Community Funding - Emerging Community Need Funding

• The applicant must be a non-profit organization or group, or be sponsored by a not-for-profit or registered charity.
• The applicant or its sponsor must have operated for at least two years.
• The organization must align with the Community Funding Framework priorities and address a specific, demonstrated new or growing issue in Ottawa.
• The organization must be located in and serve residents of Ottawa, and be in good standing with the City of Ottawa.
• The organization must be run by a democratically elected Board of Directors or Steering Committee and demonstrate financial viability.

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit organizations
• Community groups sponsored by a not-for-profit or registered charity

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses
• Faith-based organizations that require or directly promote religious practice
• Organizations that primarily fund other groups
• Hospitals, clinics, or medical treatment programs
• Politically affiliated organizations or those involved in political activities
• Government organizations or those proposing programs under other governments’ responsibility
• Provincial or national organizations without a local chapter in Ottawa
• School boards, primary and secondary schools, and post-secondary institutions
• Sports clubs

Eligible expenses

• Costs for local neighbourhood or community meetings, healing circles, community consultations, or debriefings.
• Short-term staffing expenses required to support the community.
• Expenses for training sessions and workshops.
• Costs related to community mobilization and planning activities.
• Other approved activities or initiatives, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located in and serving residents of Ottawa.

• Relevance of the information provided about the emerging need and how it aligns with Community Funding Framework priorities and addresses urgent needs in priority neighbourhoods (20%).
• Quality and clarity of the initiative’s summary, including how well it fits the funding purpose, how activities will address the need, proposed timelines, reach to priority groups, partnership strength, and sustainability beyond the funding period (50%).
• Reasonableness and feasibility of the proposed budget (10%).
• Clarity and realism of the projected outcomes and benefits to the community (20%).

• Step 1: Request Application Form
  • Email communityfunding@ottawa.ca to request a fillable copy of the application form for the Emerging Community Need Funding.
  • Optionally, book an introductory meeting with a Community Funding and Development Specialist to review guidelines and discuss your proposal.
• Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
  • Complete the application form with details about the new or growing need, initiative description, activities, actions, timelines, expected number of clients, and a proposed budget.
  • Attach your organization's most recent year-end financial statements. If requesting over $25,000, audited financial statements are required.
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Email the completed application form and all required documents to communityfunding@ottawa.ca.
• Step 4: Application Review Process
  • The City reviews applications throughout the year in the order received and reserves final funding decisions for the Program Manager of Social Development and Funding.
• Step 5: Accept Contribution Agreement (if successful)
  • Successful applicants receive a contribution offer and draft agreement by email.
  • Contact the City within five business days to accept the contribution and enter into the agreement.
• Step 6: Provide Additional Documentation (if applicable)
  • If not already receiving Sustainability Funding, provide required additional documents (such as most recent audited or signed financial statements, AGM minutes, Board of Directors list, organizational chart, and insurance certificate naming the City as additional insured).
• Step 7: Outcome Reporting
  • Submit an outcome report, including a financial statement of actual revenues and expenses, four weeks after the agreed date in the contribution agreement.

• A certificate of insurance listing the City of Ottawa as an additional insured is mandatory prior to receiving funds.
• Annual General Meeting (AGM) minutes and current Board of Directors list are required from successful applicants who do not already receive Sustainability Funding.
• Successful applicants must submit an outcome report, including a financial statement, four weeks after the agreed project end date.
• The City may withdraw its offer of contribution if no response is provided within five business days of notification.