Open Call: Grimsby Community Development Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 04-Oct-26

The Grimsby Community Development Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible non-profit and charitable organizations for community projects that improve the quality of life and wellbeing of residents in Grimsby, Ontario. Eligible organizations can request funding for up to 30% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $100,000, for time-limited projects that align with the Town of Grimsby’s strategic priorities and demonstrate measurable community benefits.

About the Grimsby Community Development Grant Program

The Grimsby Community Development Grant Program is administered by the Town of Grimsby to support community-based projects and initiatives that benefit local residents. The program aims to strengthen community wellbeing while encouraging organizations to develop projects that respond to local needs and align with the Town Council’s strategic priorities. Funding is intended for projects that provide benefits beyond an organization’s routine activities and contribute to a stronger, more connected, and prosperous Grimsby community.

Objectives of the Grant Program

The program supports initiatives that contribute to the Town of Grimsby’s broader community development goals. Projects should demonstrate alignment with priorities such as: Maintaining a high quality of life for residents. Supporting responsible and progressive community growth. Other eligible costs directly connected to project delivery. The funding should be used to enhance or expand a project, rather than replace funding that the organization already has available. Grant Amount and Matching Contribution Organizations may request funding equivalent to 30% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum grant of $100,000. The applicant’s matching contribution must be provided in the form of cash. For example, a project with $100,000 in eligible costs could potentially request up to $30,000 from the program, subject to eligibility and assessment. The grant is not intended to fully finance a project. Applicants should demonstrate additional financial resources and a realistic overall project budget. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants must meet the program’s organizational requirements.

Applicants must be:

Registered charitable organizations, or Incorporated not-for-profit organizations. Operating for at least two years. Governed by a volunteer board of directors. In good standing with the Town of Grimsby. Organizations should also demonstrate that their proposed project will provide meaningful benefits to Grimsby residents. Who Is Not Eligible? The program does not support applications from: Individuals. For-profit organizations. Other levels of government. Political organizations. Lobbying groups. Religious organizations where the proposed activity primarily serves religious purposes. Religious organizations may be considered where the proposed project is inclusive and provides a broader community benefit rather than primarily serving religious purposes. What Costs Are Not Eligible? The grant is intended for specific community development projects rather than routine organizational expenses.

Ineligible costs and activities include:

Regular operating costs. Debt retirement. Retroactive expenses or payments. Activities primarily serving religious purposes. Costs unrelated to the proposed project. Expenditures that do not contribute to the project’s eligible scope. Applicants should distinguish clearly between project-specific expenses and their organization’s normal operating costs. Alignment With Council Strategic Priorities A strong application should demonstrate how the proposed project supports the Town of Grimsby’s strategic priorities. Applicants should explain how their project contributes to areas such as: Simply providing a community activity may not be sufficient. Applicants should demonstrate the specific outcomes and broader value the project will generate for Grimsby residents. How Applications Are Assessed Applications are assessed by a review panel using several factors.

Key assessment considerations include:

Community benefit: The extent to which the project benefits Grimsby residents.

Unmet need: Whether the project addresses an identified or underserved community need.

Organizational capacity: The applicant’s ability to successfully deliver the project.

Strategic alignment: How closely the project supports Council priorities.

Community support: Evidence that residents or community stakeholders support the initiative.

Goals and targets: Clarity of the project’s objectives and measurable performance targets.

Financial feasibility: Whether the project budget is realistic and sustainable.

Other funding sources: Evidence of additional financial support and contributions.

Projects demonstrating strong community demand, measurable outcomes, sound financial planning, and strategic alignment may be better positioned during assessment. How to Apply Applicants can prepare their application through the following steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that the organization meets the requirements for charitable or not-for-profit status, operating history, governance, and good standing with the Town of Grimsby.

Step 2: Define the Project

Clearly identify the community need the project will address.

Explain:

What the project will deliver. Who will benefit. Where activities will take place. When the project will start and finish. Why the project is needed.

Step 3: Establish Measurable Outcomes

Set clear objectives and performance targets. For example, applicants can identify expected numbers of participants, beneficiaries, activities, services, or other measurable results.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a detailed project budget showing: Total eligible costs. Grant amount requested. Cash contribution from the applicant. Other funding sources. Any other relevant project revenues or contributions. Remember that the grant can cover 30% of eligible project costs, up to $100,000, whil