About the program
For the third year, we are excited to support small grassroots and community-led organizations in the Greater Toronto Area who are creating solutions for their communities.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available for organizations delivering projects aligned with our Focus Areas: Food Security & Systems, and Education & Economic Opportunities (see below for details).
The deadline to apply for funding is Friday, March 7, 2025 at 5PM EST.
This year, we are proud to partner with the Toronto Foundation’s Vital Signs Grants program to increase the reach of our GTA Community Grants Program and streamline the process to access funding. Click here to learn more about the joint application process and how to apply.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for funding, your organization must be one of the following:
- An incorporated nonprofit
- A nonprofit applying with a charitable trustee
With,
A well-defined governance framework and good financial standing, supported by procedures for monitoring both revenue and expenses, and a clear charitable mandate.
Other Key Eligibility Criteria
- Based in the Greater Toronto Area
- Focused on working with children, youth, and families
- Based within the community being served, with a history of working with the community
- Able to identify the specific team members who will deliver the proposed initiative
- Have an annual operating budget less than $500,000
Not Eligible
- Organizations with an annual operating budget of $500,000 or more
We are inviting proposals from grassroots organizations committed to enhancing equitable access to food in their communities.
Examples:
- Community gardens and urban farming projects
- Public food markets that offer fresh, local food to the community
- Nutrition education and community kitchens
We are inviting proposals from grassroots organizations actively addressing education disparities and fostering economic empowerment for youth within their communities.
Examples:
- Projects that leverage partnerships with local schools to support children and youth improve education outcomes
- Projects that leverage partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals to provide meaningful employment connections for youth
How to Apply
Our grant application process involves three key steps:
- Create an account on our online application portal.
- Complete the application by responding to a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, and long answer questions.
- Attach a budget detailing expenditures, along with supporting documents.
- Ensure you click the ‘submit’ button before the deadline of March 7, 2025.
After creating an account and starting your application, you can save your work online and pick up where you left off should you need to pause your work.
Please contact info@petergilganfoundation.org for any questions or if you require any accommodation to help with your application.
All applicants must submit a budget detailing the expenses that the proposed funding will cover, only to be used in the direct delivery of the services and activities detailed in the application. Download and review our Budget Template – your organization may use this template or submit your own budget, if it follows the same format (Expense, Description, Cost, Funders, Total). Some expense items are ineligible for funding. Please refer to our List of Eligible and Ineligible Expenses for guidance.
For financial documents, please provide at least one of the following:
- Audited financial statements
- T2 return or T2 Short Form
You will also have the option to submit supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to:
- Annual report and/or impact report
- Reports on previous projects
- Letters of recommendation
- Photos of programs in action
Providing supporting documentation allows us to better understand your organization or community group and perform due diligence in alignment with the Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.
- A clear mandate to support children, youth, and families in the GTA
- A demonstrated need in the community
- Alignment with our Education & Economic Opportunities and/or Food Security & Systems focus areas
- A commitment to learning and adapting to the unique realities and needs of the identified community
- How the organization is best positioned to carry out the work (historical relationship with the community, previous projects, current and previous partners)
- A commitment to evaluation and reporting (with support from Foundation staff, if needed)
- How the funding will support the successful delivery of activities
Timeline
- Monday, February 10: The application portal will open.
- Notice for Toronto Foundation Vital Signs Grants Applicants: If you have consented to the Toronto Foundation sharing your application with the Peter Gilgan Foundation, your application will be shared with us at this time. Foundation staff will reach out with follow-up questions and/or to communicate the outcome of the application review.
- Friday, March 7 at 5PM EST: The application portal will close.
- March 10-March 31: Application review. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted with further questions or clarification by Foundation staff.
- April 2025: Grants awarded.
- April 2026: All projects must be completed within a year of the grant award.
If your work falls within the eligibility of this program, set up your profile now and begin your application. For any inquiries, please contact info@petergilganfoundation.org
