Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Brant Waterways Foundation (BWF)

Brant Waterways Foundation is a charitable non-profit foundation established in 1988 to support the protection, restoration and enjoyment of the Grand River, its tributaries and adjacent lands in Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations of the Grand River. The Foundation provides leadership, funding assistance and advocacy for projects that improve local waterways, trails and natural habitats. Since its creation, it has invested more than $5 million in community projects, often in partnership with municipalities, conservation authorities and other funders.

Through its grant programs, Brant Waterways Foundation supports a broad range of initiatives: trail development and enhancements, tree planting and habitat restoration, dam removal and creek naturalization, shoreline cleanups, environmental education and public amenities that connect people to healthy waterways. Past examples include major contributions to the TH&B Rail Trail, support for Rotary Bike Park, EZ dock installations for paddlers, and long‑standing funding for the Brant Tree Coalition and the Brant/Brantford Children’s Water Festival.

The Foundation operates a Small Grants Program, providing up to $5,000 per project, generally limited to one application per organization per year. From time to time it also participates in larger initiatives through a Large Grants Program, where funding can exceed this threshold for major projects, often in collaboration with municipal or institutional partners. Eligible applicants include registered charities, incorporated non‑profits, the City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Grand River Conservation Authority, with other organizations considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Projects must take place within the Foundation’s geographic jurisdiction and align with its charitable purposes: preserving and improving natural resources of the Grand River and related water bodies, fostering public understanding of water and heritage values, supporting amenities that enhance quality of life linked to waterways, and assisting health and recreational programs related to these environments.

Applications are submitted using Brant Waterways Foundation’s online grant application form and must include organizational information such as a charitable number and recent year‑end financial statement. Proposals are reviewed by the Board of Directors, with decisions typically communicated within eight weeks of submission. The Foundation considers environmental benefits, public accessibility, long‑term maintenance responsibilities and alignment with its mandate when assessing requests. Funded projects must acknowledge Brant Waterways Foundation’s support and adhere to terms outlined in a funding agreement, including submission of a final report.

Brant Waterways Foundation emphasizes transparency and stewardship of donor funds. Annual reports and strategic plans highlight funded projects, partnerships and financial oversight. The board of volunteer directors represents local communities, including Brantford, the County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River, ensuring that grants respond to regional priorities. Through its mix of small community grants and larger strategic investments, the Foundation plays a key role in conserving the Grand River watershed and promoting outdoor recreation, education and environmental resilience for current and future generations.