The Funding Opportunities Update is prepared by the Commissioner's Office within the Region of Durham's Social Services Department. We recognize that a strong and well-resourced non-profit and charitable sector plays a vital role in meeting the needs of Durham's diverse communities. As part of this commitment, we share information about grant programs and funding opportunities that may be of interest to our community partners.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your networks and contacts.

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If you would like to receive the Funding Opportunities Update or be removed from our mailing list, please contact us at funding@durham.ca.

Funding Resources

Visit our Funding Resources page for grant-writing tools, application resources, and information about funding opportunities that may become available between newsletter editions.

Important Tip!

Register your organization online at the Transfer Payment Ontario website. This site provides information about available grants, how to apply for grants and how to check the status of your application.

Do you struggle to find local data to support your grant applications?

Links to local data: You will find links to local Durham data on our Funding Resources page: Funding Resources - Region of Durham

Durham’s Vital Data Dashboard is an interactive platform where users can explore the indicators and data used as part of Durham’s Vital Signs and Durham Community Foundation's 2023 report, Together we Thrive.

Grant Connect: Durham Community Foundation is pleased to provide charities and non-profit organizations based in the Region of Durham and Northumberland County with the community license to Imagine Canada’s Grant Connect, a fundraising platform that connects organizations with funders who share their cause.

Community Data Program: The Community Data Program provides access to socio-economic data for small area geographies to help communities to measure and track local well-being. Neighbourhood level data is available including:

• Population and demographics
• Income, employment, and labour force data
• Housing and affordability indicators
• Health and well-being measures
• Equity-related indicators

Durham non-profit organizations with a local mandate can join the Durham Region consortium to gain access to the Community Data Program. Joining a consortium costs an annual $150 membership fee and provides access to an unlimited number of individual users. To register your organization with the Durham Region consortium, please visit: Create Member Organization | The Community Data Program

Find free webinars and other resources through the following sites:

• Invest Durham
• Imagine Canada
• Charity Village
• Community Foundations of Canada
• Ontario Nonprofit Network
• Ontario Trillium Foundation

For employers: Funding applications open in fall 2026

For students: Find a summer job on Job Bank

For employers

Canada Summer Jobs helps strengthen your organization and empower the next generation. If approved, your organization can gain valuable wage subsidies that make it easier to hire motivated youth. You'll have the opportunity to enhance your team with fresh talent, reduce staffing costs, and create meaningful opportunities that help young people build skills and careers. It's a smart investment that grows your organization while supporting your community.

For youth

Kickstart your career this summer with Canada Summer Jobs! Gain valuable, paid work experience in quality roles that help you build skills, grow your network, and make a difference in your community. Whether you’re exploring career paths or looking to strengthen your resume, this program connects you with employers ready to invest in your future. Find a summer job on Job Bank

Learn more...

Deadline: July 7, 2026

The MHS4PSP 2026-27 grant program is for eligible public safety organizations in the emergency health services sector. This grant program provides funding to support the purchase of mental health services that have been designed for public safety personnel (PSP), as offered through Warrior Health.

To improve access to specialized mental health services for PSP, Warrior Health has partnered with leading mental health care providers including:

• Wounded Warriors Canada
• Homewood Health
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Trillium Health Partners
• Boots on the Ground

This funding is part of the $45.2 million announced in the 2022 Budget for programs focusing on early intervention, access to specialized mental health services and creation of an online provincewide inventory of available services and supports for public safety personnel.

Eligible applicants include municipal or regional and First Nations public safety organizations such as fire services, emergency health services and police services.

Applicants can use this grant to fund specialized mental health services including:

• general wellness programs
• peer support training
• leadership training
• mindfulness programs
• supports to reduce mental health stigma
• pre-employment mental health screening and recruitment tools

Learn more...

Deadline: July 13, 2026

The Sport Hosting Program provides project-based funding to help applicants deliver major national and international amateur sport events in Ontario. The objectives of the program are to:

• create legacies that support sport at the provincial, regional and local level
• provide economic benefits through increased levels of tourism, expenditures and improved public infrastructure
• foster a culture of sport and physical activity in communities by creating role models and enhancing community spirit and involvement in sports
• increase opportunities for Ontario athletes to compete and participate in events in Ontario
• seek new avenues to build and develop the sport capacity of the province by providing additional ways to develop and train coaches, officials and volunteers
• create a culture of sport that engages all Ontarians

Eligible applicants - To apply for this program, you must:

• be a legal entity and have been in existence for one year or longer as of the application date
• not in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
• not self-endorse your own application for the program
• be an eligible applicant under one of the three application streams for the program

Stream 1: Provincial or National Sport Organizations

• Provincial Sport/Multi-Sport Organizations recognized under Ontario’s Provincial Sport Recognition Policy.
• National Sport Organizations funded by Sport Canada.

Stream 2: event host organizations

• Not-for-profit organizations (including universities and colleges).
• Ontario municipalities.
• Indigenous organizations, First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities.

Stream 3: emerging sports

• Not-for-profit organizations (including universities and colleges).
• Ontario municipalities.
• Indigenous organizations, First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities.

Program guidelines: 2026–2027 Sport Hosting Program Guidelines and Reference Documents

Learn more...

Deadline: July 13, 2026

Events and Youth Initiatives: Available funding for any proposed Event or Youth Initiative is up to a maximum of $10,000.

Events are community-based, planned public, social, and/or learning occasions and activities relating to the themes and objectives of the National Anti-Racism Fund. Formats include conferences, summits, workshops, galas, festivals, exhibits, and reconciliation or intercultural activities.

Youth Initiatives are initiatives that are youth-led or focused on youth. Youth are defined as persons under the age of 30. Formats include conferences, summits, workshops, galas, festivals, exhibits, and reconciliation or intercultural activities.



Learn more...

Deadline: July 14, 2026

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based stream is a federal grant. It supports projects that are designed by seniors and for seniors in their communities. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities through increased social inclusion.

Eligible organizations can apply for up to $50,000 for projects that are led by seniors and are volunteer based.

Funding Objectives

• Objective 1: Promoting volunteering among seniors and other generations
• Objective 2: Engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others
• Objective 3: Expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
• Objective 4: Supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors
• Objective 5: Providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors (Capital assistance projects may use up to $25,000 of the total approved funding, for eligible capital expenses.)

Note: Additional National priorities are available on the webpage (see the “Learn More” link below). Projects submitted for this grant (up to $50,000) do not have to meet one of the National priorities. However, if your project does meet one of the National priorities, it will receive extra points during the assessment process. To receive additional points, only one national priority needs to be met.



Learn more...

Deadline: July 15, 2026

Founded by TD Bank Group in 1990, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs.

Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. For a full list, please see the Common Questions.

Submission Deadlines: January 15 and July 15   

 

Learn more...

Deadline: July 28, 2026

This funding opportunity will support projects that promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through National Accessibility Week (NAAW) activities delivered in 2027, 2028 and in 2029, that highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities, raise awareness, and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada. The objective is to fund projects that promote the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations through NAAW activities that:

• highlight the contributions of persons with disabilities; and
• raise awareness and promote accessibility and inclusion in communities and workplaces across Canada

Eligible organizations can apply for:

• up to $180,000 over three years for scalable NAAW projects; or
• up to $360,000 over three years for scalable NAAW projects that have regional or national scope and partnerships with diverse groups from within the disability community

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will hold virtual information sessions to provide an overview of this application process for organizations interested in applying for funding. The dates for the sessions are as follows:



• July 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT (French session)
• July 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EDT (English session)

 

Learn more...

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Canadian registered charities and qualified donees are invited to apply for grants that support local, grassroots community-based health and education programs that help youth reach their full potential.

• Single year funding
• Up to $20,000 per year, except for Barrie and Central Ontario, which is up to $10,000
• Maximum one application per calendar year to each Community Board region

Your program must:

• Support youth up to age 29 in Canada experiencing obstacles to reaching their full potential
• Focus on health or education

*Preference is given to programs that best demonstrate how using technology can increase the effectiveness of their program to make positive impacts on communities.

Examples include:

• Automating or digitizing your programs to better support the communities you serve
• Improving your program’s digital capabilities, such as creating and delivering online learning curriculum
• Building sensory-friendly environments for clients with disabilities.

Important note: Software products like Microsoft Office, Zoom and Google Suite, along with smartphones and tablets, do not qualify as technology in this context.

Learn more...

Coming Soon: Applications for the 2027 grant are open from July 6 to July 31, 2026

The Community Wellbeing Grant is lululemon Gives’ annual, application-based grant program. Since its inception in 2016, we have invested in community resilience by supporting organizations that are creating inclusive access to wellbeing practices.

Our goal is to provide funding to community-led charitable organizations that remove barriers to wellbeing for their communities through movement programming. We aim to provide philanthropic resources to organizations that may not traditionally have access to them and welcome new organizations to our lululemon community every year.

The Community Wellbeing Grant is a one-year grant program. In addition to funding, we provide optional offerings throughout the grant cycle to support grant recipients’ individual and organizational wellbeing.

Organizations can apply for up to $50,000 USD, which should not exceed 40% of their most recently completed fiscal year’s operating budget.

Defining Wellbeing *

At lululemon, our purpose is to elevate human potential by helping people feel their best. We recognize that everyone has their own unique definition of wellbeing. For some, it includes a holistic view of mind, body, and soul, while for others, it focuses on specific aspects such as having a sense of community or living in an inviting physical environment. We define wellbeing as a lifetime practice of three interconnected elements. Balancing these elements supports us in feeling our best.

Physical Wellbeing: Feeling empowered and able to give one’s body what it needs for health and quality of life.

Mental Wellbeing: Feeling emotionally prepared and able to handle what the future holds.

Social Wellbeing: Feeling connected to others, being part of something larger than oneself, and contributing to a supportive community.



Learn more...

Coming Soon: 2027 Community Grant Program applications will be available on the City’s website in the first week of August, 2026

What will the City Fund: Activities, programs or initiatives that serve the residents of Pickering or provide an economic benefit to the City, or that create a positive image of the City.

First Time Applicants: For new applicants, the maximum grant amount that an eligible organization can receive is $3,000.

Who is Eligible: Local Community Groups and Organizations

• That are Not for Profit
• That serve, in whole or in part, the residents of the City of Pickering - At least 80% of the organization’s members reside in Pickering
• Regionally based organizations, if their services directly benefit Pickering residents
• Religious organizations, if their event or program is open to the public and conducted in public or commercial spaces

Who is Not Eligible:

• Individuals
• For profit groups/organizations
• Organizations with a political mandate
• Ratepayer's associations or tenant/landlord associations
• Daycare or Nursery Schools
• School or school related extracurricular events
• Adult or youth competitive sports teams or leagues
• Organizations that receive funding from United Way Durham or benefit from Bingo Lottery proceeds
• Activities with high liability (eg. Fireworks, dunk tanks and pyrotechnics)

Learn more...

Coming Soon: Grant application period is July 22 to August 18, 2026

Seed grants help organizations build resilience and enhance their ability to deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Applicants can apply for funding to support organizational planning, pilot a new program, and build their capacity to plan for future programs and services.

The grant application period is July 22, 2025 to August 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.



Learn more...

Upcoming Meeting: August 18, 2026

Deadline to apply to present at upcoming meeting: August 12, 2026

Following in the footsteps of the Baagwating Community Association (BCA) which dissolved in 2016, the MSIFN Donation Committee has continued to help organizations, communities, and individuals with charitable giving. The MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee aims to resume the generous work of their predecessors.

In an attempt to streamline all requiest from individuals, authorized representatives, organizations, and sponsorship of organized sports, we have created four applications forms. Each form consists of a checklist and guidelines of what the MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee would like to review when considering a request for assisance. 

Please note that if your request is approved by the MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee, those funds must be used within three (3) months of the approval date for the purpose intended, or returned to the Committee for redistribution.

Please choose the appropriate form, based on the following categories, for your request:

• Financial Hardship: form for individuals with a need derived from harsh and unforeseen circumstances.
• Medical: Form for authorized representatives, i.e. Occupational Therapists, Social/Case Workers, Support Personnel, etc.,
• Organizations: Form for representatives of charitable organizations/events, not-for-profits, businesses, etc.,
• Sponsorships: Forms for sports teams or individual participants in organized sports.

The MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee plans to meet once a month to review requests. Please send in requests at least three working days prior to the next scheduled meeting for inclusion.

Learn more...

Quarter Three Deadline: August 28, 2026

At Trillium Mutual we are proud of our strong legacy of community support over many years. We are committed to the sustainability of rural Ontario and we realize we have an opportunity to support programs that will foster the success of this responsibility. Trillium ROOTS Community Fund focus areas include:

Agriculture: Agriculture applications must benefit sustainability and development of the agriculture industry in Ontario

Mental Wellness: Mental Wellness applications must be one-time rural / agricultural projects or programs without government funding.

Healthcare: Healthcare applications must be capital in nature

Emergency Response: Applications must be capital in nature

Environmental/Sustainability: Applications must be capital in nature

Requests for funding are reviewed quarterly. We appreciate as much lead time as possible. The greater the advance notice we are given, the better decisions we can make regarding your application.



Learn more...

Coming Soon: Applications open September, 2026

As a legacy of hosting the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games, the Region of Durham has partnered with Durham Community Foundation to establish two funds to support parasport activities, programs, equipment and events offered within the Region of Durham.

Learn more...

Letter of Intent Deadline: September 1, 2026

Project Funding Deadline: November 15, 2026

The Cooperation with the Community Sector supports engagement by community organizations and strengthens their ability to act while encouraging innovation and excellence.

Eligible projects and programming

Project funding is available for one-time activities that do not require ongoing funding. Priority is given to projects that address current issues, are innovative and help develop areas that are unique or unexplored.

Programming funding is available to carry out ongoing activities supporting community development and can cover organizations' operating costs. Priority is given to programming activities that have a lasting effect and strengthen relations between community stakeholders.

Consideration will also be given to applications in line with the Official Languages mandate and to initiatives that contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. These initiatives should aim to support and meet the objectives of the Development of Official-Language Communities program.



Learn more...

Deadline: Application window open July 1 to September 30, 2026

One-time or multi-year donations and sponsorships that support grassroot initiatives in one of our host communities.

Grants generally range from $2k up to $10k.

Grants are open year-round and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application windows (annual): Requests will be reviewed and evaluated at the end of each application window.

• January 1 to March 31
• April 1 to June 30
• July 1 to September 30
• October 1 to November 15 (Applications close November 15)



Learn more...

Coming Soon: Intake 3 application intake period: August 17, 2026 to October 1, 2026

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program replaces the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program. We modernized and expanded the program to offer $20 million in funding over 2 years. This program supports the objectives of Enabling Opportunity: Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Strategy.

The ROD Program provides cost-share funding for projects that help rural communities:

• address barriers and build capacity for economic development
• to attract, retain and expand businesses
• attract and retain investment and jobs
• strengthen regional partnerships and economic resilience
• address workforce development challenges
• transform community assets to drive economic development

Who is eligible? To qualify for the ROD Program, your organization must be within an eligible rural area of Ontario, and one of the following:

• a municipality
• a not-for-profit organization
• an Indigenous community or organization
• a local services board
• a small business with 1 to 20 employees

Program Streams

Rural Communities Stream: Municipalities, Indigenous communities, local services boards and not-for-profit organizations in rural Ontario can apply through the following streams:

• Economic diversification, competitiveness and capacity building: projects that support communities to build economic development capacity and implement strategies that increase competitiveness to retain businesses, attract investment and enhance growth.
• Strategies and plans: projects will develop strategies or plans that will enhance the ability of communities to be prepared for and engage in economic development activities. This stream offers up to 50% cost-share up, to $50,000.

• Economic diversification and competitiveness: projects will support the implementation an existing economic development plan or strategy. This stream offers up to 50% cost-share, up to $150,000.

• Capacity building events: projects that support organizations in building community capacity to deliver economic development activities. This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, up to $10,000.

• Workforce development, attraction and retention: This stream funds projects that support communities to implement strategies and/or to undertake initiatives for attracting and retaining workers. This stream offers up to 50% cost-share, up to $150,000.
• 
  
• Community infrastructure enhancements: This stream funds projects that update or transform community assets that have been identified as important to the community’s economy. This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, with large projects eligible from $25,000 to $250,000 and for small projects eligible up to $25,000. 

Rural Business Stream: Small brick and mortar businesses in rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees can apply through the business development stream. This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, to a maximum of $10,000.

Learn more...

Coming Soon: Fall submissions open September 10 to October 7, 2026, or until the first 200 applicants are received.

The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund (ICF) offers $5,000 - $25,000 grants for Indigenous-led social, health and community programs. Together, we can make the future friendly by supporting Indigenous leaders and community groups who know their communities best.

The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grant funding to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada across all provinces and territories.

Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to:

• Health, mental health and well-being
• Access to education and resources
• Preservation of the land and water
• Community building and enhancement
• Intergenerational language and cultural revitalization

Preference may be given to programs where technology is being used to advance reconciliation.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed two times per year. Please allow 12 weeks following the application deadline to receive a response regarding your application status. Applications are due by midnight (your local time) on the following dates: 

• Spring: We've received an incredible response and have now closed our application portal.
• Fall: September 10 to October 7, 2026 or until the first 200 applicants are received.



Learn more...

Deadline: Various Dates

Need a job this summer?

The Ontario government — and its partners — offers many programs to help students find summer jobs. You need to apply for most programs. In some cases, the government can connect you to people who can help you with your job search.

The deadlines and what you need to apply depend on the program. Click on the link for each program for more detailed information.

Not a student?

Learn about government job funds, programs and online tools available to help people under 30 build skills, find a job or start businesses all year round.

Learn more...

Deadline: Apply Now

Starter Company Plus Program is for existing business owners operating between 1 to 3 years (market ready/ready to sell), to expand (hiring employees, contractors or getting a location) or buying a business in Durham Region.

The Program provides:

• The program has 3 mandatory training days over 2 weeks (9:00am – 3:00pm) covering Business Concept, Organization, Operations and Customer Relations
• The chance to receive up to $5,000 in seed funding to kick off a new business or expand your current business
• The experience of running a successful business that may help you obtain more traditional financing such as a bank loan if you so require in the future

This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.



Learn more...

Notice: MCDF Community Fund applications are closed for 2026 due to the election year

**Silent Auction applications will still be considered

The next intake for the Community Fund and Lead Grants will open in 2027. Please check back for updates.

The Mayor's Community Development Fund (MCDF) offers funding to local initiatives in our community through Lead Grants up to $25,000 and community grants up to $5,000.

The funding is raised through two events, The Mayor's Gala and the Mayor and Council's Golf Tournament. Up to 50% of the proceeds raised by the fundraisers will be awarded to a Lead cause or charity. The balance will be awarded in smaller community grants.

MCDF Lead Grants are causes or organizations identified as the primary beneficiary of the Mayor and Council’s Golf Tournament and Mayor’s Fundraiser through grant funding of up to 50% of the funds raised to support a major community initiative (capital or program) benefiting the community. Lead Grant applications are reviewed once a year, with an application due date of March 31.

MCDF Community Grants are up to $5,000 and are accepted on a continuous basis and reviewed monthly. Please note that for 2026, Community Grant applications were accepted in January, February, and March only, with the final due date of March 31, 2026.

If you apply, you can also request one of the following silent auction item packages:

• Whitby/Brooklin Retailer Gift Basket ($150 value)
• Whitby Recreation Gift Certificate ($250 value)

Learn more...

Deadline: Open by invitation. If you wish to discuss a proposal idea, please contact our team.

One-time or multi-year donations and sponsorships that provide province-wide benefit in Ontario and support the areas and people where we operate. 

Learn more...

Deadline: Ongoing

The Honda Foundation supports registered non-profit charities that strive to make the lives of Canadians better with a focus on Education, Environment, Mobility, Traffic Safety and Community. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.



Learn more...

Deadline: Ongoing

We're looking to support community projects that contribute to the vitality of our communities by getting our community leaders involved. That's why we invest in organizations working in the areas that matter most to you:

• Academic success and training
• Employment and labour force
• Entrepreneurship and business succession
• The environment
• Excellence and innovation hubs
• Health and healthy lifestyles
• Housing and local services
• Humanitarian work and community involvement
• Sports, recreation, art, culture and tourism

Eligibility

The projects submitted must:

• Be socioeconomic in nature and be both impactful and sustainable
• Meet a demonstrated community need
• Be consistent with one of the following focus areas:
• Develop a service offer from an existing or future organization
• Consolidate an organization's service offer through a significant change of scale
• Consolidate the service offer of one or more organizations by adapting the business model (pooling or merger)
• Have a significant and lasting impact on people and communities, in terms of benefits generated and financial sustainability
• Be in line with the principles of sustainable development and Desjardins's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Have a regional or provincial scope in Quebec or Ontario
• Focus on the best interests of the community, not the project sponsor

Learn more...

Deadline: Ongoing - Applications accepted on a rolling basis.



The Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF) provides annual funding of $5 million to deliver local and intercommunity transportation projects in unserved and underserved areas in Ontario, particularly in rural areas.

OTIF provides time-limited, application-based funding for up to 5 years to support the start-up and growth of transit services across the province. Through OTIF, the province is providing eligible communities with the support they need to build safe and reliable transit services.

Eligible applicants are municipalities, non-profit organizations and Indigenous communities.



Learn more...

Deadline: Ongoing - Continuous intake until funding is fully allocated



The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream offers funding to eligible organizations to:

• build new training centres.
• upgrade existing training centres.
• convert an existing building into a training centre.

The following organizations are eligible to apply to the SDF Capital Stream as a primary applicant:

• employers in Ontario (other than the educational organizations listed as being eligible to apply as partners).
• minister-approved, non-college apprenticeship program training delivery agents.
• non-profit organizations including Indigenous band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders.
• professional, industry or employer associations.
• trade unions or union-affiliated organizations.
• municipalities.
• hospitals.
• District Social Services Administration Boards.
• Consolidated Municipal Service Managers.

The following educational organizations are eligible to apply to the SDF Capital Stream as a partner with one or more of the eligible primary applicant organizations:

• district school boards.
• publicly assisted colleges, universities or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.
• career colleges.
• private universities with consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer degrees.



Learn more...

Deadline: Ongoing



The Museums Assistance Program (MAP) supports heritage institutions and workers in the preservation and presentation of heritage collections. The program fosters the preservation of Indigenous culture and facilitates access to heritage collections for all Canadians. It also promotes professional knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions.

Exhibition Circulation Fund - Ongoing

The Exhibition Circulation Fund component assists museums with the costs of hosting travelling exhibitions originating from another Canadian non-profit organization, an Indigenous organization, or from a federal heritage institution, and borrowing artefacts for exhibition purposes from a federal institution.



Learn more...

Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Maytree is committed to advancing systemic solutions to poverty and strengthening civic communities. We believe the most enduring way to keep people out of poverty is to reimagine and rebuild our public systems to respect, protect, and fulfill the economic and social rights of every person in Canada.

We welcome proposals from registered charities and community-based, non-profit organizations that have an explicit mandate to reduce poverty and build strong civic communities by advancing economic and social rights in Canada.

Please contact info@maytree.com with any questions.

Learn More...

Ongoing: Organizations must start the application process approx. eight months prior to an event. Next Stage 2 Deadline: September 4, 2026

OCAF provides Ontario cultural organizations with investment to increase cultural tourism, earned revenue, private sector sponsorship, economic growth and job creation. OCAF has three specific aims:

• to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario cultural organizations to promote, market and present one-off or first-time events, or a significant expansion of existing activity, which are designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events;
• increase the earned revenue capacity of the applicant organization; and
• support events that foster economic growth and contribute to job creation.

First time applicants, and those requiring further information or assistance with the application, should contact OCAF staff prior to submitting a stage 1 application. Organization must start the application process approximately eight months prior to an event.

OCAF has a two-stage application process which ensures that organizations do not dedicate significant time, effort and resources to an ineligible project. Please refer to “Important Dates” for a current list of stage 2 application deadlines.

Stage 1 requires the applicant to complete a three-page form with basic information about the proposed project and target market. This application is reviewed by program staff. If the project meets the general eligibility criteria, applicants will be provided with the Stage 2 application form.

The Stage 2 application requires the development of a detailed business case that includes a marketing plan, attendance and revenue projections and an analysis of the benefits of the project for the community. Stage 2 applications are reviewed by the OCAF board once staff has done a preliminary assessment.

Repayment

Repayment of a portion of the investment is required in all cases and forms part of the legal agreement between OCAF and successful applicants. The repayment is required within 60 to 90 days after the completion of the event. The repayment formula is based upon the size of the applicant’s operating budget and the project’s earned revenues.

Learn More...

Open Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

FCC Community Funding is one way we help enhance communities where our employees and customers work and live. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $10,000 in FCC Community Funding annually and applications are accepted year-round. Partial funding may also be offered.

Eligible for Funding: Initiatives or capital purchases focused on:

• Food security: organizations or programs addressing issues around food insecurity
• Well-being: supporting the physical or mental health of those working in the Canadian food system
• Education and food literacy: education for people about agriculture and food; creating understanding of production practices and careers in the industry
• Public trust in agriculture and food: promoting the Canadian food system
• Community enhancements: making a difference where our employees and customers live and work.

Learn More...

Deadline: Ongoing

Our climate strategy is grounded in the understanding that reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential to addressing climate change at its source. We prioritize initiatives that can deliver tangible, measurable reductions, and scale these reductions across systems, sectors, and communities.

While mitigation remains the primary focus, we are also interested in efforts to support climate resilience, especially in tandem with mitigation, to build a climate-secure future.

Types of Initiatives:

• Low-Emission & Renewable Technologies
• Nature-Based Solutions
• Green Building & Living
• Community & Climate Resilience
• Climate & Health

Learn More...

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

As part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada, the Peter Gilgan Foundation dedicates funds to reducing barriers and uplifting opportunities and wellbeing for Indigenous young people. Informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as well as the guidance of community leaders who generously share their wisdom and worldviews, we strive to ensure:

• Our objectives centre Indigenous self-determination.
• Our approach remains rooted in relationship.
• Our leadership emerges with humility.

We strengthen both direct youth services and the wider ecosystem of Indigenous-led organizations across Canada, recognizing that reconciliation requires long-term commitment, listening, and trust-based relationships. Our focus areas reflect this commitment and the interconnected social, cultural, and economic dimensions of youth wellbeing.

• Housing & safe spaces.
• Health & healing.
• Education & knowledge.
• Economic opportunity & building capacity.
• Food security & sovereignty.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline, so you can apply any time. Submissions are reviewed every other month, and applicants are typically notified of outcomes within approximately 8 to 12 weeks. If your proposal is unsuccessful, please wait 12 months before reapplying.

Learn More...

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis



We believe that all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, deserve opportunities to thrive. The Children, Youth & Families program partners with organizations that break down barriers, open up opportunities, and provide comprehensive, integrated solutions rather than fragmented approaches. By valuing lived experience, supporting community-rooted leadership, and prioritizing measurable impact, the program seeks to advance equity and create lasting change for youth and families.

There are four funding streams:

Children & Youth Mental Health

We support organizations that make mental health care more accessible, timely, and responsive for children and youth. Our focus is on breaking down barriers that prevent young people from getting help, while ensuring services are delivered by licensed professionals in ways that reflect the communities they serve. The outcomes we strive to support include: 

• Improved coping skills and resilience in children and youth. 
• Reduced waiting times for children and youth to access clinical and/or therapeutic services. 
• Increased access to culturally appropriate, community-based care models.

Education & Economic Opportunities

We support organizations that open doors for young people, helping them move from adolescence to independence with confidence and opportunity. Our focus is on approaches that build lasting pathways—supporting students to graduate high school, pursue post-secondary education, and connect with meaningful employment or entrepreneurship. We also support work that provides routes to good jobs and entrepreneurship for mothers and caregivers. The outcomes we strive to support include: 

• Increased high school graduation and access to post-secondary for underrepresented youth.
• Established routes to good jobs and entrepreneurship for youth and for family caregivers. 

Food Security & Systems

Food insecurity is one of the strongest social determinants of health, linked to long-term negative and chronic health outcomes. We aim to increase access to high-quality, culturally relevant food while promoting dignity, choice, and stability. We support approaches that go beyond emergency food relief and instead create sustainable systems that improve health and opportunity for children, youth, and families at the highest risk of food insecurity. The outcomes we strive to support include: 

• Improved school food programs in Ontario and Alberta.
• Expanded access to fresh, culturally appropriate food in underserved neighbourhoods through public markets and urban agriculture.
• Reduced waste of high-quality food through food rescue and redistribution .

GTA communities

We support grassroots organizations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that are building stronger, more inclusive communities.

PLEASE NOTE: the 2025/2026 application round of GTA Communities is closed. Please check back in the fall for updated information on the 2026/2027 call for applications.

Grant Types

We offer three types of grants through the Children, Youth & Families program:

• Project grants.
• Capacity-building grants.
• General operating grants.

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Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

RBC is investing in communities with a collaborative approach. This approach aims to respond to community needs and aligns with RBC’s ambitions to support the transition to a net-zero economy, equip people with skills for a thriving future and drive more equitable opportunities for prosperity.

We aim to support impactful initiatives across Canada, and value community investment partnerships built on trust and shared commitments. Recognizing that communities and/or projects need support for different purposes at different times, our approach to funding considers ideas and actions at four distinct stages:

Seed: Help initiate and develop new ideas or projects, focusing on innovative and experimental approaches.

Scale: Help expand and grow successful projects, increasing their reach and/or impact.

Sustain: Help maintain and support ongoing projects to help ensure long-term success and stability.

Build: Help increase physical accessibility and/or environmental sustainability of community spaces.

Funding priorities

Support the transition to a net-zero economy: To reflect the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss, we intend to support projects that help:

• Advance climate change mitigation solutions that help reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), boost energy efficiency and/or promote decarbonization, particularly in the highest emitting sectors and/or

• Advance nature-based solutions that work with nature, given its inherent ability to sequester carbon and contribute to climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience, or

• Increase environmental sustainability of community spaces by funding capital improvements to reduce the carbon footprint or increase energy efficiency of a newly constructed building, or an existing space

Equip people with the skills for a thriving future: To help those within and beyond our workforce develop skills to thrive, we intend to support projects that help:

• Build in-demand skills for the jobs of tomorrow by providing opportunities in sectors including the cultural and creative, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to support career preparedness and progression

• Grow career potential through work experience to enable quicker integration and connection to diverse roles that help better position people for future job opportunities

• Create pathways for people to upgrade industry-specific qualifications to help increase their employability and help reduce the time to transition from one sector or job to another

Drive more inclusive opportunities for prosperity: To drive more inclusive opportunities for prosperity, we intend to support projects that help:

• Create stability by addressing food security, housing stability, and access to health service

• Increase financial wellbeing by helping people build financial confidence and manage their current and future financial situations

• Increase accessibility of community spaces by funding the physical accessibility of a newly constructed building, or retrofit of an existing space

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Deadline: Applications are reviewed throughout the year

ScotiaRISE is our 10-year, $500 million initiative to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups. By working together to remove barriers to advancement and increase access to opportunities, we can create a more inclusive and resilient world for everyone - and for every future.

Scotiabank will consider funding for:

• Organizations that are either registered charities or non-profit organizations in their jurisdictions.
• Organizations that operate in countries where Scotiabank does business.
• Organizations with a sustained record of achievement.
• Programs that have measurable impact.

Your application must include:

• A brief description of the organization, including goals and achievements.
• A full description of the project for which you are requesting funding, including budget, expected outcome, benefits to end users, defined metrics and recognition plan.
• Complete list of Board of Directors, Executive Management and Campaign Cabinet if applicable.
• Current financial statements.

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Deadline: CIBC Foundation requests are accepted year-round, but are reviewed annually between March and October.

Built on our longstanding history of supporting our communities, the CIBC Foundation serves our commitment to creating a world without limits to ambition. Focus areas and funding guidelines:

Supporting cancer initiatives

Our ambition: To create a future where no one has to fear a cancer diagnosis.

We invest in:

• Cancer research, treatment, screening and diagnosis.
• Wellness, survivorship and patient support programs.

Championing inclusive communities

Our ambition: To create social and economic opportunities for all.

We invest in:

• Projects increasing access to education and employment outcomes for underserved communities, with a focus on reskilling, upskilling, and addressing the digital divide.
• Healthy active living, education & enrichment, and help for high needs kids supporting children 13 and under.

Investing in financial education

Our ambition: To ensure everyone has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of financial wellbeing.

We invest in:

• Financial education resources and learning opportunities.

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Application Deadline: Ongoing

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is part of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, which reaffirms our government's commitment to official languages.

EDI helps address the economic challenges and builds on the strengths of each region to facilitate growth in official language minority communities. Through EDI, FedDev Ontario is helping Francophone communities in southern Ontario grow their economies.

Eligible applicants are incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organizations located in southern Ontario that provide programs or services in French to Francophone communities, including:

community and economic development organizations

not-for-profit organizations and associations

post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs in French

What types of projects are eligible?

Economic Development and Diversification: Projects that respond to the needs of Francophone communities, including implementing region-specific growth strategies. Priority may be given to projects related to women, youth, clean technology, the social economy (early childhood, integration of newcomers, etc.), and tourism.

Business and Economic Development: Projects that respond to the needs and foster the economic growth of industry sectors (e.g., manufacturing, information technology). This includes activities that increase business management capacity, reskill or train workers or adopt digital technologies.

Strategic Community Economic Planning: Projects that enhance the economic base and competitiveness of Francophone communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Projects must focus on incremental activities and must increase the services and/or products of an organization above and beyond the organization's current day-to-day operations or already funded activities.

Ready to find out more? Reach out to edi-ide@feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505 for more information on eligibility.

How to apply: Contact one of our bilingual officers by email or at 1-866-593-5505 at any time for more information and to receive an application form.

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Find out what funding is currently available from the Government of Ontario, if you’re eligible and what you need to apply.

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All program area grants are accessible through their portal and registration must be complete at least 30 days before you wish to apply.

Canada Council grants are now organized into six programs:

1. Explore and Create;
2. Engage and Sustain;
3. Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples;
4. Supporting Artistic Practice;
5. Arts Across Canada;
6. Arts Abroad.

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Deadline: Varied

Apply for National Housing Strategy or other CMHC funding to build or renovate affordable housing.

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Find funding opportunities for business and not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario.

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The Government of Canada offers a wide array of granting opportunities around culture, history and sport. See an alphabetical listing of grants available here.

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See a list of funding programs for jobs, training and social development projects.

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Grant and Contribution Funding Opportunities for programs under the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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Innovation Canada offers an online search tool that allows companies to search for relevant funding. 

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Find information and supports for starting a business in Durham Region.

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The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups/collectives and organizations. Grants support a range of arts activities and disciplines.

The OAC offers two types of grant programs:

Project grants – one-time grants for specific projects, available to individual artists, ad hoc groups/collectives and organizations.

Operating grants – ongoing support for Ontario-based, not-for-profit arts organizations and for-profit book and magazine publishers.

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The Funding Portal is a subscription-based national bilingual e-commerce platform and gateway to improve access to government funding. The Portal aggregates thousands of sources of funding within a searchable database.

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