Learn about the Community Foundation and apply for a grant

    The Community Foundation awards grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that make a difference in the lives of children and youth, up to the age of 21.

    Since 2013, the Foundation has granted over $9.8 million to 900 projects across Canada. Grants are available for projects that support health, education and community. Donations to the Community Foundation can be made at any time to contribute to the grants.

    The 2021 grant application period is open as of March 8th and closes April 1st at 12:00 pm (ET).

    Donate to the Foundation

    We offer 2 types of grants

    Microscope, vials and scientific beakers with a first place ribbon attached

    Community-based support projects

    Eligible projects increase the capacity of an organization. Such projects create or expand services rather than maintaining existing services, for example purchasing new equipment or launching new programs.


    Project grants can total up to $25,000* each.

    Computer monitor showing a person communicating application for community grant funding

    Signature Grant

    This grant contributes to the overall work and mission of national organizations that deliver programs or support to children and youth.


    Up to 3 Signature Grants of $50,000 each can be awarded each year.

    What type of grant should you apply for?

    Each grant has specific eligibility criteria and may require specific documentation to apply. We review a wide variety of program applications each year and have put together a sample list of the different types of projects we have supported in the past. Review the different grants we offer, who may be eligible for each and which documents are required to apply.

    You can also download a checklist with all of the information you will need to complete your Community Foundation grant application. Correct financial documents must be submitted or the application will be disqualified.

    Download application checklist

    Grant type Who is eligible for this grant Examples of eligible projects Required financial documents
    Project Grant $5,000 grant maximum value
    • schools, as defined by the education act in each province
    • school and parent organizations
    • Community libraries
    • daycares
    • indigenous groups
    • recreation facilities
    • unregistered organizations
    • library supplies
    • chrome books and other electronics
    • musical instruments
    • art supplies
    • sporting goods (balls, hockey sticks, curling brooms, etc.)
    • sporting facility improvements (pools, ice rinks, skateboard parks, climbing walls, etc.)
    • participation in school-organized humanitarian efforts
    • after-school programs
    • special needs supplies and adaptive equipment (autism room supplies, modified sporting equipment for children with special needs, etc.)
    • Your organization’s financial statement or plan for the current year
    Project Grant $5,001 to $25,000 grant maximum value
    • registered charities with a Canadian Charitable Registration Number
    • registered non-profit organizations with a valid B/N business registration number
    • community libraries
    • registered Canadian amateur athletic associations

    *These groups can also apply for a project grant under $5,000 for smaller projects.
    • mentoring programs
    • STEM/STEAM activities
    • literacy programs
    • mental health support and resources
    • workshops and community programs for at-risk youth, young immigrants, children exposed to domestic violence, etc.
    • sporting equipment or improvements for a community centre
    • For projects grants between $5,001 to $15,000: A Notice to Reader or Compilation Engagement
    • For project grants between $15,001-$25,000: Review Engagement Report
    Signature Grant $50,000 grant maximum value
    • National charities and organizations
    • General operating costs or project-specific requests
    • Independently audited financial statements
    Prev
    Next
      Who is eligible for this grant Examples of eligible projects Required financial documents
    Grant type
    Project Grant $5,000 grant maximum value
    • schools, as defined by the education act in each province
    • school and parent organizations
    • community libraries
    • daycares
    • Indigenous groups
    • recreation facilities
    • unregistered organizations
    • library supplies
    • chrome books and other electronics
    • musical instruments
    • art supplies
    • sporting goods (balls, hockey sticks, curling brooms, etc.)
    • sporting facility improvements (pools, ice rinks, skateboard parks, climbing walls, etc.)
    • participation in school-organized humanitarian efforts
    • after-school programs
    • special needs supplies and adaptive equipment (autism room supplies, modified sporting equipment for children with special needs, etc.)
    • Your organization’s financial statement or plan for the current year
    Project Grant $5,001 to $25,000 grant maximum value
    • registered charities with a Canadian Charitable Registration Number
    • registered non-profit organizations with a valid B/N business registration number
    • community libraries
    • registered Canadian amateur athletic associations
    • mentoring programs
    • STEM/STEAM activities
    • literacy programs
    • mental health support and resources
    • workshops and community programs for at-risk youth, young immigrants, children exposed to domestic violence, etc.
    • sporting equipment or improvements for a community centre
    • For projects grants between $5,001 to $15,000: A Notice to Reader Compilation Engagement for
    • For project grants between $15,001-$25,000: Review Engagement Report
    Signature Grant $50,000 grant maximum value
    • National charities and organizations
    • General operating costs or project-specific requests
    • Independently audited financial statements

    Projects ineligible for grants

    The following projects do not qualify for any of the Foundation grants.

     

    • professional or amateur sports teams
    • activities outside Canada
    • debt reduction campaigns
    • lobby, advocacy or partisan groups that promote a particular social, political or economic point of view
    • fundraising events or initiatives, such as golf tournaments, galas, runs or races
    • brand or general advertising
    • financial assistance for individuals
    • trade shows
    • organizations, political parties or other programs that require, as a condition for receiving support or services, an adherence to, or promotion of a particular religious faith, political affiliation or cultural group
    • conventions, conferences or events
    • ongoing operating costs, such as administrative costs not directly linked to delivery of front-line programs (Signature Grants are exempted from this clause)
    • pure academic or basic research
    • salaries and administrative costs for school employees
    • school trips
    • standard classroom supplies
    • professional development

    How grant funds are managed

    Grant fundraising efforts

    Funds appointed through the Community Foundation grants are generated from annual in-store campaigns, sales from fundraising stamps and employee donations.

    Grant recipient selection

    An independent Board of Trustees uses a points system to decide which projects receive funding. Organizations are awarded additional points if a Canada Post employee is involved with the submitted project.

    A calendar with certain dates circled, a stopwatch, a pair of glasses, a mug and a plant

    Important deadlines

    March 8, 2021: Applications are accepted

    April 1, 2021 (12:00 pm ET): Application deadline

    April to August: Review and trustee approval period

    August 2021: Decision is communicated to applicants

    Fall 2021: Public announcement of grant recipients

    March 2022: New application period opens

    Get to know the Community Foundation

    Learn about the kind of projects we award grants to, the trustee members that oversee the process and organizations that have received grants.

    Clipboard with a check mark

    Projects we support

    Get information on the types of projects we support and how we allocate funds.

    See Foundation projects
    Two people in the background, one person in the foreground

    Our Foundation trustees

    Meet the people that review applications and decide on recipients.

    See Board of Trustees
    Person beside an encircled check mark

    Past grant recipients

    Find out which community organizations and companies have been granted funds in the past.

    See past recipients

    Get more information about on the Community Foundation

    Read our frequently asked questions or contact us.

    * Grants to schools, school/parent organizations, daycares, sports teams and all recreation facilities (pools, ice rinks, skateboard parks, etc.) will not exceed $5,000.

    **Charities must be registered with a Canadian Charitable Registration Number and non-profit organizations must provide a valid B/N registration number.