Durham Non-Profit COVID-19 Recovery

Funded by: Ontario Trillium Foundation

Table of Contents

Project Summary
Key Project Advisors
Acknowledgements
We’re On Our Way
Download Reports

Webinars and Workshops
Shared Software and Technology Information
Durham Non-Profit Recovery Network Working Group

Funding Opportunities
Recovery and Transition Planning Resources

Project Summary

From 2020 to 2021, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) coordinated the Durham Non-Profit COVID-19 Recovery Project to better understand what resources and supports were needed to help non-profit organizations in the Durham region navigate the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Durham non-profits came together to provide recommendations on the supports needed to facilitate the sector’s recovery during and post-pandemic. The Durham Non-Profit Recovery Network (DNRN) aims to support Durham non-profits in their recovery and resiliency-building. This project was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Land Recognition

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is located on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga (Anishinaabe), on land ceded in the Williams Treaty of 1923 by the governments of Canada and Ontario and by seven First Nations of the Chippewa of Lake Simcoe (Beausoleil, Georgina Island, and Rama) and of the Mississauga of the north shore of Lake Ontario (Scugog Island, Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha). In Durham, we live and work on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. As settlers, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet here, and we thank all the generations of people who have been stewards of this sacred land.

Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report, and how we can all use its principles in building a more equitable and just society.

Project Funded By
Ontario Trillium Foundation

CDCD logo

Project Lead
Community Development Council Durham

Acknowledgements

Thank you

  • Nathan Gardner, Former Team Lead, Community Development, CDCD
  • Neemarie Alam, Former Lead Social Researcher, CDCD
Logo - Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation
Logo - Durham Children and Youth Planning Network
Logo - Durham Community Foundation
Logo - United Way Durham Region

Organizations that participated as Key Informants

  • AIDS Committee of Durham Region
  • Boys and Girls Club of Durham
  • Feed the Need Durham
  • Oshawa Seniors Community Centre
  • Salvation Army
  • Scientists in School
  • Their Opportunity
  • Whitby Chamber of Commerce
  • Women’s Multicultural Resource & Counselling Centre

Stakeholders who participated as Orientation Informants

  • Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
  • Community Development Council Durham
  • Durham Community Foundation
  • Municipality of Clarington
  • Region of Durham
  • Town of Ajax

Focus Group Participants

  • 1855 Whitby-Technology Accelerator
  • A Gift of Art
  • Bowmanville Older Adults Association
  • Community Care Durham
  • Community Justice Alternatives of Durham Region
  • Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
  • Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
  • Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre
  • John Howard Society of Durham Region
  • Precious Minds Support Services

We extend our thanks to our funders, governments, and community leaders for their continued guidance, efforts, and insights. Without their collective efforts, the non-profit sector would not have been able to respond to community demands and needs. Their support, and willingness to provide and partner is deeply appreciated.

We extend a special thank you to the Region of Durham, and our Key Project Advisors, Durham Community Foundation and United Way Durham Region, for supporting this project, and for all the important work they have done and continue to do to support the sector.

We also extend a special thank you to Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding this report, and believing in a project like ours.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge all the non-profits in Durham Region for continuing to do an incredible job against all odds. We know that this past year has been difficult for so many, and that you likely struggled to bring your best selves to the communities you have served.

Thank you for your creativity, strength, and continued existence.

You are needed and necessary. We see your hard work, and we hope you see yourself reflected in this report.

We’re On Our Way

Supporting Durham’s Non-Profit Sector through (and post) the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response project includes a sector survey, reporting, and action plans to help agencies and charities plan for the future. In April 2020, Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) conducted a survey to better understand what resources and supports were needed to support non-profit organizations in the Durham Region, with the intent of mapping the immediate and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following CDCD’s initial report on the impacts of COVID-19 on the non-profit sector, an advisory group of five key stakeholders was drawn together to support the second phase of the project. The project team hosted 2 focus groups with 12 non-profit stakeholders, 10 key informants, and 6 orientation informants

This report hopes to continue the narrative that Durham’s non-profit sector is complex, interwoven, and important as recovery strategies and drafted and implemented.

Key Point 1

  • COVID-19 highlighted existing infrastructural challenges in Durham Region’s non-profit sector.

Key Point 2

  • Durham’s non-profit sector collaborates often for project delivery and to address issues specific to a particular sub-sector but there is little to no collaboration for sector-wide convening and planning.
    Barriers to sector-wide collaboration include competitive funding structures and limited resources.

Key Point Three

  • Governments and private investors must intentionally find new ways to ensure non-profit engagement and participation with a multitude of voices.

Webinars and Workshops

Now What? Getting Ready for the New Roaring 20s
Presented by Nicole Nakoneshny, Partner at KCI.

The Case for Organizational Health and Resilience
Presented by Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO at Imagine Canada.

  • Focused on helping organizations make the case for operating and strategies on how to discuss this topic with both stakeholders and donors.
  • Download Presentation here.

COVID-Recovery Task Force
Presented by Neemarie Allam and Hermia Corbette at CDCD.

  • Focused on the survey and work being done by the team.

We Are Here for You!
Presented by Audrey Andrews, Strategic Partnerships @ Region of Durham

  • A check-in on what the Funders Table and the Region of Durham are doing to support the charitable and nonprofit sector during COVID and beyond.

Supporting Pandemic Mental Health Impacts for Leaders: Tips, Strategies and Collaborative Problem-Solving

This 3-part series provided psycho-education information focused on identifying and managing the stressors and mental health challenges faced by leadership in the current pandemic and also involved opportunities to debrief experiences, build on collective strengths and identify helpful coping mechanisms.

Identifying Mental Health Impacts for Leaders During Pandemic

  • Pressures faced by leaders during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The mental health impacts for leaders: How stress, burnout and compassion fatigue can present for leaders in the current climate and the role isolation can play.
  • Identifying and responding to stress and distress: A continuum approach to warning signs.
  • Support and debriefing: follow-up on topics discussed.
  • Relevant Resources.

The Benefits of Self-Reflection and Self-Care for Leaders

  • The benefits of self-reflection practices for leaders.
  • Balancing self-care while facing leadership pressures.
  • Micro self-care habits: Finding the time when time is scarce.
  • Support and debriefing: follow-up on topics discussed and how to enact strategies.
  • Relevant Resources.

Self-Compassion for Leaders and Strategies for Fostering Resiliency

  • Implementing self-compassion practices: How can this help?
  • Strategies for fostering personal and organizational resiliency.
  • Strategies for supporting mental well-being and resiliency with your teams.
  • Support and debriefing: Follow-up on topics discussed and how to enact strategies.
  • Relevant Resources.

Workshop PDF – Self Compassion and Strategies for Resilience

Shared Software and Technology Information

Software for Sharing – Durham Region NFPs
A list of links to software and technology that can be shared with all Durham Region non-profits. For more information, please contact Padmini Robers at proberts@cdcd.org or at 905.686.2661 ext 135.

Please review the following Terms and Conditions before contacting/using the shared software and technology.

Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud gives users access to a collection of software developed by Adobe for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, and cloud services.

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Includes
    • Acrobat DC: for accessing, editing, reviewing, and signing PDFs.
    • Illustrator: for creating art and illustrations.
    • InDesign: for designing and publishing layouts for both digital and print.
    • Photoshop: for compositing, creating, and editing art, graphics, and images.
    • Premiere Pro: for industry-standard, professional video editing.

GoToMeeting / GoToWebinar
GoToMeeting is a professional online meeting software that makes it easy to connect with people any way you want. Some features include: Business Messaging collaboration. Less note taking with transcriptions. Instant and scheduled meetings. Customized team settings.

  • GoToMeeting includes
    • secure online/virtual meeting
    • desktop sharing
    • video conferencing
    • connect with clients, colleagues, and community members via the internet in real-time
  • GoToWebinar includes
    • online/virtual conference platform
    •  flexible webinar interactions
    • insightful analytics.

Grant Connect
Search thousands of grant opportunities. Save countless research hours. Find funding, grow your impact.

  • Grant Connect Includes
    • fundraising platform that consists of more than 11,300 foundations/organizations
    • search for funding prospects
    • review funding applications and eligibility requirements
    • funders’ giving history
    • access up-to-date contact information on North American grant makers

Tableau
Tableau is a visual analytics platform transforming the way we use data to solve problems — empowering people and organizations to make the most of their data.

  • Tableau Includes
    • interactive data visualization
    • explore and manage data
    • discover and share data insights in creative and innovative ways

Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service you can use to virtually meet with others – either by video or audio-only or both, all while conducting live chats.

  • Zoom Includes
    • secure online/virtual video platform
    • chatting, meeting and phone calls
    • online events and webinars
    • connect with clients, colleagues, and community members via the internet in real-time

Durham Non-Profit Recovery Network Working Group

  • More information and Terms of Reference coming soon…

Funding Opportunities

Links to funding opportunities available to organizations in Durham.
More opportunities coming soon…

Funding Resources Region of Durham

Community organizations are working hard to respond to the needs of the community and funding initiatives to help support this work are in place.

www.durham.ca

Deadline: April 30, 2024

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. Application 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

Learn More…

Deadline (Stream One): April 30, 2024

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 will address community violence and youth justice involvement by supporting sector resilience, bridging service gaps, and encouraging resident engagement and leadership development. This program is made possible by funding from Public Safety Canada.

Stream One: Program Funding

This funding will support local projects that address risk factors associated with gun and gang violence, by addressing the underlying social conditions that give rise to crime. Prioritized program outcomes include social development, violence prevention, violence intervention, and violence interruption.

  • Applications open: March 20, 2024 to April 30, 2024
  • Amount: Up to $300,000 per fiscal year for up to two fiscal years, subject to program performance.

Stream Two: Capacity Strengthening

This Stream will support one-time training and capacity-strengthening activities to enhance staff, organizational, and/or sector capacity to meet the needs of the listed priority populations. Examples of eligible capacity-strengthening activities include but are not limited to, mentorship and train the trainer programs, trauma-informed care training, anti-racism training, CPR training, etc.

  • Applications open: We will accept applications on a rolling basis. Once all Stream Two dollars have been allocated, applications will not be considered for the remainder of the year. We encourage you to apply early.
  • Amount: Up to $25,000 for up to one year only.

Stream Three: Advocacy and Public Awareness

This Stream will support advocacy, public awareness, and knowledge mobilization activities. Eligible activities include but are not limited to the development and implementation of workshops, conferences, panels, symposiums, communication campaigns, etc. In addition, applicants who have been invited to participate in knowledge translation and exchange activities can apply for funding to support travel, accommodation, copy editing, publication fees, etc.

  • Applications Open: We will accept applications on a rolling basis. Once all Stream Three dollars have been allocated, applications will not be considered for the remainder of the year. We encourage you to apply early.
  • Amount: Up to $25,000 per year for up to two years.

Learn More…

Deadline: May 13, 2024

Durham’s non-profit sector plays a vital role in providing critical services to residents, building and strengthening communities, and contributing to economic stability. The Region is committed to investing in Durham’s non-profit sector through a community investment program to help grow strong, resilient communities.

The Community Social Investment Program (CSIP) supports the allocation of social services investments to non-profits that enhance, or improve, human services across Durham communities.

The CSIP will support local organizations with mandates to:

  • Reduce poverty.
  • Address social inequities.
  • Promote wellness.
  • Support communities to thrive.

CSIP Thriving Communities Fund

Applications for the Thriving Communities Fund will open at 8:30 a.m. on April 15, 2024 and will close at 12 p.m. on May 13, 2024.

The 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.

  • The 2024 funding limit is up to a maximum of $50,000 per approved application.
  • The funding term is for one year, January 1 to December 31, 2024.
  • A limited number of organizations will be funded.

Learn More…

Current Deadline: March 27, 2024

Upcoming Deadline: June 5, 2024

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 single-time projects/programs, with a focus on rural and/or agriculture, that do not receive 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…

Upcoming Meeting: May 14, 2024. Pre-meeting application deadline: May 8, 2024

Following in the footsteps of the Baagwating Community Association (BCA) which dissolved in 2016, the MSIFN Donation Committee has continued to help organizations, communities, and individuals with charitable giving.

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

Please note that if your request is approved by the MSIFN Maada’ookii Committee, those funds must be used within three (3) months of the approval date for the purpose intended, or returned to the Committee for redistribution. Please choose the appropriate form, based on the following categories, for your request:

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

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

Learn More…

Coming Soon: The online application is open from May 25 to July 31, 2024

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 three-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. The Minister of National Revenue has announced that the Canada Revenue Agency will continue to invest in free tax clinics by extending the grant pilot project for a fourth year, with funding up to $5.9 million.

Learn More…

Deadline: May 3, 2024

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:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Indigenous Communities
  • Refugees
  • Trans Communities
  • Spiritual/Social Groups
  • Arts & Culture

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.

Community One strongly encourages applications for programming, projects, and initiatives that prioritize and centre the work of Two-Spirit, Indigenous, Trans, Non-binary, Practitioners, Facilitators, Artists & Communities. 

The James Stewart Research and Education Award was created thanks to the generous bequest from James Stewart, the Toronto mathematician and musician who passed away in December 2014. As one of the Toronto-based 2SLGBTQ+ charities to receive philanthropic support from Mr. Stewart’s estate, Community One is honoured to offer this annual grant in his name.

This award honours registered charities with projects in research and education pertaining to the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The award recipient will receive $15,000 in funding to start or continue their project work.

Learn More…

Various Dates: Click on each program for deadlines and more details

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…

Application Deadline: Ongoing

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.
  • OCAF has a two-stage application process which ensures that organizations do not dedicate significant time, effort and resources to an ineligible project.
  • 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…

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...

Deadline: No deadline posted

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.

Learn More...

Application Deadline: No posted deadline

This option of the National Housing Co-Investment Contribution Fund increases access to housing funding for Black-led organizations. The contribution funding supports Black-led* organizations to build housing benefiting Black households. The Fund prioritizes partnerships between Black-led organizations and other partners like governments, non-profits and other such organizations.

Contribution Funding through the Co-Investment Fund supports organizations that have already partnered and secured funding but require more capital. It can be used to:

  • top-up funding – when you have most of your project funding secured and require top-up funding to close a funding gap
  • leverage other funding sources – get funding confirmation within 30 days of being prioritized that can then be used to secure funding from other sources

Contribution Funding provides:

  • an unsecured contribution that facilitates seamless integration into project financing structures. This can make it easier for you to attract other sources of funding.
  • more certainty on funding amounts* Please refer to the Viability Assessment Spreadsheetfor more details.

* The Co-Investment’s Contribution funding amounts are based on lesser of per unit calculation, project needs or percentage of costs (Non-profits/coops = 40%.)

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…

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…

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. We prioritize:

  • Programs supporting equity-deserving youth
  • Efforts to 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 and willingness to ongoing evaluation and learning in order to improve and increase impact

Our grants empower organizations that enable economically vulnerable young people and families to overcome barriers to academic success, economic prosperity, and health and wellbeing in the following areas:

  • Education and Economic Opportunities
  • Children and Youth Mental Health
  • Food Security and 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...

Open Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round

Peter Gilgan Foundation has dedicated funds to reducing barriers and uplifting opportunities and wellbeing for Indigenous young people.

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

Grant Types

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.

Grants for first-time applicants to this funding stream typically range from $10,000 to $50,000 and are single-year commitments.

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

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…

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...

Deadline: No fixed deadline

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.

In addition, $3M has been set aside for another new priority, Building Community Resilience. This call to action seeks to empower communities by facilitating events and initiatives that strengthen connections, foster unity, build resilience, and establish a national network of best practices. The ultimate objective is to inspire and catalyze local grassroots initiatives that build bridges and unite Canadians.

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…

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.

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Ontario Non-Profit Network

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Imagine Canada

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Project Funded By
Ontario Trillium Foundation

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Project Lead
Community Development Council Durham