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Community Funding - Sustainability Funding

Q: What is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?

The Community Funding – Sustainability Funding program supports Ottawa’s non-profit social services sector by providing financial assistance for both core operational and program expenses over a renewable five-year term, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to essential community services for residents facing significant barriers. Maximum funding amounts are not specified; eligible activities include projects addressing priority areas such as poverty reduction, food security, mental well-being, social inclusion, and community development.

Q: Who is eligible for the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding program?

To be eligible for the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding program, you must: Must be a community non-profit social services organization Activities must address priority service areas as defined by the program

Q: What expenses are eligible under Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?

Operation and strengthening of community hubs. Initiatives focused on poverty reduction. Projects supporting food security for vulnerable populations. Programs promoting mental well-being. Activities fostering social inclusion and equitable access to services.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?

You can contact City of Ottawa by email at communityfunding@ottawa.ca or by phone at 613-580-2424.

Q: Where is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding available?

The Community Funding - Sustainability Funding program is available the province of Ontario.

Q: Is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Community Funding - Sustainability Funding is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?

Community Funding - Sustainability Funding is funded by City of Ottawa

Last Update: October 27, 2025

Ottawa, ON

Supports non-profit social services for community well-being and equity

Grant and Funding

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Strengthening governance

Develop strategic partnerships

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Location

Ottawa

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Persons with Disabilities
Youth (<40)

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

All industries

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Overview

The Community Funding – Sustainability Funding program supports Ottawa’s non-profit social services sector by providing financial assistance for both core operational and program expenses over a renewable five-year term, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to essential community services for residents facing significant barriers. Maximum funding amounts are not specified; eligible activities include projects addressing priority areas such as poverty reduction, food security, mental well-being, social inclusion, and community development.

Activities funded

Operation and strengthening of community hubs.
Initiatives focused on poverty reduction.
Projects supporting food security for vulnerable populations.
Programs promoting mental well-being.
Activities fostering social inclusion and equitable access to services.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a non-profit organization operating within the social services sector in Ottawa.
The project or activities must align with one or more of the following priority service areas: Community Hubs, Poverty Reduction, Food Security, Mental Well-Being, Social Inclusion, Equitable Systems and Structures, or Corporate Initiatives.
The organization must aim to provide equitable access to services for residents facing significant barriers and challenges.
Funding can support both core operational needs and specific program expenses related to eligible priority areas.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit social service organizations

Eligible expenses

Core operational expenses for non-profit social services organizations.
Program-related expenses under priority service areas.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations operating within the City of Ottawa

Selection criteria

Equitable access to programs and services.
Responsiveness to community needs.
Demonstration of measurable outcomes and financial accountability.
Collaboration to build community capacity and development.
Alignment with City of Ottawa strategic priorities.

How to apply

Verify eligibility and requirements

Review eligibility criteria for Sustainability Funding
Consult the Community Funding Framework Policy Statements for requirements and priorities
Identify the relevant priority service area for your organization

Prepare application documents

Prepare supporting documents such as organizational information, core operations, and program expenses
Ensure alignment with the Community Funding Framework priorities

Monitor for application intake

Monitor the official website for the opening of the next application period (scheduled for 2026 for the 2027-2031 funding term)
Contact the Community Development & Funding Branch for questions or clarifications

Additional information

Sustainability Funding is currently closed and the next application round will be announced in 2026 for funding covering 2027-2031.
Recipients of Sustainability Funding are eligible to apply for Emergency Funding for unexpected essential expenses.
The funding supports both core operation and program funding under identified service areas.
More details on the framework guiding this funding are available through the Community Funding Framework Policy Statements.

Contacts

communityfunding@ottawa.ca

613-580-2424

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding. 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.