Grant Information

Community Grants:
Granting Guidelines

The Community Foundation solicits and accepts grant applications from organizations that meet our funding guidelines. These grants are supported by the generosity of donors who have directed their funds to unrestricted purposes or to a broad field of interest. Grants may also be selected for funding by one or more donors.

A voluntary Grants Committee, comprised of representatives of the community and professional advisors, evaluates applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors, and in some cases to donors. The Board awards the grants within the parameters of the available funds.

Eligibility
Grants are made only to organizations recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and have a committed volunteer board. Organizations must be based in Ottawa or projects must benefit residents of the Ottawa region.

Priorities
In awarding grants, particular consideration is given to projects which:

are innovative and build on the assets and strengths of the community to respond to evolving issues and emerging priorities;
benefit the broader Ottawa community and improve the quality of life for its citizens;
address the root causes and work on long-term solutions of identified societal problems;
realize a significant and sustainable result with a moderate amount of funding;
encourage more efficient use of resources (e.g. through partnerships, networking, sharing, good use of volunteers, etc.).

In addition to the above, one or two priorities have been developed for the following four sectors, including initiatives that:

Arts and Culture

are related to audience development including those that reach out to diverse cultures, age groups, sectors and new geographic communities;
develop awareness, respect and appreciation for arts and culture.

Education

strengthen school communities through the participation of students, parents, educators and the community;
facilitate access to educational opportunities and enhanced literacy, particularly for those facing economic or cultural barriers or with special needs.

Health

build the capacity of agencies and volunteers who are working to advance the health and well-being of individuals and families;
support prevention, public education and other activities that will enhance or improve the broad determinants of health within communities (i.e. fitness, nutrition education).

Social services (children, youth and seniors)

enhance the self-esteem, leadership skills and life skills of children, youth, and families both individually and as a whole.

fundraising events or campaigns;
partisan political or religious activities;
individuals;
sports and recreation, team or club sponsorships;
deficit reduction;
purchase of computer equipment for administrative purposes.

Please note that:

Organizations should complete and report back on a project before applying for funding for another.
Your completed evaluation report will be included in any future appllications that you may submit to the Community Foundation of Ottawa for review by the Grants Committee.
Priority for funding will be given to organizations that have limited fundraising and/or marketing capacity.
We will accept only one application at a time from an organization.
We are unable to accept applications by fax or e-mail.
The committee receives only the information received in the application, so avoid referring to attachments. Any attachments you provide are kept on file for reference but are not distributed.
If you are unable to apply electronically, your application should be submitted on standard paper (8½" by 11"), single-sided, and not in a presentation binder.