WHAT WE FUND | Mclean Foundation

About

How we work

We look for projects and partners who understand challenges and opportunities facing their communities, sectors and/or fields and are known for promising approaches to making life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and/or our environment more durable. We are flexible and responsive to our partners priorities, and we defer to each organization to share where funding can make the biggest difference in their work.

We look for charitable 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.

Features

Eligibility

Canadian Registered Charities and organizations recognized as Qualified Donees by CRA are eligible to apply. We cannot fund non-profit organizations that do not have charitable status.

For organizations focussed on Environment, Conservation and Climate Action, we will consider local projects in communities across Canada.

For organizations working in Arts and Culture and Community and Social services, we will fund local organizations in British Columbia and Ontario.

Funding Streams

Catalyst Grants

We provide support to test, explore and take risks through Catalyst Grants.

Catalyst Grants are an infusion of funding, to support organizations to pilot, test and explore promising approaches to their work. It is not for ongoing operations. We are looking for a strong case that a one-time grant can make a difference to the organization and community it supports.

If you are considering applying for a Catalyst Grant, make it clear why this is a priority to your organization at this time.

Funding may focus on:

Determining feasibility or viability of a project

Responding to a public policy gap or opportunity

Testing out a new initiative that responds to a clear need

Helping with the final push on a project or strategy

Amount:

Grants are generally $20 000-$100 000, depending on the nature of the project and potential benefits

Partnership Grants

Partnership Grants support organizations with a strong track record of taking risks, meeting needs and implementing promising approaches in their communities, fields and/or sectors through multi-year operating grants. These grants provide core funding to an organization so they can be adaptable and stable as they continue to innovate and do critical work in their communities.

We anticipate making 6-8 Partnership Grants a year.

Amounts

Grants in the range of $300 000-$500 000 over 3 years

Application Cycles and Key Dates

Catalyst Grants

Accepting applications from January 12 -September 14th 2026.

This is a one step application process. We will try to review and communicate outcomes within 12 weeks of receiving the application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until September 14th 2026, for funding in 2026.

Partnership Grants

Accepting Expressions of Interest until July 31st, 2026.

This is a two-step process, starting with an Expression of Interest(EOI).

Organizations that submit an EOI before March 30th, 2026, may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s spring board meeting.

EOIs received between April- July 31st, 2026 may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s fall board meeting.

The Partnership Grant Stream will close for 2026 on July 31st.

RECENT GRANTS

How to Apply

Applications are only accepted through our online application portal.

You can preview application forms here

The Foundation will generally only review one application per organization per year. Please do not apply to multiple funding streams at the same time.

APPLY HERE

FAQ's

Can a not-for-profit organization that is not a charity apply?

No, we are not able to fund organizations that do not have charitable status or qualified donee status.

Is there a geographic scope to the McLean Foundation’s funding?

Yes. For organizations working in Arts and Culture or Community and Social programs, the work must be based in British Columbia and/or Ontario. For organizations working in Environment, Conservation and Climate Action, we will fund projects in areas under threat across Canada.

Can we apply for both a Partnership Grant and Catalyst Grant at the same time?

No. We will not review two proposals from the same organization at the same time. Please pick one stream to focus on.

Should we apply for a Partnership Grant or a Catalyst Grant?

In terms of Partnership Grants: we know how hard it is for charities to receive multi-year operating funding and that the Partnership Grant will be very appealing. We don’t recommend you apply for this stream if you have no previous funding relationship or a track record of recent successful grants with us. We anticipate awarding 6-8 Partnership grants this year, so it will be a very small cohort of successful applicants.

In terms of Catalyst Grants: Focus on opportunities you see where an infusing of funding will make a difference. Where would you put more attention if you had the funding to do so? There should be a clear sense that funding will be a catalyst or spark in your work. We will not fund ongoing operations or programs through this fund.

What don’t you fund (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