Community Grants

Ward 11 Youth + Seniors / Community Grant Pilot

 

Small grants. Local impact. Simple and transparent.

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The Ward 11 Youth + Seniors / Community Grant Pilot supports local organizations and community groups delivering projects, events, or initiatives that strengthen Ward 11. This pilot is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and community-serving.

 

Grant details

• Maximum grant: Up to $2,000 per organization or group

• Application period: January 2026 to March 31, 2026

• Funding type: One-time project or event support

• Focus areas: Youth, seniors, and community initiatives benefiting Ward 11 residents

 

Who can apply

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Applicants must:

• Operate within the physical boundaries of Ward 11

• Be a registered charity, incorporated not-for-profit, or have demonstrable non-profit status (for example, a neighbourhood association, informal community group, or unincorporated volunteer-led organization)

• Have an accountable contact person

• Submit one application per organization or group during this pilot intake

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Priority may be given to projects that clearly demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Provide a clear benefit to Ward 11 residents

• Support youth and/or seniors directly

• Improve inclusion, connection, and community wellbeing

• Demonstrate clear need and a realistic plan

 

What we fund

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Program materials and supplies

• Facility or space rental for an event/program

• Equipment needed to deliver the initiative

• Outreach/communications and printing

• Accessibility supports (for example, interpretation or transportation supports directly tied to participation)

• Community events that build connection and belonging

 

What we don’t fund

This pilot does not fund:

• Staff salaries, wages, or honoraria

• Regular/ongoing operating costs (for example, ongoing rent or utilities)

• Deficits or debt repayment

• Activities outside Ward 11

• Retroactive expenses

• Profit-making activities

 

Timeline

• Applications open: January 2026

• Applications close: March 31, 2026 (end of Q1)

• Decisions announced: Early April 2026

• Funding issued: April 2026 (after required documentation is received)

 

How to apply

Complete the online application form:

 

Apply here

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Need help?

If you submit by March 15, 2026, the Ward 11 team can provide basic feedback before the deadline. Applications submitted within the final week of the intake will be assessed as submitted.

 

Transparency

Successful recipients (organization or group name and grant amount) will be posted publicly after awards are confirmed. Personal or confidential information will not be disclosed.  

 

Questions

Email: [WARD 11 EMAIL]
Phone: [WARD 11 PHONE]

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Do we need to be a registered charity to apply?
No. Registered charities, incorporated not-for-profits, and community groups with demonstrable non-profit status may apply.

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Can informal or volunteer-led groups apply?
Yes. Informal or volunteer-led community groups may apply, provided they operate on a non-profit basis and have an accountable contact person.

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Can an organization or group submit more than one application?
No. Only one application per organization or group will be accepted during this pilot intake.

 

Do projects need to take place entirely in Ward 11?
Yes. Funded projects and activities must directly benefit Ward 11 residents and take place within Ward 11.

 

Can the grant be used to pay staff, wages, or honoraria?
No. This pilot does not fund staff salaries, wages, or honoraria.

 

Can the grant be used to purchase equipment?
Yes. Equipment costs are eligible if the equipment is necessary to deliver the funded project or event.

 

Are ongoing or recurring programs eligible?
No. Funding is limited to one-time projects or events only.

 

Can we apply for costs already incurred?
No. Retroactive expenses are not eligible for funding.

 

How are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, clarity, community benefit, feasibility, and alignment with the pilot’s focus areas.

 

Will all eligible applications receive funding?
No. Funding is limited, and not all eligible applications may be approved.

 

Will funded organizations be made public?
Yes. Successful recipients (organization or group name and grant amount) will be posted publicly after awards are confirmed.

 

What happens if we submit close to the deadline?
Applications submitted in the final week of the intake will be assessed as submitted. Early feedback is only available for applications submitted by March 15, 2026.

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Does receiving this grant impact the funding my organization receives from the City Enrichment Fund?

No. If Council adopts the standard grant approval condition, any funding received through the Ward 11 Community Grants Program will be exempt on a one-time basis and will not be counted toward City funding formulas, including the City Enrichment Fund allocation.

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In practical terms, receiving a ward-specific grant will not reduce or affect your organization’s eligibility or funding level under the City Enrichment Fund.

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