extremely difficult time in extracting funds from government sources let alone the generousity of the public, hence the poor quality and conditions of most museum displays.

Just a question and maybe none of my business but I'll ask anyways...
Why did you guys decide to undertake a project out of your own pockets rather than having the appropriate funds raised ahead of time?

If the Legion has endorsed your endeavour shouldn't it be the members financing it???

[Piper]

Hi Chris

All the points you make are spot on. Our group has discussed the "what's in it for me mentality" and so forth. Collectively we've probably spent about $700 to this point. We've put in a lot of sweat equity and time as well. Why did we undertake this without $$ behind us? I guess there are a couple of reasons. 1 I'm a piper in our local legion band. Every function we stand by our cenotaph I look at the UC and think it needs some work. My friend Richard said to me one day "why don't we take a look at it". Well that began a lot of legion members saying "oh, they'll never get any help, or started, or find the manuals, or parts, or..." So, being Scottish and stubborn we took it upon ourselves to get it going. The local town has provided us with a heated bay to work in, a company provided transportation to the bay all for free.

Now that we know it'll go, we want to show people that it runs and hopefully they'll open their wallets.

I guess I was wishing (hoping) that someone on this board had a magic donation fairy that would just cut us a cheque for $10,000.!!! Our legion, like most, is pretty cash strapped. Hopefully we'll do it in 5's and 10's.

Anyway, we'll get it somehow.

Cameron

[servicepub (RIP)]

Try the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This is a provincial organisation that will often do a 'dollar for dollar' matching funds grant. Good luck.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Piper

So as I've said before, I am with a team of 3 guys who are restoring a UC that belongs to our local legion. We've taken this job on ourselves because it was a shame to see the UC simply sitting outside and rusting away. We've paid for all of the new components ourselves but don't want to do so any more. We're looking for sources of sponsorship and am wondering if anyone knows of a Canadian source for $$ for repairs/restorations of this sort. We are in Ontario Canada. I have looked into the CanadaRemembers website. They offer $$ for cenotaph (and site) upgrades or beautification but they don't allow for $$ to be provided for vehicle restoration. I'm wondering if anyone has ever approached Ford as the engine manufacturer for $$?

Any leads or suggestions would really be appreciated!

Cameron

Cameron..
This just popped up on a News release today...one eight hundred number and all...

Go get 'em!!!

"Community events give all citizens the opportunity to interact with our Veterans as well as honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said the Honourable Michael Chong.

The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through Veterans Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.

To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund or to apply for funding, go to www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call 1-800-443-0394.

[Piper]

I'm on the phone tomorrow!!!

Thanks Alex

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Piper

I'm on the phone tomorrow!!!

Thanks Alex

\

Piper..
here is the latest News Release on the funding..
How are you doing..??
Any luck..?

May 16, 2008 14:04 ET
Government of Canada Supports the Canadian Battlefields Foundation's Commemorative Initiatives

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 16, 2008) - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced today a contribution of up to $21,000 to the Canadian Battlefields Foundation. This important contribution, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, will support education programs for Canadians, especially youth, about Canada's role in military operations since the beginning of the 20th Century.

"Our country has a strong and proud military history," said Minister Thompson. "This important contribution to the Canadian Battlefields Foundation provides our youth with meaningful opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding about Canada's important participation throughout the 20th Century in events that helped to shape our country's destiny and future."

"Remembering and honouring the men and women who served our country so bravely is important to Canadians," added Minister Thompson. "Educational projects allow more Canadian youth to play an active role in remembering these heroes."

The Canadian Battlefields Foundation was established to educate and actively promote Canada's role in the Second World War and other wars of the 20th Century through battlefield study tours, educational activities and commemorative events. The funding will help the organization encourage the next generation to continue honouring our service men and women.

The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through Veterans Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.

For more information, please contact
Veterans Affairs Canada
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
613-992-7468

or

Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
613-996-4649