The neighbourhoods team offers grant opportunities to support neighbours and neighbourhood-led initiatives. In addition to City grants, there are other opportunities that may be available to support neighbourhood events, activities, and projects. Check out the list of other grant opportunities below. 

Note: Some grant opportunities require partnerships with registered charitable or non-profit organizations based on the project idea. Neighbours are encouraged to read through the grant requirements before reaching out for collaborations and support.  

Not for Profit organizations are encouraged to check out Waterloo Region APPLY's list of funding opportunities for organizations that support people living in the Waterloo Region. 

Grants can change and new opportunities may come available. Subscribe to the neighbourhoods newsletter for updates on funding opportunities and ideas.

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Community-Based Grants

Annual Grants Program - Libro Credit Union

The Annual Grants Program funds initiatives that help address local priorities that align with their five pillars – financial resilience, employment, local food, accessibility, and housing.

Funding amount: $5,000 - $20,000

Website: Libro Credit Union 

Community Conservation Grants - Grand River Conservation Authority

Community Conservation Grants are available to groups and schools undertaking conservation projects in communities throughout the Grand River watershed. To be eligible, projects must be located in the Grand River watershed and available for the use or benefit of the entire community.

Funding amount: up to $1,000 for community groups; $750 for elementary schools

Website: Grand River Conservation Authority 

Community Grants - Waterloo Region Community Foundation

Community Grants are given to support community organizations’ efforts to address affordable housing and/or climate change.

Funding amount: Level 1: up to $10,000. Level 2: $10,001 - $30,000

Website: Waterloo Region Community Foundation 

General Community Fund: Program/Project Grants - United Way Waterloo

The General Community Fund is intended to help support projects and initiatives that work in at least one area of focus and one associated issue area: basic needs, mental health, and social isolation.

Funding amount: maximum of $50,000 per quarterly basis

Website: United Way Waterloo

Upstream Fund - Region of Waterloo

This fund focuses on supporting upstream initiatives that improve social and economic systems to decrease barriers and improve supports so people can achieve their full potential. The Upstream model is open to all community groups and organizations working on upstream initiatives within Waterloo Region. However, the fund will prioritize grassroots community organizations that have been, and continue to be, excluded from funding opportunities.

Funding amount: varies.

Website: Region of Waterloo 

Youth-Based Grants

Community Development Grants - Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Grants are awarded to help organizations develop or sustain the delivery of sport or physical activity-based programs. Grants must help organizations develop or sustain sports and recreation programming for kids ages 4-18 in financial need or youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25. 

Funding amount: $1,000 - $100,000+

Website: Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

Grants for Community-based Support - Canada Post Community Foundation

This grant supports projects that are designed to help support children and youth activities programs, resources, and supports (i.e., STEM activities, mentoring, workshops for at-risk youth). Eligible groups include, schools, school/parent organizations, community libraries, daycares, Indigenous groups, recreation facilities, unregistered organizations, and small municipalities.

Eligible projects include:

  • Playground equipment and upgrades to parks
  • Educational field trips
  • Chrome books and other electronics
  • Sporting facility improvements
  • Special needs supplies and adaptive equipment

Funding amount: $5,000 - $25,000

Website: Canada Post Community Foundation 

Youth Innovations Test Grant - Ontario Trillium Foundation

This grant supports projects led by youth (ages 12-29) who share identities, experiences, and face the same systemic barriers as the people who will benefit from the project.  

Note: all grassroots groups applying for a Youth Innovations grant must partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement.

Funding Amount: up to $100,000 per year

Website: Ontario Trillium Foundation