The Funding Opportunities Update is created by the Commissioner's Office of the Social Services Department at the Region of Durham.

We know that a strong, well-funded, not-for-profit and charitable sector can better meet the needs of Durham’s diverse communities. We are committed to sharing information about grants and funding opportunities with our community partners.

Please share this newsletter with your own networks and contacts.

Want to sign-up for the newsletter OR want to be removed from our mailing list? Please let us know: email us at funding@durham.ca.

Visit our Funding Resources page - you’ll find links to resources to help with your grant applications, as well as notices for funding opportunities that open between our eNewsletters.

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.

Deadline: March 28, 2025

The Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Fund: Building Safer Communities Grant Program supports the development of community-based violence prevention and intervention initiatives. This program addresses community violence and youth justice involvement by supporting sector resilience, bridging service gaps, and encouraging resident engagement and leadership development.



This Program supports residents and small and emerging community groups to lead projects in their communities. These micro-grants will fund projects that reduce violence and support positive youth development.

Learn more...

Food Sovereignty Bundles Deadline: March 28, 2025

Coming Soon: General Bundles

Food Sovereignty Bundles

The Food Sovereignty Bundles are made possible by the Walmart Foundation. Eligible organizations and groups can apply for $5,000 to $100,000 for projects centered on food sovereignty, food security, food justice and nutritional health and wellness, while embedding Indigenous knowledge and practices to achieve community resilience.

General Bundles



General Bundles are designed to support eligible organizations and groups in strengthening community resilience through impactful projects. This funding opportunity encourages initiatives that foster innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, supporting communities to address local priorities and create lasting positive change.

Learn more...

Deadline: March 31, 2025

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.

Canada-France Agreement

The Canada-France Agreement component aims to develop special, lasting ties between museums in Canada and France, as well as enhancing the skills and competencies of museum professionals. It also assists Canadian organizations in developing new international partnerships and in reaching new potential audiences for Canadian heritage collections.



Learn more...

Coming Soon: Applications will open in March 2025

Through the Sustainable Food Security Fund, the CSIP aims to address food insecurity in Durham Region and support sustainable solutions. This funding stream is designed to support innovative projects that enhance the sustainability and resilience of our local food security sector. Recognizing the critical role of existing community food programs, funding will focus on initiatives that promote long-term, sustainable solutions to improve food security for residents.

Objectives:

• Contribute to sustainable food security solutions
• Promote dignity for users of food programs
• Increase efficiency within the food distribution systems
• Build capacity of existing food programs
• Increase access to fresh, nutritious food

Key Details:

• Funding stream will remain open until all funds have been exhausted; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Project must be based within Durham Region.
• Projects that utilize existing community resources and/or partnerships will be prioritized.
• Initiatives should demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and long-term impact.
• Applicants must provide a detailed budget and timeline for project implementation.
• The maximum amount to be awarded per project is $50,000. Applicants should request only the amount necessary to support the specific needs of their project.

Example Projects May Include:

1. Community Gardens: Establishing community gardens where residents can grow their own fruits and vegetables, increasing access to fresh produce, promoting healthy eating, and fostering community engagement.
2. Urban Agriculture: Implementing urban agriculture projects such as rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and hydroponics to maximize the use of urban spaces for food production and increase food security.
3. Nutrition Education Programs: Offering educational programs on nutrition, cooking, and sustainable food practices to empower residents with knowledge about healthy eating, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable food practices.
4. Food Recovery and Redistribution: Establishing systems to recover surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and farms, and redistribute it to those in need to reduce food waste and provide nutritious food to food-insecure populations.
5. Mobile Markets: Establishing mobile markets that bring fresh, affordable produce directly to underserved neighborhoods to increase access to healthy food options for residents and promote healthy eating.
6. Market Model Food Banks: Transforming traditional food banks into market-style food banks where users can choose their own food, enhancing the dignity and autonomy of food bank users, reducing food waste, and improving the overall efficiency of food distribution. 

Learn More...

Expression of Interest Deadline: April 9, 2025

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.

YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

Whether your group wants to pilot a new project or expand an existing one, YOF offers a range of grants that may be the right fit for your group.

Youth Innovations Test Grant

This grant is for youth-led grassroots groups and youth-adult partnerships. They can pilot a new project idea, research an issue or new concept, or strategize around an issue affecting youth to improve the social and economic wellbeing of youth.

Youth Innovations Scale Grant

This grant is for youth-led grassroots groups and youth-adult partnerships that have over two years of experience delivering direct programming to youth. Now, they want to strengthen and grow their work, expand their reach or enhance the impact of their existing project.

Family Innovations Test Grant

Grassroots groups led by parents, guardians and caregivers can apply for funding to pilot a new project idea, research an issue or new concept, or strategize around an issue to support other parents, guardians, and caregivers. It’s an opportunity for parents, guardians and caregivers to address issues that impact their wellbeing and that of their families.

Family Innovations Scale Grant

This grant is for groups led by parents, guardians and caregivers that have over two years of experience delivering direct programming to other parents, guardians and caregivers. The group is looking to expand their reach, and enhance and strengthen their impact through proven community projects.

About Organizational Mentors

Organizational Mentors provide administrative support, project mentoring and financial accountability to grassroots groups funded through the Youth Innovations and Family Innovations streams. Grassroots groups and Organizational Mentors build partnerships to support the delivery of Youth Opportunities fund grants.

Learn More...

Deadline: April 11, 2025

Rainbow Grants provide funding to foster new and innovative services and programs that have a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Greater Toronto Area (including Toronto, Durham, Peel, Hamilton, York, and Halton Regions, and Indigenous Communities across Ontario) under the following streams:

• Arts & Culture
• Community & Social Development
• Community Well-Being & Direct Services

Rainbow Grants Foundation Awards are available for up to $10,000 and are open to registered charities or groups trusteed by a registered charity.

Rainbow Grants General Awards are available for up to $3,000 and are open to unincorporated groups, collectives, and/or individuals without charitable status.

Learn More...

Deadline: April 11, 2025

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...

Deadline: April 30, 2025



Local Festivals: The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Successful applicants may receive up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000 for festivals that:

• present the work of local artists, artisans, or heritage performers;
• actively involve members of the local community; and
• are intended for and accessible to the general public.

When an application deadline falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.

Deadlines:



• January 31 – for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31
• April 30 – for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30
• October 15 – for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31

Learn More...

Deadline: April 30, 2025, for events that will occur during the next calendar year



Community Anniversaries: The Community Anniversaries component provides funding to local groups for non–recurring local events, with or without a minor capital project. Eligible events and capital projects are those that commemorate the 100th anniversary or greater (in increments of 25 years) of a significant local historical event or personality.

Eligible capital projects such as community art projects, restoration of objects, community history books, statues and murals can be funded up to a maximum $25,000.

To be eligible for funding under the Community Anniversaries component, organizations must be:

• a local, non-profit organization or group;
• a local band council, local tribal council or other local Aboriginal government or equivalent organizations (First Nations, Inuit or Métis); or
• a municipal administration, a municipal agency or a public authority of the municipality.

Funding is available for non-recurring events that mark the 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); of a significant local historical event or personality.

Funding includes capital projects up to a maximum amount of $25,000 (such as community art projects, restoration of objects, community history books, statues and murals). Successful projects may receive up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $200,000 for events that:



• present the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers or specialists;
• actively involve members of the local community; and
• are intended for and accessible to the general public.

Learn More...

Coming Soon: Applications open May 5, 2025. Deadline: May 30, 2025



Stronger Communities. Stronger Canada. Our Community Development Grants have two funding streams: Program Support and Operational Support. Grants must help organizations develop or sustain sports and recreation programming for kids between the ages of 4-18 in financial need or youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25.

Programming Support: Grants are awarded to help organizations develop or sustain the delivery of sport or physical activity-based programs.

Operational Support: Grants are awarded to help organizations build their capacity to provide more inclusive, equitable, safe sport participant experiences.

While organizations can apply more than once within the same application intake period, the requests must be clearly justified and not be dependent on funding from another Jumpstart Community Development Grant application. Funding is determined on the quality of each application and overall demand.

Learn More...

Coming Soon: Applications will open in spring of 2025



The Thriving Communities Fund will support non-profit organizations with a mandate, and/or demonstrated efforts to prevent or reduce poverty, by investing in operational and/or capacity building activities that strengthen their ability to deliver key programs and services to residents and contribute to a thriving region.

Learn More...

Coming Soon: Applications will re-open in the spring of 2025



Do you have a capital project that will enrich lives in your rural community? The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports projects by charities, non-profit groups, First Nations bands and Metis settlements in communities of less than 150,000 people

Types of projects we consider:

• Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery
• Construction of or upgrades to community buildings
• Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint
• Initiatives that support agriculture and food

Learn More...

Deadline: The application template must be requested by May 14, 2025



Child maltreatment is a serious and prevalent public health issue, with both immediate and long-term health and social impacts that affect children, families, and communities across Canada. Child maltreatment is also a risk factor for violence in relationships later in life. Preventing child maltreatment and its health impacts is a crucial measure to enable physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing throughout the life course.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is inviting eligible organizations to submit applications for funding for projects that prevent and address child maltreatment.

Objectives

• prevent and address child maltreatment by delivering and testing health promotion interventions to support children, families and caregivers
• build and share evidence of effective approaches to prevent and address child maltreatment
• build the capacity of service providers to prevent and address child maltreatment

Applicants are invited to apply for funding for a project that addresses at least one of the following two key action areas:

• Deliver a health promotion intervention that prevents or addresses child maltreatment
• Equip service providers to prevent, recognize and respond safely to child maltreatment, through training, resources and or other supports and mechanisms

In addition, all projects must incorporate the following key action area:

Integrate a rigorous intervention research protocol to test the effectiveness of the intervention

Funding

• Applicants can apply for up to $1,500,000 in total per project.
• Applicants will be expected to leverage in-kind and financial contributions that will contribute to the project's development, implementation and research. A specific matched funding ratio is not required.

Duration

• Projects can last for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years.
• Applicants outside of Quebec should plan a start date of April 1, 2026.

Learn More...

Quarter Two Deadline: May 22, 2025



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...

Deadline: June 3, 2025

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation operates with a two stage application review process:

1. Letter of Inquiry (pre-proposal inquiry) and an
2. Invited Applicant (full application process)

All applicants are encouraged to review our Application Guidelines prior to submitting a Letter of Inquiry.

A Review Committee will evaluate Letters of Inquiry for their adherence with CDF objectives and criteria. If you are successful with the Letter of Inquiry submission you will be invited to submit a full application through our on-line application portal.

The Catherine Donnelly Foundation Board currently reviews grant application requests twice yearly, in February and August, to determine successful applications based on the recommendations of its committees.

Please note that the grant application process takes approximately eight weeks from the invited application deadline until board review and approval for all areas of focus: Civic Engagement for Social Change Initiatives, Environment Initiatives, Housing Initiatives

Civic Engagement for Social Change Initiatives: The Catherine Donnelly Foundation takes a proactive approach to Civic Engagement for Social Change, viewing it as an important tool to address the most pressing social, environmental, cultural and community development problems and concerns today. We are committed to supporting projects that promote active citizenship, democracy, personal and social transformation by fostering the development of critical consciousness and skills required to promote a more just, equitable and sustainable society in Canada.

Environment Initiatives: The Catherine Donnelly Foundation is intent on promoting climate justice and accelerating the transition to a post-carbon world. The Catherine Donnelly Foundation’s Environment Program seeks to build momentum and mobilize public opinion around the just industries, livelihoods, and economy of the future that prioritizes green jobs as part of a low-carbon economy, that supports place-based, resilient, wellbeing economies that protect workers’ rights, eradicate poverty, distribute wealth equitably, and uphold human rights.

Potential applicants are strongly advised to contact the Foundation office prior to submitting a Letter of Inquiry.



Learn more...

Coming Soon: Application period opens May 1, 2025. Deadline: June 30, 2025

Volunteers from community organizations across Canada help eligible people do their taxes for free through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), or the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program (ITAVP) in Quebec. The ITAVP is jointly administered by the CRA and Revenu Québec.



The CVITP Grant is a five-year pilot program that began in February 2021. The grant helps community organizations offset the cost of hosting free tax clinics and provides funding to organizations based on the number of federal income tax returns filed.

Learn more...

Coming Soon: Application process begins May 1, 2025. Deadline: August 31, 2025

Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous Peoples who have renewed their educational learning. You’re eligible to apply if you:



• Are a Canadian and a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community
• Have been out of school for 1 year or more and are returning
• Have already returned to school and completed 1 full year of studies
• Have never received this award in the past (you can apply as many times as you want, but you can only receive the award once)

Learn more...

Deadline: Apply now to be added to a wait list

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...

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: We are currently accepting applications and supporting documents for one-year projects for the fiscal year 2025 to 2026 on a rolling basis.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is working with Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to:

• develop and support relationships based on trust and respect
• create opportunities to empower and engage Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in decision-making processes that impact their lives

This program will provide contribution funding for projects that:

• increase the ability of Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to engage at the grassroots level
• advance grassroots voices and the priorities of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ people within all levels of government
• support real and meaningful systemic change in Canada

The goals of this program are to:

• actively engage grassroots in the development of the governments' legislative and policy agendas
• ensure that government policies, programs, legislation and services are reflective of grassroots priorities and perspectives
• increase awareness of government policies and programs among grassroots through outreach with Indigenous women's and 2SLGBTQI+ communities and organizations
• improve access to funding opportunities through relationship building across all levels of government

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 Stream 2 New Builds/Signature New Builds: application intake is ongoing until all funding has been allocated.

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a $200 million capital funding program designed to revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and support the construction of new facilities across the province.

Stream 2: New Builds/Signature New Builds – funding up to $10 million to invest in new, transformative community sport and recreation infrastructure, including assets that do not currently exist in a community or the replacement of existing assets that have reached the end of their lifespan

Eligible applicants include:

• municipalities
• local services boards
• not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• for-profit organizations (stream 2 only)

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...

No Fixed Deadline: Note: Due to an increased volume of applications under the Events component and limited funding, we are no longer able to accept new applications for events taking place in fiscal year (FY) 2024-2025. The program continues to take applications for events taking place in FY 2025-2026.

In recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) will include a new priority in its Events component for 2024: celebrations and events that recognize the history, culture, accomplishments, contributions and future of Black Canadians and their communities.

Priorities: Combatting anti-Asian racism, Building Community Resilience, as well as for events that unite communities to take collective action and build capacity to address and prevent hate toward impacted individuals and groups, including in the aftermath of hate incidents.

The Events component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) provides funding to community-based events that:

• promote intercultural or interfaith understanding
• promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination
• celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament

Expected results are that participants and communities will gain knowledge, develop strategies and take action to:

• increase awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity
• increase awareness of issues affecting full participation in society and the economy, related to culture, ethnicity and/or religion
• increase capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination

Learn More...

Ongoing: Organizations must start the application process approx. eight months prior to an event

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.

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.

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

Stage 2 applications should be assessed by the OCAF Board approximately six months prior to an event. We are open to relaxing these timelines in light of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 health crisis.

Please contact Thomas Vaughan at tvaughan@ocaf.ca to discuss the eligibility of your event.

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 organizations can apply for up to $10,000 in FCC Community Funding annually and applications are accepted year-round.

Eligible for funding:

Initiatives, projects 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...

Open Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

We believe that combating the climate emergency is both an absolute necessity and an enormous opportunity for economic growth. We want to help halt and reverse the effects of climate change, build a green economy, and strengthen community resilience.

Our climate change grants support nature-based solutions, low-emission and renewable technologies, green building and living, and community resilience. Understanding that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the driver of climate change, we prioritize projects with the potential to enable large-scale emission reductions in Canada.

Learn More...

Open Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

As part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada, the Peter Gilgan Foundation has dedicated 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 seek to support Indigenous-led organizations that are meeting the holistic needs of Indigenous youth in the areas of:

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

Funding is available as both project grants and general operating grants. Registered charities and qualified donees are welcome to apply for either type of grant depending on what would best suit the needs of the organization. Non-qualified donees are only eligible to apply for project grant funding at this time. 

All Indigenous Youth grants are single-year commitments.

Learn More...

Open Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

We believe that all children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, deserve opportunities to thrive. We support efforts that equip children, youth, and families with skills, resources, and opportunities to reach their full potential. Our grants empower organizations that enable underserved young people and families to overcome systemic barriers to academic success, economic prosperity, and health and wellbeing. We prioritize:

• Programs supporting equity-deserving youth
• Efforts that target root causes of problems and not just address the symptoms
• Comprehensive, integrated solutions rather than fragmented approaches or isolated interventions
• Leadership representative of the people most directly affected by the problems we seek to solve
• A commitment to measurable social impact and willingness to engage in self-evaluation for ongoing learning and improvement
• Education & Economic Opportunities
• Children & Youth Mental Health
• Food Security & Systems
• Indigenous Youth

Grant Types

It’s up to you to determine what type of grant to apply for. The Peter Gilgan Foundation accepts applications for three types of grants:

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

Learn More...

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

Learn More...

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

Learn More...

Application Deadline: Ongoing

The Mayor's Community Development Fund (MCDF) is a community development fund offered by the Town of Whitby to support local community groups, events, and initiatives that will benefit the community, including applications for COVID-19 support. The 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's Golf Tournament. Up to 50% of the proceeds raised by the Mayor's Golf Tournament and Mayor's Fundraiser will be awarded to a lead cause or charity. The balance will be awarded in smaller community grants.

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...

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.

Learn More..

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.

Learn More...

Deadline: Varied

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

Learn More..

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

Learn More...

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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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