Open Grants Program – FAQ

What has changed?

HCF has amalgamated several funds which previously had their own call for proposals along with some aligned Field of Interest Funds into one granting program called the Open Grants Program. The benefits to community organizations are: (list and lets put into the overview as well).

Who is eligible to apply?

HCF provides grants for projects that benefit the citizens of Hamilton and, by law, grants only to registered Canadian charities and others qualified as described in Section 110 of the Income Tax Act.  On occasion, not-for-profit organizations without charitable status may be sponsored by a registered charity

How often can I apply?

Eligible organizations may submit one application to Stream A and one application to Stream B during a calendar year.  Applications may be submitted in either the spring or fall granting rounds.

If I apply to Open Grants can I still apply for ABACUS support?

Yes – ABACUS, as well as several other open call rounds, is not included in the Open Grants Program.  The open calls rounds NOT included in Open Grants are:

Note: Organizations may apply to any of these as well as Open Grants.

All open call rounds are listed on our website at https://www.hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca/grants/

What’s the difference between Stream A and Stream B?  How do I know which to apply to?

You cannot apply to both streams for the same project.  You should apply to the stream that is best aligned with the funding needs of your project(s). 

How will the applications be assessed?

The applications will be assessed by staff along with community advisors using the reviewer rubric which can be accessed here.

We encourage applications from organizations with programs led by and for equity-deserving communities.  For the purposes of this granting, we use the term “equity-deserving” to include groups who are marginalized by social structures. Equity-deserving communities often experience social and financial disadvantages as a result of systems of oppression. Oppression takes many forms including, but not limited to, racism, homophobia and ableism. Examples of equity-deserving communities include Indigenous, Black, and racialized people; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and those with mental, intellectual, or physical disabilities.

How long will it be before I’m notified of the results?

We anticipate that applicants in the spring round will be notified in mid-June and applicants in the fall round will be notified in mid-November.

If I apply in the spring round and am declined, can I resubmit the project for the fall round?

Yes; however, if you are re-submitting the same application for the project, we suggest you contact staff at HCF to understand why funding was originally declined.

Will reporting be required?

Yes. A report is required when the project is complete or before applying again to HCF for the initiative. A template will be provided.

If I am applying with a fiscal sponsor, does this prevent the fiscal sponsor from applying for their own project?  Is there funding available to help offset any costs to the fiscal sponsor?

We appreciate organizations who are willing to operate as fiscal sponsors and they are welcome to apply for funding for their own projects. Up to 12% of the grant awarded may be used to offset related administrative costs to the fiscal sponsor.