Apply Now: Community Grants Program (Canada)

The City of Cambridge offers the Community Grants Program to support volunteer and/or not-for-profit organizations delivering programs or services that improve the quality of life and wellbeing of Cambridge residents. Applications for funding received in 2027 are open and close on 30 November 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (time zone not specified in the source). The program also runs live, virtual information sessions for new and returning applicants. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Community Grants Program (City of Cambridge)

- Funding organization/provider: City of Cambridge

- Opportunity type: Municipal community grants (volunteer and not-for-profit program/service support)

- Applicant locations: Organizations must have a location and/or presence in the City of Cambridge, Ontario

- Eligible applicants: Volunteer groups and/or not-for-profit organizations (see eligibility requirements below)

- Application deadline: 30 November 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (time zone not specified in the source)

- Funding cycle: Funding received in 2027

- Request amounts (application options):

- Requests up to $25,000 - Requests $25,000 or more

- Duration of support: Not specified in the source (funds must be used within the year approved; see “Funding and Benefits” and “Next steps”)

About the Opportunity

The City of Cambridge Community Grants Program provides financial support to volunteer and/or not-for-profit organizations that deliver programs or services benefiting the quality of life and wellbeing of Cambridge residents. The City’s information sessions are designed to help applicants understand requirements for the Community Grants application. Funding and Benefits This opportunity supports projects and services that fit within the City’s categories and strategic plan alignment. Eligible use categories (must choose one) Following the City’s Strategic Plan, funds can only be used for one of these categories: - Start-up Funds - Training and Development Funds - Special Project Funds - Capital Funds Applicants should use the Community Grants Program Policy for full definitions. (A copy can be requested via [contact details removed].) What funding cannot be used for Funds cannot be used for (not exhaustive beyond the listed items): - Operating or capital deficits - Programs/services not aligned with the City of Cambridge’s Strategic Plan - Programs/services that are the same as those provided by the City of Cambridge - Invitational or discretionary travel - Travel or training associated with team tryouts - Uniforms for sport teams - Beautification projects, except for Horticultural Societies - Flow-through funding (where funds are intended to be directly redistributed) - Debt retirement, depreciation, or deficit funding - Retroactive funding (activities/costs incurred before grant approval) - Duplication of funding received or requested from another organization/level of government—unless the application shows multiple funding streams are necessary due to scope - Activities that could be deemed discriminatory under the Ontario Human Rights Code - Activities that promote religious doctrine (including ensuring no project leader/staff has a primary role promoting religious beliefs; applicants must clearly articulate activities and alignment) - Political and/or advocacy activities Release of funds and timing - Successful applicants enter into an agreement for disbursement of funds. - Funds are released approximately two weeks after the signed agreement is received. - An outcomes report must be submitted within the same calendar year the funds were received. - For those approved for 2026 funding, outcomes reporting is due by 30 November 2026 (digital or PDF options described below). For 2027 funding, the source indicates the outcomes report is due within the same calendar year, but an exact 2027 reporting deadline is not specified in the source. Who Is Eligible? To be considered, organizations applying must meet all criteria below. Eligible organizations must be - Only volunteer groups and/or non-profit organizations - Have a location and/or presence in Cambridge - Ensure 80% of participants in the program/service are residents of the City of Cambridge - Extend services to the general public in Cambridge, as described in the Ontario Human Rights Code - Have an active Board of Directors with a minimum of 5 members - The board must be independent from senior staff of the organization - Applications should be submitted by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee (not from a “part group” of the organization) - Carry valid General Liability Coverage of $2 million, with the City named as an additional insured and a 30-day cancellation period - Keep accurate volunteer and participant records - Carry out volunteer screening and other risk management measures to help ensure volunteer and public safety - Be compliant with applicable legislation, regulations, and bylaws for: - the Government of Canada - the Province of Ontario - the City of Cambridge (examples listed include Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health and Safety Act) - Submit completed application forms with all requested information and supporting materials by the application deadline - Be in good standing with the City and submit required documentation for grant funding received in the previous year within required timelines If an organization cannot meet criteria If an organization cannot meet any criteria, the source states that the organization must provide an explanation to the City for further consideration by the Grants Review Committee and/or Council. Organizations that cannot apply

Organizations cannot be:

- Individuals - For-profit organizations - Other levels of government - Political organizations - An organization that acts as a funding body or makes grants to another organization - Universities, colleges, schools and their associated/auxiliary groups or agencies - Organi