
Community Funding - Sustainability Funding
Last Update: October 27, 2025
Ottawa, ON
Supports non-profit social services for community well-being and equity
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
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
1
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
2
Prepare application documents
- Prepare supporting documents such as organizational information, core operations, and program expenses
- Ensure alignment with the Community Funding Framework priorities
3
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
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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.
What is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?
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