About the program
The GTA Community Grants Program is currently accepting applications for funding from small, grassroots organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. The program will focus on project-based grants, fostering the growth and resilience of impactful initiatives serving local communities.
The GTA Community Grants Program has a budget of $300,000 in 2024. We expect to make up to 30 grants of up to $15,000 each.
The application deadline for the GTA Community Grants Program is Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 5:00PM EST.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for funding, your organization or community group must be:
- An incorporated nonprofit (including nonprofit social enterprises)
- A registered charity or nonprofit applying with a charitable trustee partner in place
- A community group consisting of at least three members
With,
A well-defined governance framework and a bank account in the name of the organization, supported by procedures for monitoring both revenue and expenses.
Other Key Eligibility Criteria
- Are based in the Greater Toronto Area
- Are focused on working with children, youth, and families
- Are based within the community being served, with a history of working with the community
- Are able to identify the specific team members who will deliver the proposed initiative
- Have an annual operating budget up to $500,000
Not Eligible
- Organizations with an annual operating budget above $500,000
- For-profit businesses
- Funding intermediaries
- Individuals
We are inviting proposals from grassroots organizations committed to enhancing equitable access to food in their communities.
Examples:
- Community gardens and urban farming projects
- Public food markets that offer fresh, local food to the community
- Nutrition education and community kitchens
We are inviting proposals from grassroots organizations actively addressing education disparities and fostering economic empowerment for youth within their communities.
Examples:
- Projects that leverage partnerships with local schools to support children and youth improve education outcomes
- Projects that leverage partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals to provide meaningful employment connections for youth
How to Apply
Our grant application process involves three key steps:
- Create an account at our online application portal.
- Complete the application by responding to a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, and long answer questions.
- Attach a budget detailing expenditures, along with supporting documents.
- Ensure you click the ‘submit’ button before the deadline of March 20th, 2024.
After creating an account and starting your application, you can save your work online, and pick up where you left off should you need to pause your work.
Please contact info@petergilganfoundation.org for any questions or if you require any accommodation to help with your application.
All applicants must submit a budget detailing the expenses that the proposed funding will cover, only to be used in the direct delivery of the services and activities detailed in the application. Download and review our Budget Template – your organization may use this template or submit your own budget, if it follows the same format (Expense, Description, Cost, Funders, Total).
*Some expense items are ineligible for funding. Please refer to our List of Eligible and Ineligible Expenses for guidance.
You will also have the option to submit supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to:
- Audited financial statements
- Annual Report and/or Impact Reports
- Reports on previous projects
- Letters of recommendation
Providing supporting documentation allows us to better understand your organization or community group and perform due diligence in alignment with the Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.
- A clear mandate to support children, youth, and families in the GTA
- A demonstrated need in the identified community
- Alignment with our Education and Economic Opportunities and/or Food Security and Systems focus areas
- A commitment to learning and adapting to the unique realities and needs of the identified community
- Positioning of the organization to carry out the work (historical relationship with the community, previous projects, current and previous partners)
- A commitment to evaluation and reporting (with support from Foundation staff, if needed)
- How the funding will support the successful delivery of activities
Timeline
- Wednesday, February 7th: The application portal will open.
- Wednesday, March 20th at 5PM EST: The application portal will close.
- March 20th-April 18th: Application review. Shortlisted applications may be contacted with further questions or clarification by Foundation staff.
- April 2024: Grants awarded.
- April 2025: All projects must be completed within a year of the grant award.
If your work falls within the eligibility of this program, set up your profile now and begin your application. For any inquiries, please contact info@petergilganfoundation.org
