Closed
Community Funding - Sustainability Funding
Supports non-profit social services for community well-being and equity
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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
- Ontario
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Official resources
Eligibility
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding Program
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.
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
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.
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.
Where is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding available?
The Community Funding - Sustainability Funding program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Funding - Sustainability Funding is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Funding - Sustainability Funding?
Community Funding - Sustainability Funding is funded by City of Ottawa