Applying for a Community Foundation grant

Step 1. Review the eligibility criteria to learn what type of grant you can apply for.

Step 2. Gather the documents you will need to complete your application.

Step 3. Visit our application website to complete and submit your application before the application deadline.

Step 1: What type of grant should you apply for?

Each grant type has different eligibility criteria. Depending on what type of grant you are interested in, different information may be required. Each year, we receive applications for a wide variety of programs.

The examples listed below are not exhaustive and are intended only to give applicants an idea of the type of projects we have supported in the past.

Here is a breakdown of the different grants we offer and what groups are eligible.

Grant types and eligibility Grant type Who is eligible for this grant? Examples of projects that are eligible
Project Grant (maximum $5,000)
  • schools (as defined by the education act in each province)
  • school/parent organizations
  • community libraries
  • daycares
  • indigenous groups
  • recreation facilities
  • unregistered organizations
  • small municipalities
  • playground equipment and upgrades to parks
  • educational field trips (not including multi-day class trips)
  • 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.)
Project Grant ($5,001 - maximum $25,000)
  • registered charities with a Canadian Charitable Registration Number
  • registered non-profit organizations with a valid B/N business registration number
  • registered Canadian amateur athletic associations
  • small municipalities

*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/ improvements for a community centre
Signature Grant ($50,000)
  • National charities and organizations
  • General operating costs or project-specific requests are accepted
Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant ($50,000)See if you qualify
  • Indigenous regional or local organizations
  • Programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation and supports Indigenous children and youth across the country.

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
  • requests to cover mailing, shipping and/or delivery fees
  • lobby, advocacy or partisan groups that promote a particular social, political or economic point of view
  • fundraising events such as golf tournaments, galas, runs or races
  • brand or general advertising, as distinguished from information directly related to front-line activities
  • 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 (e.g., administrative costs not directly linked to delivery of front-line programs) (Signature Grants are exempted)
  • salaries and administrative costs for school employees
  • school celebration trips (note: educational field trips are eligible for consideration, but graduation or class trips abroad are not)
  • standard classroom supplies
  • professional development
  • professional or amateur sports teams
  • activities outside Canada
  • debt reduction campaigns
  • requests to cover mailing, shipping and/or delivery fees
  • lobby, advocacy or partisan groups that promote a particular social, political or economic point of view
  • fundraising events such as golf tournaments, galas, runs or races
  • brand or general advertising, as distinguished from information directly related to front-line activities
  • 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 (e.g., administrative costs not directly linked to delivery of front-line programs) (Signature Grants are exempted)
  • salaries and administrative costs for school employees
  • school celebration trips (note: educational field trips are eligible for consideration, but graduation or class trips abroad are not)
  • standard classroom supplies
  • professional development

Step 2: Gather the documents you will need

Gather the documents you will need to complete your application. The application checklist also includes all financial documents you will require.

Download application checklist

Step 3: Complete and submit your application

Visit our application website to complete and submit your application before the application deadline.

It will take 30 – 60 minutes to complete your application. You can save an application and complete it at a later date if needed.

Important deadlines

February 12, 2024: Application website is available

March 1, 2024 (12:00 pm ET): Application deadline

March to June 2024: Application review and trustee approval period

Summer 2024: Decision is communicated to applicants

September 2024: Public announcement of grant recipients

Winter 2025: New application period opens

Get more information on the Community Foundation

Read our frequently asked questions or contact us.