Open
Source verified September 16, 2026
Great-EST Needs Grants
Support for priority community needs in Elgin County
Latest source updateLast Update: September 16, 2026Latest change: The grants page now lists the Sport Opportunity Fund instead of the 2001 London Alliance Canada Summer Games Fund, with a focus on amateur sports initiatives that promote physical health education.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 16, 2026
Latest change: The grants page now lists the Sport Opportunity Fund instead of the 2001 London Alliance Canada Summer Games Fund, with a focus on amateur sports initiatives that promote physical health education.
Sport Opportunity Fund Replaces Summer Games Fund
The Grants page now lists the Sport Opportunity Fund instead of the 2001 London Alliance Canada Summer Games Fund. The program focus now shown is amateur sports initiatives that promote and educate the benefits of physical health. This change affects the grant’s target audience and project scope, since the listed opportunity now points to sports-related initiatives rather than the prior summer games fund naming.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Support for projects addressing Elgin County’s greatest community needs. Funding is aimed at initiatives related to education and skills development, housing security, mental health, public safety, and substance abuse and addiction.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Tree planting projects in Elgin County and St. Thomas
- Purchase of art permanently displayed in a public space within Elgin County
- Amateur sports initiatives that help to promote and educate the benefits of physical health
Documents Needed
- Completed project budget template.
- Current financial statements, audited when available.
- List of community partners.
- Board of directors list with address and phone numbers.
- Any supporting project photos or information, if provided.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Charities
Eligible geographic areas
- Elgin County
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the identified Great-EST community needs.
- Clarity of the project description and intended outcomes.
- Quality of the project budget and supporting financial information.
- Inclusion of community partners and implementation timeline.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the project description, outcomes, timeline, and organizational information.
- Prepare the required budget using the budget template.
- Gather financial statements, partner information, and board details.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Upload the completed form and all required supporting documents through the online application portal.
- Confirm the declaration and submit the application.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed using the community needs data as the basis for funding decisions.
- Funding is not guaranteed after submission.
- If awarded, the organization must comply with all ESCF requirements.
- The applicant agrees to electronic communication and possible follow-up if questions arise.
Additional information
- The application requires a completed budget template.
- Current financial statements must be uploaded when applying.
- The declaration confirms authorization and agreement to program requirements if funded.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Great-EST Needs Grants Program
What is the Great-EST Needs Grants?
Support for projects addressing Elgin County’s greatest community needs. Funding is aimed at initiatives related to education and skills development, housing security, mental health, public safety, and substance abuse and addiction.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Great-EST Needs Grants program?
To be eligible for the Great-EST Needs Grants program, you must:
Project addresses a priority community need.
Completed budget template required.
Current financial statements required.
What expenses are eligible under Great-EST Needs Grants?
Tree planting projects in Elgin County and St. Thomas
Purchase of art permanently displayed in a public space within Elgin County
Amateur sports initiatives that help to promote and educate the benefits of physical health
Who can I contact for more information about the Great-EST Needs Grants?
You can contact Elgin-St. Thomas Community Foundation (ESCF).
Where is the Great-EST Needs Grants available?
The Great-EST Needs Grants program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Great-EST Needs Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Great-EST Needs Grants is a Grant and Funding