It's all about being a Good Neighbour

The Good Neighbour Program is Meridian's holistic approach to social responsibility – reflecting the needs of our neighbourhoods by being inclusive and engaging – and helping to grow strong and vibrant communities across Ontario in the markets where our employees and Members live and work.

Through our Good Neighbour Program and our other local community investments, we invest over $1 million per year – Programs and initiatives pursed and supported under the Program happen right in the communities where our Members live and work, and where our employees can see the results of their efforts in action.

Why being a Good Neighbour matters

Neighbourhood revitalization is an important issue in Canadian communities. Through our Good Neighbour Program Meridian supports a broad range of programs, events and initiatives that strengthen our neighbourhoods. Key initiatives, as identified by our stakeholders, include local programs, events and activities that support economic development, social causes and the environment.

Just as Meridian provides leadership in personalized, relationship-based financial services, we're taking on the challenge of being a leader in revitalizing neighbourhoods. The communities where our Members and employees live and work are important to us, and we're committed to their ongoing strength and vitality.

Key Good Neighbour Initiatives

Through our Good Neighbour Program, Meridian supports a broad range of events and initiatives that strengthen our neighbourhoods.

Key initiatives include organizations and causes that support local economic development, social causes and the environment.

Watch for Meridian Credit Union to make an impact in your community, and take advantage of opportunities to secure Meridian support for donations or sponsorships that fit with our Good Neighbour Program.

What we're looking for

Meridian Credit Union's local branch and commercial business centre staff are actively searching for events and activities and programs to sponsor that support local economic development, social services and the environment. We are also looking for events that engage our employees in the community.

If your event, activity or program aligns well with our program, we'd like to hear from you. Here are a few more ways to get our attention:

• Hold your event in the communities where we do business. Preferably within a 5km radius from one of our branch locations.
• Show us that your group is able to complete the project and evaluate the results and impact.
• Explain to us how the sponsorship provides marketing and recognition opportunities for Meridian Credit union, and, when available, offer title sponsor positioning and industry exclusivity.
• Make sure that your cause fits within our areas of focus, resonates with our members and local community and that it provides Meridian with access to contacts and potential new Members.

Important information to keep in mind

• Meridian accepts Good Neighbour Program applications year-round, although requests for the current year must be received before November 1.
• Sponsorship requests must be received a minimum of three months before the event. No exceptions.
• Previous sponsorship support by Meridian Credit Union does not guarantee approval of your application, and not all eligible requests can be funded.
• Meridian Credit Union does not provide capital campaign donations, funding for operational costs or deficits, travel expenses, religious or political activities, private schools, individual pursuits, or any projects or events taking place outside the communities where we do business.
• Be sure to include as much information as possible on the application form. If necessary, you can send us a separate email with a supporting document (doc, xls, pdf format).
• Please carefully consider your application as Meridian will sponsor only one event/initiative/program per organization per year.
• After the event, you agree to complete a Good Neighbour Program post event evaluation report outlining the success of the event and how Meridian was recognized.

Sponsorship Approval

Applications requesting funding up to and including $3,000 will be reviewed at the local level and we’ll usually let you know our decision, via email, within 30 days.

Applications requesting funding over $3,000 will be reviewed by our Good Neighbour Allocations Committee, and we’ll usually let you know their decision, via email, within 60 days.

Funding Application Form

Please Note: Meridian is currently updating the Good Neighbour Program for 2010 to better serve the communities where we work, live and play.

Applications are being accepted for 2010 events and sponsorships. Processing of 2010 applications will begin in early January.

Click Here for the Good Neighbour Program Funding Application Form. Please be sure to read the "Important Information to keep in mind" section above, and then fill in all fields required.