Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Charity of Hope

Charity of Hope is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1996 in the Hamilton, Ontario area. It raises funds through galas, golf tournaments, seasonal campaigns and individual donations, and then channels this money back into the community to support underprivileged children, youth and their families. The charity provides financial assistance both indirectly, by funding schools and community organizations, and directly, by responding to requests from families and young people facing hardship.

The organization’s support takes many forms: contributions to school breakfast and lunch programs, subsidies for uniforms, bus tickets and school supplies, funding for summer camps and recreational activities, and emergency support for rent, food, clothing, medical supplies and mobility aids. Charity of Hope also partners with local organizations such as the YMCA, City Kidz, Liberty for Youth and infant food banks to expand youth programming and remove barriers to participation.

A key part of Charity of Hope’s funding portfolio is its awards and bursaries. The Edge Spirit Award in memory of co-founder Morris Mercanti honours high-school students who demonstrate resilience and positive values, providing a bursary to help them pursue their education. The organization also supports academic grants such as the Morris Mercanti Academic Grant at McMaster University and contributes to student award programs through school foundations.

In addition, Charity of Hope gives annual awards in inner-city schools to students who embody the charity’s mission of giving hope to others. Stories shared on the website highlight young people who have received laptops, cameras, tuition assistance and other resources that help them stay in school, attend trips and transition to post-secondary education.

The charity responds to formal funding requests during specified intake periods and also reviews emergency benevolent requests on an ongoing basis. Hope Stories and impact pages describe numerous cases where families escaping violence, parents who lost employment, or youth living independently have received practical help with basic needs. Other examples include funding sensory rooms in schools, holiday hampers, winter boots and snowsuits, as well as supporting large-scale holiday events for inner-city children.

Charity of Hope operates with a lean structure and emphasizes that over 90% of funds raised go back to the cause. A volunteer board, events committees and corporate partners work with the staff leadership to ensure transparent use of donations and meaningful impact for children and youth across Hamilton and surrounding communities.

The organization maintains strong relationships with local businesses and sponsors, whose contributions are recognized through event partnerships and sponsorship packages. These partnerships help underwrite fundraising events and allow more donor dollars to reach beneficiaries. Through these combined efforts, Charity of Hope has raised over one million dollars for children and youth and continues to position itself as a key philanthropic actor in the regional social support and youth-development ecosystem.