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
Neighbourhood Operating Grant
The operating grant supports City of Waterloo neighbourhood groups 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. You can apply to the operating grant all year round, but plan ahead and email at least six weeks before you hope to have the funds available.
Application opens: Year round
Application closes: Year round
Mini Grants for Neighbours
Mini grants support City of Waterloo neighbours working on projects that promote belonging in neighbourhoods. The maximum funding per project is $300 for eligible expenses. Projects need to be neighbourhood-led and involve inclusive participation of neighbours. Applications are open all year round.
Application opens: Year round
Application closes: Year round
february
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: February 2025
Application closes: February 21, 2025
Social Venture Partners Waterloo Region - Teens Grant
SVP Teens has opened applications for their 2025 grant! Any charity primarily serving the Waterloo Region is eligible to apply for an estimated $3,000–$5,000 (amount dependent on continued fundraising efforts). While programs serving youth are preferred, they are not required.
Application opens: February 7, 2025
Application closes: February 26, 2025
Neighbourhood Fund
The Neighbourhood Fund supports projects that help neighbours develop connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create opportunities for placemaking. Groups of two or more neighbours may apply for up to $7500 to support their idea. Eligible projects must be neighbourhood-led, within a neighbourhood (not city-wide), and in the City of Waterloo.
Application opens: February 13, 2025
Application closes: May 14, 2025
March
Artists in Neighbourhoods
Through the Artists in Neighbourhoods program, artists and neighbours work together to create and deliver collaborative community art to support vibrant communities. Groups of two or more neighbours from the same City of Waterloo neighbourhood and professional artists (based in Waterloo Region), are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 per project. The Artists in Neighbourhoods program supports a wide range of collaborative art initiatives including performances, visual art, music, dance, photography, poetry or creative writing, and more!
Application opens: March 1, 2025
Application closes: March 31, 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: March 10, 2025
Application closes: April 28, 2025
LoveMyHood Matching Grant
The LoveMyHood Matching Grant supports resident-led projects and initiatives in neighbourhoods across the City of Kitchener. Applicants may request amounts up to $30,000. Projects occurring on non-city land are eligible to receive up to $10,000 and events are eligible to receive up to $2,000. Visit LoveMyHood.com for more information about seasonal review periods.
Before you submit your application, connect with our team for assistance by emailing lovemyhood@kitchener.ca.
Application opens: March 14, 2025
Application closes: June 12, 2025
Sports and Recreation Grant
The City of Waterloo recognizes the important role of sport and recreation not-for-profit and community organizations play as providers of programs and services. 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 amount for a Sports and Recreation Grant is $5,000 and supports operating expenses and/or project costs.
Application opens: March 18, 2025
Application closes: April 29, 2025
April
General Operating Support (GOS)
Focus: Children & Youth; Hate, Gender-Based, and Family Violence.
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.
Application opens: April 14, 2025
Application closes: May 2, 2025
Program/Project Grants
Focus: Children & Youth; Hate, Gender-Based, and Family Violence.
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.
Application opens: April 14, 2025
Application closes: May 2, 2025
RISE Fund
The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity (RISE) Fund is a community grant that provides support for community-led organizations, programs, initiatives or events meant to decrease inequities and increase opportunities and well-being for Black, Indigenous and racialized communities in Kitchener.
The RISE Fund has an annual budget of $150,000, with these maximums and minimums:
maximum $75,000 funding available this funding cycle.
maximum annual grant amount for groups: $10,000
minimum annual grant amount for groups: $1,000
maximum for events: $5,000
Application opens: April 1, 2025
Application closes: May 1, 2025
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
July - December 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
Program/Project Grants
Focus: Community & Social Supports; Literacy, Employment Skills & Assistive Devices
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.
Application opens: July 14, 2025
Application closes: August 2, 2025
General Operating Support (GOS)
Focus: Community & Social Supports; Literacy, Employment Skills & Assistive Devices
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.
Application opens: July 14, 2025
Application closes: August 2, 2025
Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund
The Ontario Endowment for Children and 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.
Application opens: August 2025
Application closes: September 2025
City of Cambridge – Grants to Groups
The City of Cambridge recognizes the value community organizations provide in improving the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of Cambridge residents. The Community Grants program provides financial support to volunteer and/or not-for-profit organizations in the community to deliver programs or services that benefit the quality of life of Cambridge residents.
Application opens: 2025
Application closes: 2025
Program/Project Grants
Focus: Mental Health & Addictions; Food Insecurity
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.
Application opens: October 14, 2025
Application closes: October 31, 2025
General Operating Support (GOS)
Focus: Mental Health & Addictions; Food Insecurity
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.
Application opens: October 14, 2025
Application closes: October 31, 2025
2026
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 2026
Application closes: TBA
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: 2026
Application closes: 2026
Region of Waterloo – Community Environmental Fund 2025
The Region of Waterloo Community Environmental Fund provides financial support to community environmental stewardship and sustainability projects led by community members and organizations.
Stewardship grants are for projects focused on: enhancing and restoring natural areas; naturalizing landscapes; acquiring ecologically significant natural areas; public education/awareness initiatives; or research related to environmental stewardship.
Sustainability grants are for projects focused on: reducing GHG or air emissions; increasing energy conservation or efficiency; reducing or diverting waste; public education/awareness initiatives which promote long term behavioural change related to environmental sustainability; or research related to environmental sustainability.
Maximum grant = $10,000 per year
Application opens: 2026
Application closes: 2026
City of Waterloo—Arts Grant
The Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects, and capital.
Application opens: 2026
Application closes: 2026
Arts Grants Fund
WRCF established the Arts Grants Fund in 2020 and continues to provide funding through arts focused grants based on the needs in our community and indicators of the impact of this fund.
Application opens: February 24, 2025
Application closes: March 31, 2025
Community Grants
The Community Grants program supports initiatives intended to create caring communities where everyone thrives in Waterloo Region.
Application opens: February 24, 2025
Application closes: March 31, 2025
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.
Application opens: February 24, 2025
Application closes: March 31, 2025