RFAs: Community Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 02-Oct-26

The Port Coquitlam Community Foundation Community Grant Program provides up to $5,000 per grant to eligible organizations for innovative projects that directly benefit residents of Port Coquitlam. Priority areas include youth, seniors, health and wellness, homelessness, arts and culture, and organized sports, with a strong emphasis on community impact, partnerships, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation Community Grant Program

The Community Grant Program is a bi-annual funding initiative of the Port Coquitlam Community Foundation designed to respond to the changing needs of the local community. The program supports projects that deliver meaningful benefits to Port Coquitlam residents and encourages organizations to develop innovative approaches to local challenges. The Foundation seeks to maximize the impact of its funding by supporting projects that: - Address identified community needs. - Create measurable benefits for Port Coquitlam residents. - Encourage partnerships and collaboration. - Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Introduce innovative or creative approaches to community development. - Strengthen the long-term sustainability of community initiatives. Both new and ongoing initiatives may be considered, subject to the program guidelines. Grant Amount Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 per Community Grant. Funding is subject to the availability of resources and the Foundation’s assessment of the proposed project’s: - Community impact. - Alignment with program priorities. - Innovation. - Partnerships and collaboration. - Overall feasibility and sustainability. The grant may support different types of community initiatives, including certain capital projects and urgent operating needs, provided the proposal includes an appropriate sustainability plan. Priority Funding Areas The program gives priority to projects that serve important community needs in Port Coquitlam.

Priority areas include:

- Youth – programs and initiatives that support young people and their development. - Seniors – activities that improve participation, wellbeing, inclusion, and quality of life for older residents. - Health and wellness – initiatives that contribute to physical, mental, and community wellbeing. - Homelessness – projects addressing housing insecurity and related community needs. - Arts and culture – initiatives that strengthen cultural participation, creativity, and community connection. - Organized sports – programs that encourage participation, recreation, physical activity, and community engagement. The Foundation particularly encourages out-of-the-box ideas and collaborative projects that bring organizations and community partners together. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants include organizations that meet the Foundation’s organizational requirements and can demonstrate a direct benefit to Port Coquitlam residents.

Eligible applicants include:

- Registered charities in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). - BC Registered Non-profit Societies that have a signed Intermediary Agreement with a qualified donee. - Organizations of different sizes, provided they meet the applicable eligibility requirements. The proposed project must directly benefit residents of Port Coquitlam. Individuals generally cannot apply for Community Grants, except where the program specifically permits applications for bursaries and scholarships. What Projects Are Eligible? The Community Grant Program is intended for projects that respond to local needs and create meaningful community benefits. Potentially eligible initiatives may include: - Youth development programs. - Senior support and engagement activities. - Health and wellness initiatives. - Homelessness-related projects. - Arts and cultural programs. - Organized sports initiatives. - Innovative community services. - Collaborative projects involving multiple community organizations. - Capital projects that meet the Foundation’s criteria. - Urgent operating needs when accompanied by a clear sustainability plan. Applicants should clearly explain what community problem the project addresses, who will benefit, what activities will be delivered, and what outcomes are expected. Why It Matters Community organizations often understand local challenges better than larger institutions because they work directly with residents and community groups. The Port Coquitlam Community Foundation uses its Community Grant Program to help organizations turn local ideas into practical initiatives. The program is particularly important because it: - Supports community-led solutions. - Encourages innovation. - Strengthens partnerships between organizations. - Helps address emerging community needs. - Supports underserved populations. - Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Provides financial support for projects that may otherwise lack sufficient resources. By focusing funding on projects that directly benefit Port Coquitlam residents, the program aims to create tangible and sustainable local impact. Community Partnerships and Collaboration Collaboration is an important consideration under the program. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposed initiative will work with: - Local charities. - Non-profit organizations. - Community groups. - Service providers. - Municipal or community partners. - Other organizations serving Port Coquitlam residents. Projects that combine resources, expertise, and community networks can demonstrate broader reach and stronger potential impact. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the Foundation’s funding priorities and demonstrate a clear connection to the needs of Port Coquitlam residents.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Determine whether your organization qualifies as: - A registered charity in good standing with the CRA; or - A BC Registered Non-profit Society with a signed Intermediary Agreement with a q