Apply
To apply for funding, the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest through our grant portal. The Expression of Interest is a brief introduction to your organization, the work you do and your funding needs/priorities. We will review this to determine if a more detailed proposal is needed.
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Given the high volume of Expressions of Interests we receive, we are not able to provide feedback before you apply.
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Deadlines: Expressions of Interest are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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What We Fund
​In seeking out funding partnerships, we look for the following:
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A. Smaller, local charities with strong community buy-in.
We look for organizations that address needs and gaps in the communities they work in, demonstrate strong community buy-in, and centre the experiences and priorities of communities most impacted by injustice in their work. These are generally smaller, local organizations. We do not generally fund national projects, or projects that have broad reach.
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B. Harder-to-fund work
We look for opportunities to support work that is harder to fund, but can make a positive difference in the communities and on the issues the organization is addressing.
C. General and unrestricted grants
We support general operations, as well as specific projects. We look for opportunities to fill gaps and address needs in the organization, so it is better able to achieve its goals.
D. Opportunities where a smaller grant can make a difference
We provide a range of grants, but these are often smaller compared to what other funders provide (under $25 000). We also provide larger grants and/or multi-year funding. These often emerge from previous funding relationships.
Eligibility
Canadian registered charities, and organizations recognized as qualified donees by Revenue Canada are eligible to apply. Projects must be based in Canada, and we prioritize local, place-based organizations.
If you are working in areas of People (enhancing social and economic wellbeing) and Places (arts and culture, vibrant communities), the work must be based in British Columbia or Ontario.
If you are working on environmental conservation and stewardship, we prioritize areas under threat in communities across Canada.
Ineligible requests
As a general rule, the Foundation does not fund the following:
• Capital campaigns; renovations; equipment
• Sponsorship of events/conferences
• General fundraising campaigns
• Endowments
• Scholarships
• Projects involving strictly religious purposes or activities
• Projects involving partisan political activities
• Projects outside of Canada
• Purely academic or basic research
• Reduction of accumulated capital or operating deficits
• Operating requests for umbrella organizations
How to apply
Applications are only accepted through our online application portal.
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the grant portal. The Foundation will review this to determine if more information is needed. We try to review these within 12 weeks, but this can take longer depending on the time of year and volume of EOIs we receive.
The Expression of Interest should be brief. There are several questions, and the character counts are generous as a default. You are not expected to use the full character count.
The Foundation will generally only review one application per organization per year.
Preview the 'Expression of Interest' application form:
If you would like to preview application forms before creating an account in the grant portal, you can view it here.
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