Resident Enhancement Fund

Do you have an idea for a project that will enhance the well being of the residents at your site? If so, then the Resident Enhancement Fund might just be what you are looking for.

In 2000, PARO’s General Council approved the establishment of a fund that could be used to support projects that provide a long-term benefit to both existing and future residents. Projects that are approved demonstrate that they are able to augment the well-being of residents at a particular teaching site or throughout the province.

Any member of PARO can make an application, but we encourage you to work with your local Site Chair and General Council members in the development and submission of your project proposal. There are two deadlines for the submission of applications: March 1st and November 1st each year.

Examples of previous projects include:

  • Resident lounge refurbishment to include sofa, chairs, coffee table, table and chairs, lamps
  • Replacement of resident lounge appliances such as refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, tea kettle.
  • Resident lounge accessories: plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery, soft furnishings such as pictures, pillows
  • Resident lounge replacement upgrades: Television, television wall mount, DVD player, sound bar
  • The Selection Committee, comprised of one representative from each of the six university sites, in addition to a member of the PARO Board and a PARO staff member, assess all submitted applications and make final recommendations regarding funding.

In evaluating a project proposal, the Selection Committee will consider the amount of any previously funded projects at the same hospital and/or site and endeavor to distribute funds in a fair manner across the province. The following criteria are used by the Selection Committee in assessing proposals:

  • The principle beneficiaries of the project must be members of PARO, i.e. resident physicians working in Ontario.
  • The project must provide a long-term benefit to both existing and future residents.
  • Cost sharing with the hospital must be explored. The result of these discussions with the relevant hospital(s) must be documented in the project proposal. In this situation, the Committee shall seek to give stronger consideration to project proposals that include definite cost-sharing agreements.
  • Where a project will require regular upkeep or maintenance, the proposal must document who will perform said maintenance and/or how funds to pay for this maintenance will be obtained in the future.
  • No funds will be provided for ongoing supplies, upkeep or maintenance of previously funded projects.
  • PARO must be publicly recognized for any projects it funds.
  • The project must not place PARO at any significantly increased legal liability and the proposal will be approved only if, after due consideration, the Selection Committee feels any potential liability implications are insignificant

If you have an idea for a project, contact your local Site Chair and ask them for their assistance in applying. Email contact information for Site Chairs can be found by selecting your University General Council profile page: