C
Closed
Communities focus area
Supports community-led systems change initiatives
Last Update: May 21, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports community-led initiatives that address systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion. It funds collaborative action, policy change, and regeneration projects across Canada, with no maximum funding amount stated.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Collaborative action to address barriers to social and economic inclusion
- Policy change efforts advancing social justice or economic resilience
- Regeneration work focused on recovery from historical harm
Documents Needed
- Short-form application
- Detailed application
- Project budget
- Supporting documents, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian registered charities
- Non-profit organizations
- Municipalities
- Other eligible non-profit entities in Canada
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations, except in rare cases
- Organizations or projects based outside Canada
- Private schools
- Projects focused on partisan political activity
- Projects primarily for religious purposes
Eligible expenses
- No expense details were clearly specified for eligible funding uses.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General fundraising campaigns
- Frontline services and ongoing day-to-day service delivery
- Projects outside Canada
- Academic research, conferences, fellowships, and event sponsorship
- Building purchases or renovations
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by staff in two stages.
- Stage 1 is a short-form review to determine alignment.
- Successful applicants are invited to submit a detailed Stage 2 proposal.
- Due diligence follows the detailed review before a final Board decision.
- The full process can take about four to six months.
Additional information
- The application portal for Communities is currently closed.
- Updates on reopening will be announced in 2027.
- Applicants can book virtual office hours, but they are not mandatory.
- All proposals must be submitted through the online portal.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Communities focus area Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Communities focus area. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Communities focus area?
This program supports community-led initiatives that address systemic barriers to social and economic inclusion. It funds collaborative action, policy change, and regeneration projects across Canada, with no maximum funding amount stated.
Who is eligible for the Communities focus area program?
To be eligible for the Communities focus area program, you must:
Community-led project
Work takes place in Canada
Aligned with Communities focus area
What expenses are eligible under Communities focus area?
Collaborative action to address barriers to social and economic inclusion
Policy change efforts advancing social justice or economic resilience
Regeneration work focused on recovery from historical harm
Who can I contact for more information about the Communities focus area?
You can contact The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (MCF) by email at none or by phone at 514-288-2133.
Where is the Communities focus area available?
The Communities focus area program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the Communities focus area a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Communities focus area is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Communities focus area?
Communities focus area is funded by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (MCF)