Applications by FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Below you will find a list of local funding opportunities. It is displayed in alphabetical order based on the name of the funding opportunity. 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.
Arts Grants Fund
The Arts Grants Fund assists small to medium sized arts organizations and collectives in Waterloo Region due to the ongoing challenges that local arts organizations face and overall needs of the sector.
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
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
Community Grants
The Community Grants program supports initiatives intended to create caring communities where everyone thrives in Waterloo Region.
Application opens: February 27, 2024
Application closes: April 2, 2024
Community Impact Fund
United Way Waterloo Region offers quarterly funding, through an open application review four times per year. Applications are open to any registered charity or qualified donee located and operating in Waterloo Region. There are two streams of funding within the Community Impact Fund. General Operating Support and Program / Project Grants. More details are available on our webpage.
Application opens: April 15, 2024
Application closes: May 3, 2024
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
Racial Equity Fund
Racialized communities are being disproportionately affected by inequities. The Racial Equity Fund supports organizations that are led-by and serve people across Waterloo Region who are Indigenous, Black and people of colour.
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: March 11, 2024
Application closes: April 28, 2024
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: January 8, 2024
Application closes: February 12, 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, 2024
Application closes: May 14, 2024
Youth Community Grants / Learning Grants
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.
Youth in Recreation Fund - Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund
The Youth in Recreation Fund provides grants to organizations that encourage broad participation in healthy and safe community recreation activities for children and youth in Waterloo Region.