Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
For applicants
Support for system-changing initiatives across Canada
Latest source updateLast Update: July 8, 2026Latest change: McConnell updated its funding focus from Montreal and Capacity Strengthening to Sector Building, with new eligibility wording and revised funding amounts on related pages.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 8, 2026
Latest change: McConnell updated its funding focus from Montreal and Capacity Strengthening to Sector Building, with new eligibility wording and revised funding amounts on related pages.
McConnell funding focus updated
McConnell updated its funding pages to replace Montreal and Capacity Strengthening content with Sector Building, and the applicant guidance now says projects must take place in Canada and that NQD support may be provided through a fiduciary or direct agreement. The guidance also adds that McConnell is almost never the sole funder and that it is uncommon for the foundation to fund the majority of a project budget. The Climate page now shows $6.6M in 2025 contributions, down from $9.93M in 2024, and the Sector Building page now lists funded initiatives including Fora: Network for Change at $450,000 from 2026 to 2029 and Imagine Canada at $500,000 from 2026 to 2031. The Montreal page also shifted from a stream notice to a past grant case study about the Dispensaire diététique de Montréal, changing the visible scope and funding-term signals on that source.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Montréal, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
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
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 registered charities
- Non-profit organizations
- Canadian municipalities
- Other organizations in Canada, in certain cases
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations, except in rare cases
- Private schools
- Organizations or projects based outside Canada
- Purely academic or basic research projects
- Partisan political or strictly religious initiatives
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
- Deficit reduction or capital shortfalls
- Purely academic or basic research
- Construction, renovation, or building purchases
- Projects outside Canada or international development
Selection criteria
- Strategic fit with the chosen focus area
- Strength of the organization’s position to lead the work
- Potential impact and likelihood of success
- Sound governance and financial management
How to apply
- Complete the Stage 1 preliminary application with six questions about your work and four budget questions.
- If approved, complete the Stage 2 detailed application form related to your selected focus area.
- Submit proposals through the Application and Reporting Portal, and do not send them by email or mail.
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants are generally notified regarding their eligibility for a Stage 2 application within a month.
- Staff reviews the Stage 2 application and reaches out for a phone call to kick off due diligence.
- The due diligence period for Stage 2 applications usually varies from three to five months.
- The complete review process, from application to approval, can take four to six months and sometimes longer.
Additional information
- The Foundation uses a two-stage application process for focus area funding.
- Virtual office hours are available to help applicants assess fit.
- Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online portal.
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning are considered integral to proposals.
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:
Aligned with a focus area
Nationally relevant
Addresses root causes
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 across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the For applicants?
For applicants is funded by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (MCF)