Closed
Source verified September 16, 2026
For applicants
Support for system-changing initiatives across Canada
Get notified when For applicants reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: The applicant guidance now says the portal is closed to new applications as of September 9, with updates expected in early 2027, and Democracy has been added as a focus area.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: The applicant guidance now says the portal is closed to new applications as of September 9, with updates expected in early 2027, and Democracy has been added as a focus area.
Applications closed and focus areas updated
The applicant guidance now says the portal is closed to new applications as of September 9, with applications received before that date reviewed under the current process and updates expected in early 2027. The foundation’s funding priorities now list four focus areas instead of three, adding Democracy, and the Sector Building stream is now described alongside Democracy as not accepting applications. The application instructions and supporting resources were also revised, including shorter review and due-diligence timing language and the removal of several guidance links and FAQ resources.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Canadian qualified donees, such as registered charities or municipalities
See full eligibility
Overview
The Foundation supports activities aligned with Communities, Reconciliation, and Climate. The program can fund projects over multiple years, with no pre-set maximum funding amount.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Grant-making Foundations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Initiatives that address underlying structural challenges in the nonprofit sector.
- Work to break down barriers that prevent funding from reaching nonprofits and communities, including regulatory challenges, complicated requirements, and systems that make access difficult.
- Projects that advance nonprofit and social finance policy, advocacy, and governance practices, including tools and training to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Open platforms, services, and tools that enhance transparency, accountability, and coordination across the sector.
Documents Needed
- Short-form application
- Detailed application, if invited
- Project budget
- Supporting documents, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian qualified donees, such as registered charities or municipalities
- Non-profit organizations
- Non-qualified donees as defined by CRA
- Academic institutions seeking funding for community engagement projects, in certain circumstances
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations, except in rare and specific situations
- Private schools
- Organizations or projects based outside of Canada
Eligible expenses
- Project-related costs
- Budgeted operating and administration costs linked to the project
- Organizational strengthening and capacity-building costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- General fundraising campaigns, including staff salaries dedicated to fundraising activities; deficits or capital or operating shortfalls; and university, college, or hospital endowments
- Ongoing operating costs or frontline service delivery
- Partisan political activities; the advancement of religious beliefs; purely academic or basic research; organizations or projects based outside of Canada; and international development initiatives
- Nature-based climate solutions, organizational emergency needs, for-profit organizations except in rare and specific situations, and private schools
- Construction or renovation projects, the purchase of buildings, film, video or publication production, conferences, workshops or seminars unless directly related to focus areas and supporting equity-denied or underrepresented groups, and training, scholarships, or subsidies
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Strategic fit with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and one or more focus areas
- The strategy
- The potential for systemic change
- The impact potential
- Positioning, including organizational capacity, partnerships, community support, and feasibility
How to apply
- Submit a Stage 1 short-form application by selecting the focus area your initiative is most aligned with.
- If invited, submit a Stage 2 detailed proposal.
- Submit all proposals through the Application and Reporting Portal; do not send your proposal by email or mail.
Processing and Agreement
- Most major funding proposals must first submit a short-form application and, if invited, a detailed application.
- Both are reviewed by staff before a final decision is made by our Board.
- Our staff then reviews your Stage 2 application and will reach out for a phone call to kick off due diligence.
- The due diligence period for Stage 2 applications is about three months and staff will be in touch with updates relevant to your proposal.
Additional information
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning are considered integral to an initiative’s success.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the For applicants Program
What is the For applicants?
The Foundation supports activities aligned with Communities, Reconciliation, and Climate. The program can fund projects over multiple years, with no pre-set maximum funding amount.
Who is eligible for the For applicants program?
To be eligible for the For applicants program, you must:
Project activities must align with funding priorities
Project activities must take place in Canada
Choose one focus area to submit under
What expenses are eligible under For applicants?
Initiatives that address underlying structural challenges in the nonprofit sector.
Work to break down barriers that prevent funding from reaching nonprofits and communities, including regulatory challenges, complicated requirements, and systems that make access difficult.
Projects that advance nonprofit and social finance policy, advocacy, and governance practices, including tools and training to improve organizational effectiveness.
Open platforms, services, and tools that enhance transparency, accountability, and coordination across the sector.
Who can I contact for more information about the For applicants?
You can contact The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (MCF) or by phone at 5142882133.
Where is the For applicants available?
The For applicants program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Who are the financial supporters of the For applicants?
For applicants is funded by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (MCF)