Applications by date
Below you will find a list of funding you can apply for based on the open date of the application intake period. Applications will be considered from Not For Profit organizations located in Waterloo Region supporting people living in Waterloo Region. For more information about any of the funding opportunities below, click the link of the one you are interested in to be directed to the specific funder’s website.
We recognize there are many other funding opportunities that aren’t listed here. For now, it includes information about funding through five organizations, and provides links to those funders to find out more. In addition, it includes information from several other funders who have asked to be part of the list. As other funders approach us, we will add their information to the site.
January
Operating Grant
The Operating Grant supports City of Waterloo neighbourhood groups that do not receive other forms of operating dollars and neighbourhood events that have operated for two years or more. Neighbourhood applicants can apply for up to $500 per year in operating funding to support eligible activities. This grant is open year-round.
Application opens: January 1, 2024
Application closes: December 31, 2024
April
General Operating Supports (GOS)
These grants are intended to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems. Funding starting July 1st, 2024.
Application opens: April 15, 2024
Application closes: May 3, 2024
Program/Project Grants
These grants support specific programs or projects of an organization. This type of grant allows grantees to focus on specific aspects of their work. Programs/projects can be new or existing. Funding starting July 1st, 2024.
Application opens: April 15, 2024
Application closes: May 3, 2024
Sports & Recreation Grant
The Sports and Recreation Grant program supports eligible not-for-profit and community organizations that encourage participation in a wide range of activities. The maximum funding request is $5,000, and applicants can only receive this grant once per year.
Application opens: April 1, 2014
Application closes: May 14, 2024
MAy
Children’s Initiatives
The goal of Children’s Initiatives is the healthy development of children aged 0-12 in Waterloo Region. The Foundation gives priority to initiatives focused on primary prevention. We value the important role played by parents, caregivers, schools, neighbours, and the community at large in raising healthy children.
Application opens: Spring 2024
Application closes: TBA
July
General Operating Supports (GOS)
These grants are intended to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems. Funding starting October 1st, 2024.
Application opens: July 15, 2024
Application closes: August 2, 2024
Program/Project Grants
These grants support specific programs or projects of an organization. This type of grant allows grantees to focus on specific aspects of their work. Programs/projects can be new or existing. Funding starting October 1st, 2024.
Application opens: July 15, 2024
Application closes: August 2, 2024
October
General Operating Supports (GOS)
These grants are intended to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems. Funding starting January 1st, 2025.
Application opens: October 14, 2024
Application closes: November 1, 2024
Program/Project Grants
These grants are intended to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems. Funding starting January 1st, 2025.
Application opens: October 14, 2024
Application closes: November 1, 2024
Sports & Recreation Grant
The Sports and Recreation Grant program supports eligible not-for-profit and community organizations that encourage participation in a wide range of activities. The maximum funding request is $5,000, and applicants can only receive this grant once per year.
Application opens: October 2024
Application closes: November 2024
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
JANUARY - March 2025
The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund
The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund provides grants to camps for children and youth who reside in Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, or Woolwich) and need financial assistance to attend camp. The maximum requested amount for this fund is $10,000.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025
Community Grants / Learning Grants / Renewal
The Astley Family Foundation supports youth programs or projects that show evidence of lasting, positive change that provide more than just support, as well as innovative new projects. These programs or projects move the needle on improving mental health and increases community belonging for youth. An important aspect of increasing community belonging is amplifying youth voices and engaging youth in decision making and program development. The maximum requested amount for this fund is $50,000.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025
Community Grants
The Community Grants program supports initiatives intended to create caring communities where everyone thrives in Waterloo Region.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025
The Upstream Fund
The focus is on upstream initiatives that decrease barriers and improve systems to support people to achieve their full potential. Achieving full potential includes social and economic factors that influence people's health, such as; education, income, environment, food security, housing, and employment.
The Community Capacity Building (CCB) Fund offers funding directly to organizations led by and serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis; African, Caribbean, and Black identifying; and racialized communities who are disproportionately affected by systemic inequality.
Both funds are allocated through one application and process.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025
FALL 2025
Children and Youth Capital
The purpose of the Children and Youth Capital grant program is to provide children and youth aged 16 and under from low-income families in Waterloo Region with access to social and recreational facilities and programs. Applications accepted from charitable organizations in Waterloo Region, for support of facilities and infrastructure in Waterloo Region.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025