Q: How do I apply?
A: We encourage charities to fill out our online application form which can be found at https://www.paysbig.com/heart.

Q: Can I mail in my charity’s application?
A: Yes, you can! If you wish to fill out a PDF version of our application, please reach out to Sarah Neubauer at PR@paysbig.com to request this form. Mailed-in applications must be postmarked by the deadline specified on the website and application.

Q: Can I e-mail or hand-deliver the application?
A: We do not accept e-mailed or hand-delivered applications.

Q: Can I add additional information that goes above what is asked for?
A: Yes, you may. We love to learn more about each charity applying! Please note that as long as you meet our criteria listed in our submission guidelines, you will be entered into our random drawing!

Q: When are applications due for the 2024 Heart of Canal Street?
A: Applications must be submitted or postmarked by Tuesday, November 21, 2024.

Q: Will my charity get invited to the Random Drawing Event?
A: If you have received an email stating that your application has been accepted with additional information about our random drawing event, then you are invited to join us.

Q: Why was my application denied?
A: If your application was denied, your charity did not meet our list of criteria. You can find this list in our submission guidelines here.

Q: When is the Random Drawing Event this year?
A: The 2024 Heart of Canal Street Random Drawing Event will take place on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Please note that only the accepted charity applications will be invited to this event.

Q: When will I know if my application has been accepted?
A: Charities will be informed of their application status prior to Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Q: How do I know if I can apply?
A: The following are criteria for eligible charities:

• Established 501(c) (3) public charity as defined under the Internal Revenue Code and has been in existence under the IRS designated agency name for at least five years.
• Agency must be located in Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Waukesha or Washington County.
• Must operate demonstrated programming that primarily provides direct services to children (infant to 17 years of age) who reside in at least one of the above counties.

Please see our submission guidelines to review further eligibility.

Q: Can I apply again this year if I won the random drawing last year?
A: You are ineligible if your organization received $20,000 or more from Potawatomi Casino Hotel, Heart of Canal Street /or Forest County Potawatomi Foundation between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024.

Q: How are winners decided?
A: A unique aspect of our program is that there is a random drawing to decide which charities win. So as long as the charities meet the criteria listed on the application, they are entered into the random drawing.

Q: How many winners will there be?
A: The 2024 Heart of Canal Street will have 30 children’s charity winners and giving away over $500,000 total!

Q: My charity was randomly selected as a winner at the Random Drawing Event… now what!?
A: Congratulations! Here’s what’s next:

• Make sure you sign and return our Charity Participation Agreement.
• Watch for an email that includes when we will drop off your customized award and check.
• Within 3 months after receiving Heart of Canal Street funds, please share a follow-up report.

Q: How can the community contribute to Heart of Canal Street?
A: We invite you to share YOUR heart, simply by playing the Heart of Canal Street Bingo game at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Every time you play this special game, you’re helping to raise funds to reach our goal of giving away over $500,000 to deserving local children’s charities!

Q: When did Heart of Canal Street begin?
A: Since 1994, Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s signature community program has partnered with local children’s charities to help improve the lives of children by putting food on tables, helping kids stay safe and encouraging an appreciation of the arts. In partnership with the Heart of Canal Street charities, Potawatomi is truly helping give the gift of a promising future to area children.