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Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)

The Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation is a private charitable foundation in Toronto and the principal funding partner of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. It raises and grants funds to support multiple programs, scholarships and emergency grants that fill child welfare funding gaps for children, youth and families in need. View Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)'s website for more information.
7 programs available
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Camps 4 Kids

    Camp costs for Toronto children and youth
    Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Ontario, Canada
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Friends & Loved Ones

    Supports travel and connection for Toronto youth
    Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Ontario, Canada
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Home Base Fund

    Housing support for Toronto youth leaving care
    Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Ontario, Canada
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Ignite The Spark

    Funding for youth sports, arts and recreation
    Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Ontario, Canada
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Sweet Dreams

    Safe sleep support for vulnerable children
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • From $25 to $500
    Eligible Industries
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Trinity Fund

    Faith-related support for Catholic youth in care
    Ontario, Canada
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Ontario, Canada

About Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)

What is the mission of Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)?

The Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation’s mission is to raise and grant funds that close child welfare funding gaps, so every child, youth and family served by the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto can access the supports they need to be safe, stable and able to reach their potential.

What type of organization is Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)?

Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) is a Foundation.

What is Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)'s official website?

Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)'s official website is https://www.ccafdn.ca/.

What else should I know about Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF)?

Role of the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation in the funding ecosystem

The Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) is a private charitable foundation that serves as the principal fundraising and grantmaking partner of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS). Operating in the Greater Toronto Area, it mobilizes donations to cover essential needs that fall outside provincial child welfare funding, ensuring that children, youth and families involved with CCAS receive practical, educational, spiritual and emergency support.
Each year, the Foundation responds to more than 1,500 requests for assistance through a portfolio of programs. These include scholarships for current and former youth in extended society care, camp and recreation initiatives such as Camps 4 Kids and Ignite The Spark, and funds that address housing, food security and basic needs, like the Home Base Fund, Gift Card Program and Emergency Grants Fund. Typical grants can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, helping with items such as cribs, school supplies, transportation, rent, and mental health supports.

Funding themes and types of support

  • Education and learning: Scholarships, tutoring and post-secondary support enable youth leaving care to pursue university, college or trades. Camps and recreation programs promote social development and confidence.
  • Basic needs and family stability: Targeted funds provide beds, clothing, groceries, transportation, baby supplies and other essentials to stabilize families and prevent crises that can lead to children entering care.
  • Faith and community life: Dedicated programs such as the Trinity Fund and Christmas initiatives support sacramental needs, religious activities and seasonal assistance for Catholic families.
  • System innovation and pilot projects: CCAF finances transformative child welfare initiatives, such as the Access & Family Support pilot and the HARP and Youth Readiness programs, which are designed, researched and evaluated to improve long-term outcomes.

Supported audiences and overall impact

The Foundation primarily supports children and youth in or from care, as well as at-risk families connected to CCAS. Its grants and programs help young people transition from foster care to independent living, reduce the risk of homelessness, and strengthen parenting capacity. By funding both direct financial assistance and program development, CCAF fills critical gaps where government subsidies end or are insufficient, emphasizing compassion, humility and generosity rooted in Catholic values.

Transparency, governance and accountability

CCAF publishes annual impact reports that outline its finances, funded programs and outcomes for the Toronto Catholic community. Led by a board of directors and professional staff, the Foundation highlights responsible stewardship of donor funds and a commitment to measurable impact on the wellbeing of local children, youth and families.