Funding Opportunities eNewsletter
April 6, 2022
Funding Opportunities Update
for Not-for-Profits and the Charitable Sector
The Funding Opportunities Update is created by the Region of Durham, Social Services Department.

We know that strong, well-funded not-for-profit and charitable sectors can better meet the needs of Durham’s diverse communities. We are committed to sharing information about grants and funding opportunities with our community partners.

Please share this newsletter with your own networks and contacts.

Want to sign-up for the newsletter OR want to be removed from our mailing list? Please let us know: email us at funding@durham.ca.

Visit our Funding Resources page for funding opportunities that open between Updates and for links to resources that may help in the application process.
 
Important Tip! Register your organization online at the Transfer Payment Ontario website. This site provides information about available grants, how to apply for grants and how to check the status of your application.
Granting Opportunities by Deadline
Canada Post Community Foundation

Deadline: April 8, 2022

We provide grants to Canadian schools, charities and organizations in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children in our communities.

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 hiring staff or purchasing new equipment. Project grants can total up to $25,000* each.

Signature Grant

This grant is in place to contribute 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 every year.

Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant

The Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant will be awarded to a national organization offering programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation and supports Indigenous children and youth across the country.

One (1) Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant of $50,000 can be awarded each year
Government of Canada: Dementia Strategic Fund - Awareness Raising Initiatives

Deadline: April 8, 2022

Budget 2019 announced $50 million over 5 years to support the implementation of key elements of Canada's first national dementia strategy, A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. The strategy's national objectives are to:

  • prevent dementia
  • advance therapies and find a cure
  • improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers

The $40 million dedicated to the Dementia Strategic Fund (DSF) is supporting a variety of activities, including the development and implementation of:

  • a national public education/awareness campaign
  • targeted awareness raising initiatives
  • initiatives that support access to and use of dementia guidance.

This funding opportunity contributes to the implementation of Canada's national dementia strategy by supporting projects focused on one or more of the following themes:

  • preventing dementia
  • reducing stigma
  • encouraging and enabling communities to become more dementia-inclusive

An important consideration during the assessment of an Invitation to Submit a Funding Request (ISFR) proposal is the meaningful inclusion of people living with dementia and dementia caregivers in the development, design and implementation of awareness raising initiatives that focus on stigma reduction and/or dementia-inclusive communities. Consideration may also be given to the inclusion of people living with dementia and/or caregivers in the development and implementation of awareness raising initiatives focused on prevention, though the level of engagement is expected to vary according to the scope and focus of the project.
Community One Foundation: Rainbow Grants

Deadline: April 9, 2022

Foundation Rainbow Grants are available for up to $7,500 and are open to registered charities or groups trusteed by a registered charity.

General Rainbow Grants are available for up to $1,500 and are open to groups or individuals without charitable status.

The James Stewart Rainbow Grant was created thanks to the generous bequest from James Stewart, the Toronto mathematician and musician who passed away in December 2015. As one of the Toronto-based LGBTQ+ charities to receive philanthropic support from Mr. Stewart's estate, Community One is honoured to offer this annual grant in his name. This grant is available to a registered charity for up to $10,000.

The James Stewart Rainbow Grant focuses on one or more of the following key areas:

  • seed new and innovative projects to combat discrimination on the basis of sexual/gender identity and create an atmosphere of respect and acceptance
  • support needed but underfunded services to LGBT individuals and families
  • provide programming specifically aimed at supporting newcomers to Canada who have identified themselves with the LGBT community
Government of Ontario: Black Youth Action Plan - Economic Empowerment Stream

Sector Innovation Networks Application Deadline: April 20, 2022

The economic empowerment stream of the Black Youth Action Plan supports Black youth and young adults to build their careers and achieve economic success. There are three funding initiatives:

  • Career Launch
  • Career Advance
  • Sector Innovation Networks

Initiatives funded by this stream will help support Black Ontarians to overcome barriers and equitably participate in a future-oriented economy, by connecting them with resources such as:

  • essential and technical skills development
  • high-quality job opportunities
  • entrepreneurship supports
  • sector-led innovations

Applications may be completed by a single organization, or on behalf of a coalition or a partnership. Any coalition or partnership must include at least one “lead organization” that qualifies as an eligible legal entity.
Government of Ontario: Seniors Community Grants

Deadline: April 28, 2022

Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 up to $25,000 help community organizations provide opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults, from the safety of their homes or other safe environments.

Projects can be focused on a number of areas. Examples include:

  • volunteerism
  • learning
  • financial awareness
  • social inclusion
  • elder abuse prevention
  • mental well-being
  • physical activity

Programming can be delivered remotely, virtually, or in-person with proper health control measures in place.

With the health and safety of Ontario’s older adults being more important than ever, the goal of the program is to address social isolation and help older adults stay healthy, safe and engaged in their communities.

Eligibility

  • incorporated organizations that can apply for up to $25,000
  • individuals representing small, unincorporated seniors’ groups that can apply for a maximum of $10,000

Grants are available between $1,000 and $25,000.

Projects must involve older adults and meet at least one of the ministry’s key priorities outlined in the program guidelines

Approved projects are anticipated to start by late summer 2022 and must be completed by March 31, 2023.
Farm Credit Canada: FCC Agri-Spirit Fund

Deadline: April 29, 2022

Do you have a capital project that will enrich lives in your rural community? The FCC AgriSpirit Fund may provide between $5,000 to $25,000 to projects that qualify in a city or town of fewer than 150,000 people, or an Indigenous community.

Types of projects we consider:

  • Refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery
  • Construction of or upgrades to a hospital, medical centre, childcare facility, rink or sportsplex
  • Firefighting and rescue equipment
  • Play structures and recreation areas
  • Renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint
Ontario Sport Network: Emergency Relief Community Sport and Recreation Grant

Deadline: April 29, 2022

The Ontario Sport Network has been appointed by the province to deliver a one-time application-based relief fund targeting community level sport and recreation organizations, clubs, teams, leagues, and associations that have sustained losses due to COVID-19.

Grants will be issued to organizations that demonstrate the greatest financial need and a strategy to use the grant to sustain their programming.

Eligible Organizations

  • All sport and recreation clubs and organizations that are not affiliated(Members) with a Ministry-recognized PSO/MSO;
  • All sport and recreation leagues and teams that are affiliated (Members)with a Ministry-recognized PSO/MSO but can demonstrate substantial losses in gate receipts and sponsorship due to the pandemic
  • Member clubs of PSO/MSOs that are recognized but not funded through the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund (i.e., Ontario Grappling Association &Ontario Racquetball);

Webinars about the grant

  • Thursday, April 7, 2022 - 12 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 7, 2022 - 7 p.m.

Government of Canada: Canadian Heritage - Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Local Festivals Deadline: April 30, 2021

The 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. 

Community Anniversaries Deadline: April 30, 2021

The Community Anniversaries component provides funding to local groups for non–recurring local events, with or without a minor capital project. Eligible events and capital projects are those that commemorate the 100th anniversary or greater (in increments of 25 years) of a significant local historical event or personality.

Eligible capital projects such as community art projects, restoration of objects, community history books, statues and murals can be funded up to a maximum $25,000.

Funding is available for non-recurring events that mark the 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); of a significant local historical event or personality.
Funding includes capital projects up to a maximum amount of $25,000 (such as community art projects, restoration of objects, community history books, statues and murals). Successful projects may receive up to 100 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $200,000 for events that:

  • present the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers or specialists;
  • actively involve members of the local community; and
  • are intended for and accessible to the general public.

Government of Ontario: Francophone Community Grants Program

Deadline: May 11, 2021

The Francophone Community Grants Program supports the cultural and commercial vitality of the French-speaking population, with a focus on improving front-line services and promoting the French language and culture. The program has two funding streams:

  • Community and Culture stream
  • Economic Development stream

The program covers up to 80% of eligible expenses under the community stream and up to 50% of eligible expenses under the economic stream for projects that aim to:

strengthen the capacity of organizations and/or businesses to provide products and services to Francophones in the province
promote the recruitment and/or training of bilingual Francophone staff
provide opportunities to celebrate and foster understanding of Ontario's Francophonie

Community and Culture stream

To apply to the program under this stream, you must:

  • be an incorporated not-for-profit organization
  • have been in continuous operation in Ontario for at least (2) years as of May 11, 2022
  • have an annual operating budget of at least $10,000
  • have a clear mandate to develop programs and initiatives benefiting Francophones at the local, regional or provincial level
  • not be 100% funded by the provincial government

Economic Development stream

To apply to the program under this stream, you must:

  • be a for-profit business or an incorporated not-for-profit organization involved in economic development
  • have been in continuous operation in Ontario for at least (2) years as of May 11, 2022
  • have annual revenue of at least $50,000 (the gross revenue of for-profit applicants is capped at $1,000,000)
  • have a minimum of one full-time employee
  • meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • operate in a Francophone community
  • offer products/services to francophones in Ontario
  • present a realistic business expansion plan supported by market data to start operating in or providing products/services to a francophone market in Ontario
  • partner with a regional, national or international organization to expand the range of products and services available to francophone markets in Ontario.
Government of Ontario: Youth Jobs Strategy - Summer Company

Deadline: May 23, 2022

Through a program called Summer Company, you can get:

  • start-up money to kick-off a new summer business
  • advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running. 

Learning how to run your own student business is one of the best summer jobs you can have. You get to be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. Sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking are just a few of the highly useful skills you’ll develop.

Maximum award: $3,000. Successful Summer Company applicants get:

  • up to $1,500 up front to help with start-up costs
  • up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements
Government of Ontario: Ontario Sport Hosting Program

Deadline: July 11, 2022

The Sport Hosting Program provides project-based funding to help applicants deliver major national and international amateur sport events in Ontario. The objectives of the program are to:

  • create legacies that support sport at the provincial, regional and local level
  • provide economic benefits through increased levels of tourism, expenditures and improved public infrastructure
  • foster a culture of sport and physical activity in communities by creating role models and enhancing community spirit and involvement in sports
  • increase opportunities for Ontario athletes to compete and participate in events in Ontario
  • seek new avenues to further build and develop the sport capacity of the province by providing additional ways to develop and train coaches, officials and volunteers
  • create a culture of sport that engages all Ontarians

Stream 1: Provincial or National Sport Organizations

  • Provincial Sport/Multi-Sport Organizations recognized under Ontario’s Provincial Sport Recognition Policy
  • National Sport Organizations funded by Sport Canada

Stream 2: Event Host Organizations

  • non-profit organizations (including universities and colleges)
  • Ontario municipalities
  • Indigenous organizations, First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities

Stream 3: Emerging Sports

  • eligible applicants are the same as stream 2
  • emerging sport events endorsed by the Global Association of International Sports Federations: members (from Appendix 2 in the guidelines)
Government of Canada: Local Food Infrastructure Fund

Coming soon: Applications open June 1 to July 15, 2022

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a 5-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 fourth intake of LFIF will take place from June 1, 2022 to July 15, 2022 and will focus on projects that either create a portion of (or expand) a food system or implement an entire food system. Projects must be infrastructure specific and be community-driven, dedicated to improving access to healthy, nutritious and local foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity.

Eligible Applicants: This fund is targeted only to applicants who fall within at least 1 of the following categories:

  • Located in rural communities (population under 1,000)
  • Small cities (population between 1,000-29,999)
  • Indigenous groups in either urban centres or rural areas (for example, Indigenous governments/communities, Indigenous not-for-profit organizations)

Eligible Projects: Eligible projects must create 2 or more new food system components with the goal to create, expand and/or complete your community's food system. Projects must be infrastructure-specific, community-driven, and dedicated to improving access to healthy, nutritious and local foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity (refer to eligible costs).

A food system consists of:

  • a supply chain (production, processing, distribution, consumption, waste disposal)
  • all the elements that support this supply chain (environment, people, inputs, processes, infrastructures, institutions, etc.)
  • the outputs/impacts (social, health, environmental and economic outcomes)

This fund aims to increase the resiliency of these food systems at the local level, making them more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

LFIF recognizes that localized food systems have their own unique characteristics and constraints. A local food system could include, but is not limited to:

Production
  • Growing
  • Harvesting
  • traditional methods of gathering food (such as plants, animals)
  • food forests
  • green energy systems (such as solar panels)
  • irrigation systems (such as well, rain barrels, water catchment basin)

Processing (can happen at several points in the food system; food growers, distributers, consumers)
  • traditional methods of transforming food
  • cooking/baking
  • canning
  • smoking
  • dehydration/drying
  • preservation
  • butchering

Distribution/Storage
  • Packaging
  • Transportation
  • Consumption
  • dining and serving infrastructure for community meals
  • Waste disposal
  • Composting
  • food loss and food waste reduction
  • eco-friendly food packaging

Sustainability

Projects must create a minimum of 2 new food system components.

The application intake period will start June 1, 2022 and will end July 15, 2022. The application form will be available at that time. Applicants may submit a proposal at any time before the deadline for a minimum ask of $15,000 to a maximum ask of $100,000.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart: Sport Relief Fund

Coming Soon: Intake 3 applications open June 13 to July 15, 2022

Sport has the power to unite communities and the nation – the spark we’ll need more than ever post-pandemic. In its absence, the importance of sport and play has become more apparent than ever. But with ongoing stoppages, the organizations that Canadian kids rely on are more at risk than ever before.

The Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund 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 with operational and administrative costs, including:

  • Rehiring or training of staff or new employees to meet changing needs;
  • Payment of past due/overdue accounts;
  • Organization Development, including fundraising/revenue generation strategies and operational efficiencies; and
  • Equipment procurement, personal protective equipment, and program delivery adaptations (including start-up expenses related to establishing online programming).
  • A maximum of $15,000 can be requested for Operational Support.

Programming Support: Assists organizations with the costs of delivering sport and recreational programming, including:

  • Program supervisors, instructors, coaches;
  • Facility costs;
  • Equipment costs;
  • Costs incurred to meet return to play guidelines/provincial health protocols/regulations (e.g., PPE, cleaning supplies, individual equipment for participants, etc.); and
  • Transportation costs.

Canada Post Awards for Indigenous Students

Coming Soon: Application period will be open from May 1 to August 31, 2022

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)
Business Advisory Centre Durham: Starter Company Plus

Application Deadline: Next cohort begins in Fall 2022. 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.
Government of Ontario: Summer Jobs for Students Programs

Application Deadline: Dates vary by program

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.
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Government of Canada: Jobs and Growth Fund in Southern Ontario

Application Deadline: Accepting applications now – no posted deadline

The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.

Eligible applicants

Businesses, including co-operatives
Not-for-profit organizations and community economic development partners
Indigenous applicants
Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply
Under the initiative, RDAs may contribute up to 100% of eligible project costs for projects with Indigenous clients

Eligible activities

Activities that support the transition to a green economy, including those that:

  • support the development and adoption of clean technology
  • help communities and businesses plan and drive clean, sustainable economic growth
  • partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters
  • work with organizations supporting businesses to transition to a green economy

Activities that foster an inclusive recovery, including those that:

  • support businesses owned or majority-led by underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, women, youth, LGBTQ2, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and members of official language minority communities
  • increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the economy by supporting not-for-profit organizations that provide funding, business services, training and access to resources to build a more inclusive and equitable workforce

Activities that preserve Canada's competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption, including those that:

  • support the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions (i.e., Industry 4.0 solutions) to increase and promote business productivity
  • invest in technologies that help scale businesses, enhance their capabilities and increase resilience

Activities that strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada's recovery and growth, including those that:

  • support scale-up and market expansion activities that bolster traditional areas of strength
  • develop emerging areas of global competitive advantage
  • support supply chain adaptation and diversification opportunities to build Canadian capacity in critical sectors such as food production, medical supplies and biomanufacturing

Assistance available

Eligible businesses could receive interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs.

Eligible not-for profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of eligible costs.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous intake basis until such time as the funding is fully allocated.
Community Foundations of Canada: Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund

Application Deadline: Ongoing

The Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund (IPRF) is an Indigenous-led effort to respond to urgent community needs while taking a long-term view on building community resilience.  Any Indigenous-led organization or Indigenous-serving organization working to foster resilience in Inuit, Metis and First Nations communities anywhere in Canada can apply for resiliency funds ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.
Town of Whitby - Mayor's Community Development Fund

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)
Funding Portals and Lists
Canada Council for the Arts

All program area grants are accessible through their portal and registration must be complete at least 30 days before you wish to apply.

Canada Council grants are now organized into six programs:

1.   Explore and Create;
2.   Engage and Sustain;
3.   Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
4.   Supporting Artistic Practice;
5.   Arts Across Canada;
6.   Arts Abroad.
Government of Canada: Culture, History and Sport Funding

The Government of Canada offers a wide array of granting opportunities around culture, history and sport. See an alphabetical listing of grants available here.
Government of Canada: Employment and Social Development Canada

See a list of funding programs for jobs, training and social development projects.
Government of Canada: Public Health Agency of Canada

Grant and Contribution Funding Opportunities for programs under the Public Health Agency of Canada. See an alphabetical listing of grants available here.
Innovation Canada

Innovation Canada offers an online search tool that allows companies to search for relevant funding. 

Invest Durham

Find links to business loans and financing. 

Ontario Arts Council

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) provides grants to Ontario-based individual artists and arts professionals, ad hoc groups/collectives and organizations. Grants support a range of arts activities and disciplines.

The OAC offers two types of grant programs:

Project grants – one-time grants for specific projects, available to individual artists, ad hoc groups/collectives and organizations

Operating grants – ongoing support for Ontario-based, not-for-profit arts organizations and for-profit book and magazine publishers
Parks and Recreation Ontario

A list of various funding opportunities, both governmental and non-governmental
The Funding Portal

The Funding Portal is a subscription-based national bilingual e-commerce platform and gateway to improve access to government funding. The Portal aggregates thousands of sources of funding within a searchable database.
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