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.
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:
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 |