Durham Non-Profit COVID-19 Recovery
Funded by: Ontario Trillium Foundation
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
Project Lead
Community Development Council Durham
Key Project Advisors
Acknowledgements
Thank you
- Nathan Gardner, Former Team Lead, Community Development, CDCD
- Neemarie Alam, Former Lead Social Researcher, CDCD
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.
- We’re On Our Way – Presentation
- We’re On Our Way – Meeting Conference
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.
Download Reports
For more information please contact Padmini Roberts at proberts@cdcd.org or at 905.686.2661 x:135
2020 Connected Through Uncertainty: Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response Full Report
2020 Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response Infographic
2020 Durham COVID-19 Non-Profit Response Executive Summary
Webinars and Workshops
Now What? Getting Ready for the New Roaring 20s
Presented by Nicole Nakoneshny, Partner at KCI.
- Fundraising trends and strategies for the sector during and post-pandemic.
- Download Presentation here.
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
The COVID-19 Pandemic is an unprecedented time in Durham Region and as a result, many residents are experiencing unprecedented need. Community organizations are working hard to respond to the needs of the community and funding initiatives to help support this work are in place.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Community Development Grants
Coming Soon: Applications open June 12, 2023 – Deadline: July 7, 2023
The Community Development Grant has two funding streams. Qualified organizations may apply for either stream or both within each period, however, the requests must be clearly justified, and funding will be dependent on overall demand.
Operational Support: Assists organizations to build capacity or to cover increased expenses to provide inclusive, safe sport participant experiences, such as but not limited to:
- Build human resource capacity (program staff, coaches, volunteers), including hiring and training;
- Hire subject matter expert for EDI training;
- Increased rental costs or facility updates;
- Organization development, including fundraising/revenue generation strategies and operational efficiencies; and
- Rebuilding, expanding or starting a new organization.
Programming Support: Assists organizations with the costs of delivering sport and recreational programming, including but not limited to:
- Program supervisors, instructors, coaches;
- Facility costs;
- Equipment costs; and
- Transportation costs.
Business Advisory Centre Durham: Starter Company Plus
Application Deadline: Next cohort begins in May 2023. Apply now to be added to the wait list
Starter Company Plus Program is for existing business owners operating between 1 to 3 years (market ready/ready to sell), to expand (hiring employees, contractors or getting a location) or buying a business in Durham Region.
The Program provides:
- The program has 3 mandatory training days over 2 weeks (9:00am – 3:00pm) covering Business Concept, Organization, Operations and Customer Relations
- The chance to receive up to $5,000 in seed funding to kick off a new business or expand your current business
- The experience of running a successful business that may help you obtain more traditional financing such as a bank loan if you so require in the future
This program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation: Donations Committee
Upcoming Meetings:
- May 9, 2023 (deadline is May 2, 2023)
- June 27, 2023 (deadline is June 20, 2023)
- July 26, 2023 (deadline is July 19, 2023)
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 requests 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 assistance.
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.
Farm Credit Canada: FCC Agrispirit Fund
Deadline: May 15, 2023
Do you have a capital project that will enrich lives in your rural community? The FCC AgriSpirit Fund supports projects by charities, non-profit groups, First Nations bands and Metis settlements in communities of less than 150,000 people.
Types of projects we consider:
- Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery
- Construction of or upgrades to community buildings
- Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint
- Initiatives that support agriculture and food
Trillium Mutual Insurance Company: Roots Community Fund
Deadline: May 25, 2023
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 is single-time projects/programs 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.
Government of Canada: Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Coming Soon: The next application intake period for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund is expected to open in May 2023
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a five-year, $60 million initiative ending March 31, 2024. It was created as part of the Government of Canada’s Food Policy for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. The LFIF is aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations with a mission to reduce food insecurity by establishing and strengthening their local food system.
The next application intake period for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund is expected to open in May 2023.
Ontario Trillium Foundation: Community Investment – Capital Grant
Coming Soon: Application available May 17, 2023 – Deadline: June 14, 2023
Apply for a Capital grant to help your non-profit organization address a community need by improving the infrastructure Ontarians need to thrive. Whether it’s purchasing equipment, building a new space, or completing renovations, retrofits or repairs, Capital grants support projects that will have a positive impact in your community.
We support projects that:
- Improve access to community spaces, facilities, programs, activities and services, and facilitate community members’ full participation in the life of the community
- Improve and build community spaces
- Make programs and services better and more efficient
- Make better use of technology
Organizations can request funding for multiple capital improvements within one facility, e.g., touchless entry and widening of doorways at local community centre, or they can request funding for the same capital improvements at multiple facilities, e.g., HVAC retrofits at 3 municipal arenas.
Ontario Trillium Foundation: Youth Opportunities Fund – Systems Innovation Grant
Deadline: June 20, 2023
YOF provides grants and capacity-building to grassroots groups and collaboratives to improve the wellbeing of youth and families with a focus on Indigenous and Black communities.
With a System Innovations grant, collaboratives can help create meaningful, innovative change by delivering projects that benefit youth, while prioritizing Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and Black youth.
This grant supports collaboratives as they:
- Examine and understand how youth access and experience the services within a system
- Engage a group of partners within the system to work together toward a shared strategic vision
- Explore potential models and best practices
- Invest in capacity building to shift outdated behaviours
- Design and/or implement strategies for system change
We support two types of system change projects:
- Groundwork: Laying the groundwork needed to strengthen a system of services or opportunities for young people benefitting from the work
- Implementation: Implementing strategies to strengthen a system of services or opportunities for young people benefitting from the work
Telus Friendly Future Foundation: Innovation Grants
Deadline for Letters of Intent: June 23, 2023
Funding is available to registered charities that offer programming that promotes the well-being of youth and provides them with opportunities to succeed, both today and in the future. In particular, we are interested in supporting initiatives that advance some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, good health and well-being, quality education and climate action. Programs must focus on reaching youth experiencing obstacles to reaching their full potential and incorporate the innovative use of technology.
As one of our goals is to support as many registered charities as possible, charities may only apply once per calendar year and must choose between the Innovation Grants channel or the Community Board Grants channel. Applications may not be submitted to both grant channels in the same calendar year.
For many of the most pressing social and environmental problems we now face, the solutions require a new way of thinking. Our intention is to offer funding for those “moonshot” ideas that will enable charitable organizations to create breakthrough change in their communities.
In 2023, our Innovation Grants will focus on two areas of interest:
Youth mental health
The percentage of children and youth experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety has doubled during the pandemic. Eating disorders and substance use have been on the rise. Young people across the country have been impacted by school closures and the lack of in-person connection with friends, mentors and loved ones. Charities offering innovative solutions to promote youth mental health and build community will help to meet the needs facing young people today and build their capacity to thrive in the future.
Environmental education or climate action programs for youth
Today’s youth have come of age during a time of rapid climate change, and they have the most at stake in how society responds to it. Climate change brings economic and environmental challenges as well as opportunities, and youth who understand the issues will be better prepared to act and respond with innovative solutions. Charities offering creative approaches to climate education and action will help youth to build skills and knowledge and to be inspired to address the urgency of the climate crisis.
Government of Canada: Grant for Hosting Free Tax Clinics
Deadline: June 30, 2023
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.
Catherine Donnelly Foundation
Coming Soon: Next letter of inquiry deadline: July 7, 2023
The Catherine Donnelly Foundation operates with a two-stage application review process:
- Letter of Inquiry (pre-proposal inquiry)
- Invited Applicant (full application process)
A Review Committee will evaluate Letters of Inquiry for their adherence with CDF objectives and criteria. If you are successful with the Letter of Inquiry submission you will be invited to submit a full application through our on-line application portal.
The Catherine Donnelly Foundation Board currently reviews grant application requests twice yearly, in February and August, to determine successful applications based on the recommendations of its committees
.Please note that the grant application process takes approximately eight weeks from the invited application deadline until board review and approval for all areas of focus:
Housing
We prioritize the prevention and elimination of homelessness as well as the provision of safe and affordable housing. We advocate a shift from an emergency-response model to a rights-based approach that removes systemic barriers preventing marginalized and low-income populations from accessing housing.
Adult Education
We support projects that use adult education processes to assist marginalized people to collectively name the racism, poverty, violence or other forms of exclusion and oppression they experience.
Environment
We seek to mobilize public opinion to build up “just” industries and livelihoods that generate green jobs as part of a low-carbon economy. These efforts should support well-being economies that eradicate poverty, distribute wealth equitably, and uphold human rights.
Impact Investing
We engage with our capital and fully understanding its power is a matter of ethical integrity; there is an inherent contradiction in granting for a healthier environment and a more equitable and just society with funds from the proceeds of ‘dirty’ and unethical investments.
All applicants are encouraged to review our Application Guidelines and to contact the Foundation office prior to submitting a Letter of Inquiry.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
Coming Soon: Summer submission deadline: July 15, 2023
Founded by TD Bank Group in 1990, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity that funds environmental projects across Canada. The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education and green space programs.
Eligible projects include schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, park programming and citizen science initiatives. For a full list, please see the Common Questions.
Submission Deadlines: January 15 and July 15
Ontario Trillium Foundation: Youth Opportunities Fund – Youth Innovations and Family Innovations Grants
Coming Soon: Application available May 31, 2023 – Deadline: August 23, 2023
YOF provides grants and capacity-building to grassroots groups and collaboratives to improve the wellbeing of youth and families with a focus on Indigenous and Black communities.
Youth Innovations Test Grant: Are you a youth-led grassroots group or a youth-adult partnership? Apply for a Youth Innovations Test grant for a project designed to support other youth in your community in one of these three areas:
- Research a new concept or issue
- Strategize around an issue(s) affecting people you want to support
- Test a new project idea
Youth Innovations Scale Grant: Are you a youth-led grassroots group or a youth-adult partnership with over two years of experience delivering a community project? Apply for a Youth Innovations Scale grant to enhance your existing project for a deeper impact on youth or to expand your project to reach more youth. A project that you want to enhance or expand should:
- Consist of a program model that responds to the needs of the youth identified as your primary beneficiaries
- Have core program activities that have been successfully delivered for at least two years
- Demonstrate that the positive impact experienced by youth are attributed to your program model.
- Be sustainable through ongoing engagement and collaboration with youth and community, as a result of your proven success.
- Align with and advance one of the Youth Innovations Priority Outcomes
Family Innovations Test Grant: Are you a grassroots group led by parents, guardians, and caregivers? Apply for a Family Innovations Test grant for a project designed to support other parents, guardians, and caregivers in your community in one of three areas:
- Research a new concept or issue
- Strategize around issue(s) affecting people you want to support
- Test a new project idea
Family Innovations Scale Grant: Are you a grassroots group led by parents, guardians, and caregivers with over two years of experience delivering a community project? Apply for a Family Innovations Scale grant to enhance your existing project for a deeper impact on parents, guardians, and caregivers or to expand your project to reach more parents, guardians, and caregivers. A project that you want to enhance or expand should:
- Consist of a program model that responds to the needs of the parents, guardians and caregivers identified as your primary beneficiaries
- Have core program activities that have been successfully delivered for at least two years
- Demonstrate that the positive impact experienced by parents, guardians and caregivers are attributed to your program model
- Be sustainable through ongoing engagement and collaboration with parents, guardians and caregivers and community, as a result of your proven success
- Align with and advance one of the Family Innovations Priority Outcomes
Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students
Deadline: August 31, 2023
Canada Post gives $2,000 grants to Indigenous Peoples who have renewed their educational learning. You’re eligible to apply if you:
- Are a Canadian and a member of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community
- Have been out of school for 1 year or more and are returning
- Have already returned to school and completed 1 full year of studies
- Have never received this award in the past (you can apply as many times as you want, but you can only receive the award once)
ScotiaRISE
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
CIBC
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
CMHC/SCHL: National Housing Co-Investment Fund – Black-Led Organizations
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%.)
Government of Canada: Community Economic Development and Diversification
Deadline: No deadline posted
FedDev Ontario is looking for:
- Businesses or not-for-profit organizations in small communities who are working to develop, diversify and transform their local economies.
- Rural partners to help address the unique economic conditions in small towns and rural communities.
Applications can be submitted for:
- Non-repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for not-for-profit organizations.
- No interest, repayable contributions from $250,000 up to $5 million per project for incorporated businesses, including Indigenous businesses.
Funding is available to:
- Enhance business attraction, investment, retention and employment opportunities in southern Ontario communities.
- Develop and expand collaborative efforts that strengthen regional competitiveness.
- Support regional businesses, hubs and communities with the goal of economic diversification, integration and transformation.
Examples of projects include:
- Creating financing opportunities to reduce risk and enable businesses to make investments in innovative technologies.
- Integrating local businesses into national or global supply chains.
Government of Ontario: Summer Jobs for Students Program
Application Deadline: Various dates
Need a job this summer?
The Ontario government — and its partners — offers many programs to help students find summer jobs. You need to apply for most programs. In some cases, the government can connect you to people who can help you with your job search.
The deadlines and what you need to apply depend on the program. Click on the link for each program for more detailed information.
Not a student?
Learn about government job funds, programs and online tools available to help people under 30 build skills, find a job or start businesses all year round.
Government of Ontario: Reconnect Ontario – Marquee Event Fund
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Reconnect Ontario Marquee Event Fund supports costs related to hosting:
- major one-time events in Ontario
- events that do not recur annually or biannually in Ontario
- national or international events in Ontario
Eligible organizations must:
- be legal entities
- have been in existence for one year or longer, as of the date of submission of the application
- have a bank account at a Canadian financial institution that conducts business in Ontario
- not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario (for example, Ontario Trillium Foundation)
- demonstrate proven organizational ability, technical capacity and fiscal prudence to successfully host a marquee event. This includes national and/or international event management experience and tourism business expertise
Events supported by the Reconnect Ontario Marquee Event Fund must have cash operating expenses totaling $1 million or more.
We will accept applications on an ongoing basis, however you must submit your application at least four months before your event start date.
Government of Ontario: Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
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.
Town of Whitby Mayor’s Community Development Fund
The Town of Whitby is providing funds through the Mayor’s Community Development Fund (MCDF), which provides financial assistance to local community groups, events and initiatives that help contribute to Whitby as a vibrant and caring community. The criteria has been expanded to focus on local organizations working to help the Whitby community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications are accepted on a monthly basis for community grants of 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 about the Town of Whitby Mayor’s Community Development Fund
Government of Ontario: Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
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.
COVID-19 Recovery and Transition Planning Resources
This list is expanding over time – please check back for updates.
Ontario Non-Profit Network
Imagine Canada
- COVID-19 Resource Hub: COVID-19 and the Charitable Sector | Imagine Canada
Project Funded By
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Project Lead
Community Development Council Durham