Through its grantmaking programs, the Community Foundation of Ottawa is committed to seeding, nurturing, supporting and strengthening our community. Grants are made to not-for-profit organizations in all sectors that are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities.

The Community Foundation of Ottawa provides funding through two different grants programs: the Community Grants Program and the Strategic Impact Grants Program. The Community Foundation also administers a grants program for The Ottawa Citizen Literacy Foundation

Grantmaking Process

The Community Foundation solicits and accepts grant applications from organizations that meet its 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.

In making its grantmaking decisions, the Community Foundation’s Board of Governors relies on the expert advice of a Grants Committee, which is made up of volunteers who are knowledgeable about local issues, as well as representatives from Ottawa’s other major grantmaking organizations. Guided by the funding priorities and other criteria, such as that described in the Grant Assessment Rubric, the Committee evaluates grant applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board.

Application Deadlines:

Community Grants Program: February 1 and September 15
Strategic Impact Grants: February 1
The Ottawa Citizen Literacy Foundation: October 1

If this timing is not suitable to your project, please remember that the Community Foundation is interested in hearing about worthwhile initiatives all year round.

Grant-related FAQs.