Jaime Scott Summers
Memorial Fund

Background

The Jaime Scott Summers Memorial Fund was established to provide accessible, timely funding in the form of microgrants to individuals, groups, collectives and grassroots organizations for initiatives which make an immediate and measurable impact on the lives of two-spirit, trans and gender diverse Albertans.

This fund was created in the honour of Jaime Summers, who passed away in the winter of 2024 as a result of the rising transphobic hate and violence within Alberta. Jaime was a trans man whose was passionate about precision crafts including micro-origami and typography. He was happy and grateful to get to work in an inclusive workplace, through which he had life insurance.  The designated beneficiary of this life insurance policy decided to donate the full amount to initiatives which support the lives of two-spirit, trans and gender diverse Albertans, with the majority of this amount being used to start this fund as administered by Skipping Stone.

Eligible Initiatives

The Jaime Scott Summers Memorial Fund provides funding to individuals, collectives, and grassroots nonprofits for activities, events and engagements that uplift and increase equity for the two-spirit, trans and gender diverse community in Alberta.

Applications should align with one or more of the following priority areas:
• Enhancing learning and/or understanding of trans identities and issues in broader community;
• Increasing visibility and representation of two-spirit, trans and gender diverse individuals in small urban centres and/or rural communities;
• Promoting unity, connection and belonging within the two-spirit trans and gender diverse community as well as their supporters;
• Centering the experiences and voices of Indigenous, Black and racialized, two-spirit, trans and gender diverse individuals;
• Creating, celebrating and sharing moments of Trans Joy.

Some ideas for initiatives could include a pop up music event, artisan market, creation or exhibits of artwork, recreational activities, dance party, film screening, workshops and showcases of local artists. This fund is intended to fund singular events or series of events; current and/or ongoing programs are not eligible.

Who can apply?

Any Alberta-based individual, group of individuals, collectives, community or grassroots organizations, as well as registered charitable and non-profit organizations whose previous year’s annual expenses were under $100,000.
While it is not a requirement for application that the initiatives are trans-led, those that are will be given priority and those that aren’t must specifically speak to how two-spirit, trans and gender diverse individuals will be involved in the creation and execution of the initiative.

How much funding is available?

The fund provides micro-grant opportunities up to a maximum total of $1,500 each month.
Applications may request between $500 - $1,500 per initiative.

What are the timelines for applications & initiatives?

This funding stream is intended to realize ideas, promote engagement, and enable actions in the most timely and low-barrier method possible. As such, one of the priorities is to create frequent application opportunities with short decision turn around times.

Applications are due by 9am on the first business day of each month. Notifications will strive to be given by the 15th of the same month.
Projects must be completed within 6 months of notification of acceptance. Projects that are commencing within 20 days of the application deadline are ineligible.

What is the application process?

Please submit written proposal no more than 3 pages in length total, or if desired, we are also happy to accept proposals in different formats, including by video. If submitting a video application, please ensure it is under 5 minutes in length. Your application can take any format that is most accessible for you and best conveys your project.

Applications should be send to info@skippingstone.ca with the subject line: Jaime Scott Summers Memorial Fund

It must include the following information:

1. Applicant info:
a.  Name of applicant
b.  Name of collective/organization/co-applicants (if applicable)
c.  Telephone
d.  Email Address
e.  Website and/or social media channels (if applicable)

2. Project Overview:
a.  Project name
b.  Description
c.  Project timelines
d.  Geographic area(s) served
e.   Roles and responsibilities of the individuals involved 
f.   Any partners/collaborators on the project
g. How are you collaborating/consulting with the trans and gender diverse community in the planning and execution of your project?
h. What considerations have been given to ensure your initial is accessible?

3. Outcomes & Goals
a.  How does this project align with one or more of the priority areas?
b.  What is the desired impact that comes from this project?
c.  How will do define and measure success?

 4.  Budget
a.  Amount Requested from the Fund
b.  Amount and sources for any additional project funds (not required)
c.  A list of anticipated project expenses

All applications are reviewed internally by Skipping Stone staff based on alignment with priority areas and the fund’s strategic goals.
We may reach out to you with questions and clarifications, if needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. This fund is intended to promote the creation of new projects and initiatives.
    However, you may apply for funding to add a new element to an existing program.

    For example:
    Adding a new stage for trans and gender diverse artists at an existing festival;
    Adding an educational/interactive element to an existing exhibit.

  • You can only submit one application for review at at time. If accepted, you are not eligible for funding until that project and reporting are completed. Once final reporting has been accepted by Skipping Stone, you are eligible to reapply for a new initiative through the stream.

  • We strongly encourage initiatives that are free to the community to participate in. However, we also recognize that a moderate fee to help offset expenses is appropriate in some cases.

    In these instances, we encourage using ‘pay what you can’ models and/or explore other ways you can make your initiative accessible.

  • Ineligible expenses include:
    • Capital and overhead expenses
    • Expenses incurred prior to the application approval;
    • Expenses that are not directly relevant to the initiative being applied for;
    • Expenses that are already covered by other funding sources;
    • Prize monies;
    • Activities whose primary goal is fundraising;
    • Commercial or profit generating activities;
    • Expenses and supplies deemed unreasonable;

    Expenses and costs that deviate from amounts reflected in the budget by more than 15% must be approved in advance.