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

Expression of Interest Deadline: September 2, 2026

The CRRF is accepting applications from organizations working on anti-racism projects in Canada. These projects must be implemented between April 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028.

Available funding for any proposed project can range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Applicants can only submit one application to be considered for funding.

Projects must align with one or more of the following themes and objectives:

• Systemic racial barriers: Reducing barriers to inclusion by addressing systemic racism in education, healthcare, the justice system, public services, employment, and public life.
• Research and education: Promoting and increasing availability and accessibility of data, evidence, and community insights on race relations in Canada.
• Public awareness: Informing public policies by highlighting systemic and institutional barriers.
• Cultural and intercultural community-building: Creating cross-cultural opportunities through discussions and dialogue on race and religion, building awareness, and collaborations.

Projects must achieve one or more of the following results:



• Increase public awareness of public policy issues related to race relations, anti-racism, or anti-hate nationally, regionally, or in local communities.
• Increase public awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity.
• Increase awareness of factors such as race, culture, ethnicity, or religion that may be hindering full participation of the entire Canadian population in society and the economy.
• Increase knowledge and capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination. 

Learn more...

Apply Now: Applications open until funds are exhausted

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is a fund that is built upon the resiliency of, and guided by Indigenous Peoples to support Indigenous communities and organizations through the current public health crisis.

Wildfire Relief Bundle

First Nations communities across Canada are facing devastating wildfires that are forcing families from their homes, threatening traditional territories, and disrupting connections to land, culture and community.

In response, the Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund is providing emergency funding to First Nations affected by wildfires and Indigenous-led organizations already offering frontline support to evacuated First Nation members. You can apply for up to $30,000.

IPRF has $1 million available for wildfire relief. We know this is only a small part of what communities need. Please ask for what you need most urgently so that we can support as many of our relatives as possible during this difficult time.

All funding must go directly toward immediate community relief and support. Funding cannot be used for administration.  

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A member of the IPRF team may contact you by phone if we need more information. 

Learn more...

Coming Soon: Applications open September 1, 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...

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: September 15, 2026

Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) works to advance equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women, in Canada’s economic, social, and political life. The goal of this call for proposals is to improve women’s access to leadership and economic opportunities. Projects must seek to change social or system elements (systemic change) to address the root causes of unequal opportunity.

What is systemic change?

A system is a way of thinking about and making sense of the world. Present-day systems create gender inequality and reinforce it. Systems have various parts, but for this call for proposals, we will focus on the following elements:

• gender norms and attitudes
• authority, voices at the table, and decision-making power
• networks
• resources
• policies and practices

Systemic change refers to changing one or more of the above elements. The goal of the change is to allow women and girls to fully take part in the economic, social, democratic, and political life of Canada.

Program Priorities

• Improving women's access to leadership opportunities
• Advancing women in STEM, trades, and other traditionally male-dominated fields

The maximum amount of funding for the whole project is

• up to $625,000 for projects with a local reach
• up to $1,000,000 for projects with a regional, provincial, territorial, interprovincial, and interterritorial reach
• up to $1,400,000 for projects with a pan-Canadian reach

Learn more...

Deadline: September 16, 2026

The Indian Residential School Community Engagement Fund (IRSCEF) is an application-based funding stream under the Support for Indian Residential School Burials program. This funding is intended for Indigenous-led initiatives that are survivor-centred and culturally sensitive, supporting work related to Indian Residential Schools, including:

• commemoration and legacy initiatives
• survivor engagement and gatherings 
• public education and awareness, including initiatives that combat denialism
• culturally appropriate mental health and wellness supports
• research activities including connecting community members to ongoing investigations

For the 2026-27 funding, Ontario is responding to requests for greater funding flexibility that honours community-specific priorities, including investments in memorial and commemorative initiatives.

Eligibility- You may apply to the IRSCEF if you are a:

• Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario.
• Tribal Council in Ontario.
• First Nation community in Ontario.
• Métis community in Ontario.
• Regional or provincial organization representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit or urban Indigenous peoples or an Indigenous service provider in Ontario.
• Non-Indigenous organization with proof of partnership with a First Nation or Indigenous organization.

Planning and implementing IRS-specific commemoration and memorialization initiatives, including monument design, purchase and installation, along with other types of legacy initiatives, are now considered eligible expenditures without capital limits.

Learn more...

Programming Funding Deadline: September 20, 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

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: 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...

Deadline: October 1, 2026

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

To qualify for the ROD Program, you must meet both of the following requirements:

1. Your project must be within an eligible rural area of Ontario.
2. Your organization must be 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

Rural Communities

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: Rural businesses

Rural Businesses

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...

Deadline: October 8, 2026

Disability Benefits Navigation (DBN) targets individuals who may be eligible for disability benefits yet remain underserved, disconnected from services, or face intersecting barriers to access.The Disability Benefits Navigation Services program seeks to fund organizations that will facilitate greater access to disability benefits for persons with disabilities and their families, including the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), as well as other federal and provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Mandatory Activities

Funded applications must include and focus on the following activities:

Individualized Support

Provide free, accessible and inclusive, one-on-one disability benefits navigation services virtually, or in person, targeting individuals with complex needs or intersecting barriers (for example, low income, homelessness, Indigenous persons, newcomers, rural/remote residents, or individuals with multiple disabilities)

Community Partnerships

Build and strengthen partnerships and referral networks with community organizations to expand reach. This includes equipping partner organizations with basic information on disability benefits and to make referrals for one-on-one navigation services.

Community of Practice

Participate in a collaboration and information sharing group with all organizations funded under this Call for Proposals, through a Community of Practice that meets once a month.

Applications will be evaluated on how you demonstrate how the proposed activities include all three mandatory activities and explain the purpose of any additional activities included in the project.

Additional Activities

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following activities in addition to the mandatory activities:

Outreach & Engagement

• Workshops for persons with disabilities and their families
• Accessible in-person information sessions on benefits and eligibility
• Visits to community-based organizations or service locations to provide information (including rural/remote areas)
• Pop-up information booths at local events
• Webinars or online information sessions

Promotion & Awareness

• Newsletters, flyers, and brochures
• Social media campaigns

Learn more...

For employers: Funding applications open in fall 2026

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.

Learn more...

Deadline: October 15, 2026

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.

Application Deadlines:

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

• 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...

Upcoming Meeting: October 21, 2026

Deadline to apply to present at upcoming meeting: October 15, 2026

Following in the footsteps of the Baagwating Community Association (BCA) which dissolved in 2016, the MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee continues to help organizations, communities, and individuals with charitable giving. In keeping with the spirit of the Committee's culture, Maada'ookii was chosen as it translates from Ojibwe to mean, 'they distribute gifts, distribute something, shares something with others'.

In an attempt to streamline all requests from individuals, authorized representatives, organizations, and sponsorship of organized sports, we have created three application forms available in a fillable format for your convenience:

• Medical Assistance
• Organizations Assistance
• Sponsorships

Each form consists of a checklist and guidelines of what the MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee would like to review when considering a request for assistance. Due to the high volume in applications received, only completed applications will be presented to the Committee.

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.

The MSIFN Maada'ookii Committee plans to meet once a month to review requests. The Meeting Schedule will be updated as needed, but may be subject to change without notice. Please send in requests at least 3 working days prior to the next scheduled meeting for inclusion, or it may not be presented until the next month's meeting.

Learn more...

Coming Soon: 2025 deadline was October 27th.

The Steinert & Ferreiro Award, a $15,000 prize, was launched in 2005 through a bequest from the estates of Jonathan R. Steinert and Fernando Gumercindo Ferreiro and is Ontario’s premiere recognition of leadership and service to the 2SLGBTQ+ Community.

Eligibility

Any individual who has contributed significantly to the arts and sciences in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to promote an understanding and acceptance of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities is eligible for nomination. The arts and sciences may include the humanities (e.g., literature, philosophy, community engagement & activism), social sciences (e.g., law, psychology, politics, history, community, and social work), fine arts (e.g., music, theatre, film), and physical sciences (e.g., engineering, biology, medicine).



Learn more...

Coming Soon: 2025 deadline was October 31st.

S'Cool Life Fund has funded over 1,200 projects over the years. We support DREAMS - Drama, Recreation, Extra-Curricular, Arts, Music, or Sports. Schools that have been successful in receiving a grant have amazed us with their applications for projects reaching the most children with the most interesting things. S'Cool does not look to fund core academic subjects, but instead those areas that fall outside of the core curriculum but are no less important for a child's development.  

What We Fund

Ideally, projects that leave a tangible legacy behind, can be used year-to-year and that reach the greatest number of students

Projects should be aligned with DREAMS- Drama, Recreation, Extra-Curricular, Arts, Music or Sports

What We Don't Fund

• Salaries and honorariums; instructor’s fees
• Playground
• School renovations / enhancements
• School trips, summer camps, one-day special events
• Transportation
• Short-term programs, courses, workshops.



Learn more...

Coming Soon: Grant application period is October 7 to November 4, 2026

OTF grants support the work of eligible non-profit organizations to help them deliver direct community-based programs and services in Ontario. Grow grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2 or 3 years. Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.

The grant application period is from October 7, 2026 to November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.



Learn more...

Quarter Four Deadline: November 20, 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...

Deadline: December 22, 2026

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a $500 million program. Funding is available through two program streams for projects that:

• repair or upgrade existing sport and recreation facilities (Stream 1)
• build new and transformative sport and recreation facilities (Stream 2)

The CSRIF is a cost-shared program to:

• foster healthier and more active lifestyle for families
• make sport more accessible
• support local jobs
• help more communities across the province host local, national and international sporting events and competitions

Eligible applicants include:

• Municipalities
• Local services boards
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• For-profit organizations (Stream 2 only)



Learn more...

Deadline: Various dates

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.

First time applicants, and those requiring further information or assistance with the application, should contact OCAF staff prior to submitting a Stage 1 application There is no deadline for Stage 1 applications, but organizations must start the application process approximately eight months prior to an event.

Stage 2 applications should be assessed by the OCAF Board approximately three to six months prior to an event. 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 applicants can apply for up to $10,000 in FCC Community Funding annually and applications are accepted year-round. Funding is primarily directed to rural community projects; however, applications for urban projects will also be considered, with a focus on Regina, where FCC's head office is located. 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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