Turning 150 is a momentous occasion by any standard. For Canada, it’s an especially exciting moment as people come together to celebrate across the country. Hamilton Community Foundation is partnering with Community Foundations of Canada to bring our nation’s birthday to Hamilton with a new fund that supports local community projects.

The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a small matching grants program that will support thousands of community projects across the country. It’s a collaborative effort bringing together community foundations, the Government of Canada and citizens.

Why is Hamilton Community Foundation participating in the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th?

HCF’s partnership with Community Foundation for Canada’s 150th gives access to matching funding which allows us to make more grants to local organizations.  For Hamilton, this means more resources for local priorities and projects.

Who can apply?

Registered charities operating in Hamilton as well as other Qualified Donees can apply through HCF for the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th.

Community groups and individuals can also work with qualified donees to make grant applications.

How much granting is available?

HCF will consider applications for grants up to $5,000 for projects that meet eligibility criteria.

What are the eligibility criteria for Community Fund for Canada’s 150th projects funded through Hamilton Community Foundation?

  1. Eligible projects must take place in Hamilton[1] and must work towards the Fund’s objectives:
    • ENCOURAGE participation in community activities and events to mark Canada’s 150th
    • INSPIRE a deeper understanding about the people, places and events that shape our communities and our country
    • BUILD vibrant and healthy communities with the broadest possible engagement of all Canadians, including indigenous peoples, groups that reflect our cultural diversity, youth and all official language minorities
    • Hamilton Community Foundation will give priority to projects that:
      • Build and strengthen inclusive neighbourhoods
      • Will have a lasting impact beyond initial project
  2. Eligible projects must commit to performing funded activities and expenditures between May 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018.
  3. All successful applicants must match the amount of the grant through in-kind or cash contribution.

Example. For a grant application of $1,500:

The maximum grant amount available through Hamilton Community Foundation totals $5000 ($2500 from HCF and $2500 from Community Fund for Canada’s 150th).

Are there any projects that are ineligible for funding?

The following projects are ineligible for funding:

Expenditures that are necessary for the successful completion of a project are eligible. The following outlines expenditures that are ineligible and should be kept in mind when designing a project:

When can I apply?

Hamilton Community Foundation will be accepting applications for the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th during the following periods:

How can I apply?

All applications will be received through the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th granting platform. You must create an account before you can start your application.

The information gathered through the application process will not be made public and will be available only to Hamilton Community Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada exclusively for purposes related to the Fund.

What information do I need for the application?

All applications will be made online at https://www.cfc150.fluidreview.com

This video provides an overview of the online application process.

When preparing your application, there are three main steps:

  1. Application form. A preview of the form’s questions is available HERE.
  2. Project budget. The budget template is available HERE
  3. ‘Other Contributions (Matching)’ form. This form will confirm the sources of your project’s matching contributions, whether in cash and/or in-kind support. A preview of this confirmation is available HERE.

Who can I contact if I need technical assistance in applying for the grant?

For technical assistance please contact info@communityfoundations.ca.

What are the reporting requirements if our application is successful?

The story of the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th will be told as part of the 150Alliance, an open network of groups, individuals and organizations working together to make the most of Canada’s sesquicentennial.

Within 30 days of receiving the grant, Grantees are required to:

Within 15 days of project completion, Grantees are required to:

Any other questions?

Please contact us at canada150@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca.

[1] If your project takes place outside Hamilton, please consult the (CFC website) to locate the nearest Canadian community foundation.

CFC150_Fund_wordmark