Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Children’s Foundation (TCF)

The Children’s Foundation’s mission is to fund and deliver programs that ensure children and youth in Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties have opportunities to explore, learn, play and thrive, regardless of financial hardship.

The Children’s Foundation (TCF) is a Foundation.

The Children’s Foundation (TCF) was founded in 1991.

The Children’s Foundation (TCF)'s official website is https://www.thechildrensfoundation.ca/.

The Children’s Foundation is an independent charitable foundation and the charitable arm of Highland Shores Children’s Aid, serving children, youth and families across Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties in Ontario. Since 1991, it has worked to remove financial barriers so that young people can explore, learn, play and thrive through access to education, recreation, life-skills training and essential supports.

Role of The Children’s Foundation in the funding ecosystem

The foundation provides and funds a portfolio of donor-supported programs that deliver direct financial assistance or in-kind support. These include subsidies for sports and extra-curricular activities, fee support for camps, coverage of life-skills and training courses, scholarships and bursaries for post-secondary education, mental health and therapeutic services, infant safety equipment, and seasonal assistance during the holidays. Support is targeted to children and youth facing low income or hardship, both those connected to Highland Shores Children’s Aid and families in the wider community.

Key funding programs and supports

• Reach for Success – Provides scholarships and bursaries to youth pursuing full-time post-secondary studies. The program outlines eligibility criteria, age limits, geographic residence requirements, application deadlines and typical award ranges, with payments made directly to institutions or students in two installments per academic year.
• Playing for Keeps – Subsidizes registration fees for sports, arts, music, dance and other recreational programs so that cost is not a barrier to participation.
• Camps of Hope – Helps cover camp registration fees during March Break, summer and winter, allowing children and youth to benefit from outdoor experiences, social connection and skill development.
• Training & Development – Contributes to the cost of life-skills and preparation-for-adulthood programs such as driving lessons, first aid and CPR, cooking classes, babysitting courses, college applications and deposits, and job-related certifications.
• Strive to Thrive – Offers financial assistance for mental health and therapeutic supports, including equine, play and art therapy and counselling, primarily for children and youth in the care of Highland Shores Children’s Aid.
• Keep Baby Safe – A referral-based program that supplies new cribs, crib mattresses, car seats, safety gates and related items at no cost to qualifying families, funded through donors and partners.
• Angel Tree initiatives – HSCA Angel Tree and related holiday programs provide Christmas packages with toys, clothing and gift cards for meals to children and families, based on applications and the success of annual fundraising.

General approach to applications and eligibility

Many programs use structured application processes, often through secure online forms. Eligibility typically considers geographic residence in Hastings, Northumberland or Prince Edward Counties, age limits for children and youth, and indicators of financial need or hardship. Some supports are referral-based through health or social service professionals, especially for infant safety equipment, while others allow direct applications by families or students. Programs such as Reach for Success publish clear deadlines, document requirements and payment schedules.

Publics served and overall impact

The Children’s Foundation primarily supports children and youth from birth to young adulthood, with a focus on those experiencing poverty, family hardship, or involvement with the child welfare system. By funding access to recreation, education, mental health services and basic safety needs, the foundation aims to reduce inequality in opportunities and foster resilience, independence and long-term wellbeing. Partnerships with local businesses, service clubs and community donors, highlighted in its news and annual reports, help sustain and grow these funding programs year after year.