Closed
Community Impact Funding
Community funding for poverty-reduction initiatives
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : December 22, 2023
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports community project and program funding focused on reducing poverty and its root causes. Maximum funding amount is not specified; eligible initiatives include work aligned with the Community Impact Plan and its three community goals.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Train or support volunteers
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : December 22, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
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
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects and programs that address the root causes and effects of poverty.
- Initiatives that support basic needs, inclusion, and youth success.
- Community programs delivered within Thunder Bay and, where available, Northwestern Ontario.
Documents Needed
- Completed funding application
- Completed budget form
- Audited financial statements
- Community Impact Plan alignment information
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities
- Community organizations partnering with a registered charitable organization
Eligible expenses
- Project expenses such as materials, facility costs, transportation, volunteer stipends, employee wages, and marketing costs.
- Organizational contributions tied to the project, such as salaries, benefits, rent, utilities, and phone.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Direct funding to individuals
- Fundraising costs
- Operating reserves and core organizational funding
- Capital costs and projects
- Direct religious activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Thunder Bay
- Northwestern Ontario, subject to available funds
Selection criteria
- Fit with the goal of building a community free from poverty, weighted at 15%.
- Clear alignment with a Community Impact Plan goal and related steps, weighted at 15%.
- Strength of outcomes and how they will be measured, weighted at 10%.
- Ability to work with other groups, avoid duplication, and support sustainability, weighted at 25%.
- Need for United Way funding shown through a realistic budget, weighted at 10%.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program guidance
- Read the Community Impact Plan and Funding Guide.
- Check that the program or project aligns with the funding priorities.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete all application sections.
- Fill out the budget form for the specific project or initiative.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the completed application through the grant portal.
- Ensure all required sections are complete before submission.
- Step 4: Follow up after submission
- Respond if the review panel requests a meeting or clarification.
- Wait for notification and, if approved, return the signed funding agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness before assessment.
- The Community Investment Review Panel evaluates eligible applications from January to March.
- The panel may request a meeting with applicants during review.
- Final approval is made by the Board of Directors.
- Applicants are notified in April, and approved agencies sign a funding agreement.
Additional information
- The application must be fully completed to be considered.
- Applicants may be invited to meet with the review panel during assessment.
- A signed funding agreement is required if approved.
- A second round of applications may be considered later in 2024, subject to available funding.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Impact Funding Program
What is the Community Impact Funding?
This program supports community project and program funding focused on reducing poverty and its root causes. Maximum funding amount is not specified; eligible initiatives include work aligned with the Community Impact Plan and its three community goals.
Who is eligible for the Community Impact Funding program?
To be eligible for the Community Impact Funding program, you must:
Registered Canadian charity
Project aligns with Community Impact Plan
Operating for at least two years
What expenses are eligible under Community Impact Funding?
Projects and programs that address the root causes and effects of poverty.
Initiatives that support basic needs, inclusion, and youth success.
Community programs delivered within Thunder Bay and, where available, Northwestern Ontario.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Impact Funding?
You can contact United Way of Thunder Bay.
Where is the Community Impact Funding available?
The Community Impact Funding program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Community Impact Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Impact Funding is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Impact Funding?
Community Impact Funding is funded by United Way of Thunder Bay