Community Foundation Application

Applying for a Community Foundation grant

Step 1. Learn about the Foundation and available grants.

Step 2. Determine if you are eligible to receive funding.

Step 3. Gather the documents you will need to apply for a grant.

Step 4. Submit your application during the grant application period.

About the Foundation
Types of grants
Eligibility criteria
Prepare your application
Application period

Important deadlines

February 12, 2024: Application is available

March 1, 2024 (12:00 pm ET): Application deadline

March to June 2024: Application review and trustee approval period

July to August 2024: Decision is communicated to applicants

September 2024: Public announcement of grant recipients

About the Foundation

The Canada Post Community Foundation provides grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that make a difference in the lives of children and youth (up to age 21). Since 2012, the Foundation has granted $13.5 million to more than 1,100 projects across Canada.

Grants are available for projects that support three areas:

Community
Projects that help foster a better future for children, including social services, arts and culture.
Education
Projects that offer education, therapeutic and rehabilitative programs.
Health
Projects that support the health and physical activity of children from vulnerable communities, or those with disabilities or illnesses.

Four children in a park laugh as they hold on to a tug-of-war rope.

Step 1: Types of grants

Community-based project grants

Most of the grants we award fall into this category. Eligible projects should increase the capacity of an organization and create or expand services, rather than maintaining existing services. For example, purchasing new equipment or launching new programs.

Project grants are available for projects valued at up to $25,000 each.

Signature Grant

The Signature Grant is meant to contribute to the overall work and mission of national organizations that deliver programs or support to Canadian children and youth.

Up to three Signature Grants of $50,000 each can be awarded each year.

Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant

The Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant is available to Indigenous regional or local organizations offering programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation that supports Indigenous children and youth across the country.

One Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant of $50,000 can be awarded each year.

Step 2: Eligibility criteria

Each grant type has different eligibility criteria and information requirements. Please note that financial documentation must be provided for all applications. Each year, we receive a large number of applications for a wide variety of programs. Please ensure you meet all our eligibility criteria.

Here is a breakdown of the different grants we offer and which organizations are eligible:

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Small project grants (up to $5,000)
Project grants are project-specific and cannot be used for general funding. Eligible projects should increase the capacity of an organization and create or expand services, rather than maintaining existing services. Examples: playground equipment, park upgrades, library supplies, after-school programs, etc.

Organizations eligible:
- Schools (as defined by the Education Act in each province)
- School/parent organizations
- Community libraries
- Daycares
- Indigenous groups
- Recreation facilities
- Unregistered organizations
- Small municipalities (5,000 residents and under; contact the Community Foundation for details)
Note: Playground equipment is only eligible for a small project grant ($5,000 and under).

Financial documentation requirements

Grants up to $5,000 require minimal financial documentation. We require a project budget and financial statement for the current year. Applications from schools or school parent councils may include their current school board budget.
Project grants ($5,001 to $25,000)
Project grants are project-specific and cannot be used for general funding. Eligible projects should increase the capacity of an organization and create or expand services, rather than maintaining existing services. Examples: purchasing new equipment or launching new programs.

Organizations eligible:
- Registered charities with a Canadian charitable registration number
- Registered non-profit organizations with a valid B/N business registration number
- Registered Canadian amateur athletic associations
- Small municipalities (5,000 residents and under; contact the Community Foundation for details)
Note: These groups can also apply for a small project grant (under $5,000) for smaller projects.

Financial documentation requirements

Depending on the amount of funding requested, different types of financial documents are required:

Grants of $5,001 to $15,000:
- Notice to Reader or Compilation Engagement
- An independently audited financial statement is also acceptable
Grants of $15,001 to $25,000:
- Review Engagement Report
- A Notice to Reader, Compilation Engagement or independently audited financial statement is also acceptable
Signature Grant ($50,000)

Signature Grants are only available to national organizations whose activities are national in scope and benefit children and youth across the country. Regional or provincial chapters of national groups are not eligible. Unlike our project grants, these grants can be used for either project-specific requests or general funding. Up to 3 Signature Grants of $50,000 each can be awarded each year.

Organizations eligible:

Only national charities and organizations are eligible to apply for a Signature Grant.

Financial documentation requirements

All Signature Grant applications require independently audited financial statements.
Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant ($50,000)

The Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant is awarded each year to an Indigenous regional or local organization offering programming anchored in the principles of Indigenous truth and reconciliation that supports Indigenous children and youth across the country. Only 1 Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant of $50,000 can be awarded each year.

Organizations eligible:

Only Indigenous regional or local organizations are eligible to apply for this grant.

Review eligibility requirements

Financial documentation requirements

All Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation Signature Grant applications require independently audited financial statements.

Projects eligible for grants

For examples of projects that are eligible for funding under each grant type, see Eligible projects for Community Foundation grants. The examples are not exhaustive and are only intended to give applicants an idea of the type of projects we have supported in the past.

Projects ineligible for grants

The following projects do not qualify for any of the Foundation grants:

professional or amateur sports teams
activities outside Canada
debt reduction campaigns
requests to cover mailing, shipping and/or delivery fees
lobby, advocacy or partisan groups that promote a particular social, political or economic point of view
fundraising events such as golf tournaments, galas, runs or races
brand or general advertising, as distinguished from information directly related to front-line activities
financial assistance for individuals
conventions, conferences or events

organizations, political parties or other programs that require, as a condition for receiving support or services, an adherence to, or promotion of a particular religious faith, political affiliation or cultural group
ongoing operating costs (e.g., administrative costs not directly linked to delivery of front-line programs) (Signature Grants are exempted)
salaries and administrative costs for school employees
school celebration trips (note: educational field trips are eligible for consideration, but graduation or class trips abroad are not)
standard classroom supplies
professional development

Step 3: Prepare your application

Once you have reviewed our eligibility criteria, you can start gathering the documents you need to complete your application. The application checklist also includes all financial documents you will require.

Download application checklist (PDF)

Step 4: Submit your application during the grant application period

Eligible organizations are invited to submit applications for funding each spring.

The grant application period for 2024 opens on Monday, February 12 and closes on Friday, March 1 at 12:00 PM ET. All applications must be received by this deadline through our website. No extensions will be granted.

Once the application portal is open, it will take 30-60 minutes to complete your application. You can save an application and complete it later, if needed (during the grant application period only).

In 2024, all grant applications will be reviewed from April to June. Successful grant applicants will be notified in July, and there will be a public announcement of all grant recipients in August.

More information on the Community Foundation

For more information about the Community Foundation and grant application process, review our frequently asked questions or contact us.