Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Common Roof

The Common Roof is a community-based non-profit social enterprise that provides sustainable, professional workspace for human-service not-for-profit agencies in Barrie, Orillia and Collingwood, Ontario. Beyond its role as a physical hub, the organization positions itself as a catalyst for philanthropic investment and community support, helping build inclusive, healthy communities for children, youth and their families.

One of its key funding initiatives is the Glen Newby Scholarship Fund, presented in collaboration with New Path Youth & Family Services. This scholarship program offers direct financial assistance to young people pursuing post-secondary education or apprenticeship programs, with a particular focus on youth in Simcoe County who have been impacted by mental illness.

The Glen Newby Scholarship is structured as an annual program with a defined application window and clear eligibility criteria. Applicants must be up to age 24, entering or continuing in post-secondary or apprenticeship studies, demonstrate commitment to completing their credential, and be permanent residents of Simcoe County. Special consideration is given to youth affected by mental health challenges and those engaged in activities that benefit their community.

Application details, deadlines, and the fillable PDF form are published online, and completed applications are submitted by email. The site highlights past recipients from 2020 onward, illustrating the program’s sustained impact on youth pursuing studies in fields such as health, social work, environmental science and technology.

The Common Roof primarily serves human-service non-profits, children, youth and families in Simcoe County. By offering affordable, collaborative workspace and shared services, it strengthens the operational capacity of partner agencies. Through the Glen Newby Scholarship Fund, it extends this support directly to individual youth, helping reduce financial barriers to education and training and encouraging leadership, community involvement and resilience.

The organization demonstrates a commitment to stewardship and transparency by publishing annual reports and audited financial statements, as well as tenant surveys that showcase the outcomes of its collaborative hub model. Its guiding principles emphasize leadership, integrity, stewardship, entrepreneurship, collaboration, excellence, advocacy and sustainability. These values underpin both its property-based social enterprise activities and its role as a channel for philanthropic funding, including scholarships and other community-focused initiatives delivered in partnership with local agencies and donors.