Open
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 31, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario Community Changemakers is a micro-grant and leadership program for Ontario residents aged 19 and over. It supports community projects that activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and foster social inclusion across Ontario and First Nations territories within the provincial boundary of Ontario.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Activate public space.
- Enhance civic engagement.
- Foster social inclusion.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario residents aged 19 and over.
- Individuals with creative ideas related to public space, civic engagement, and/or social inclusion.
- Emerging Indigenous leaders are invited to apply.
Eligible expenses
- Project materials such as building materials and technology.
- Capacity-building expenses related to planning and implementing the project, including case studies, site visits, conferences, and trainings within Canada.
- Project fees.
- Honorariums.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Materials or equipment for a personal business not directly related to the project.
- Purchasing land and buildings.
Eligible geographic areas
- Province of Ontario
- First Nations territories within the provincial boundary of Ontario
Selection criteria
- Preference is given to applicants who can attend all three days of the Studio.
How to apply
- Submit your answers through the online form in text or recorded audio format.
- Alternatively, download the fillable PDF application form and email it to OCCSupport@880cities.org.
- You may also submit the hard copy application by post to Ontario Community Changemakers, 8 80 Cities, 401 Richmond St W., Studio 364, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8.
Processing and Agreement
- Only applications with the required agreement box checked will be processed.
- Applicants must certify that their application content was created without generative artificial intelligence or automated content generation tools.
- Applications received after July 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET will be disqualified.
Additional information
- Applications for the 2026–2027 program are open.
- The selected participants will take part in an online orientation and in-person Studio sessions in Toronto.
- Travel, meals, and accommodation are provided to successful applicants for the Studio.
- Applicants may submit answers in text or recorded audio format, or use a fillable PDF form by email or post.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Community Changemakers Program
What is the Ontario Community Changemakers?
Ontario Community Changemakers is a micro-grant and leadership program for Ontario residents aged 19 and over. It supports community projects that activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and foster social inclusion across Ontario and First Nations territories within the provincial boundary of Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Community Changemakers Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Community Changemakers program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Community Changemakers program, you must:
Applicants must be 19 years or older.
Applicants must reside in Ontario or in a First Nations territory within Ontario during project implementation.
The project must take place in Ontario or in a First Nations territory within Ontario.
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Community Changemakers?
Activate public space.
Enhance civic engagement.
Foster social inclusion.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Community Changemakers?
You can contact Balsam Foundation by email at OCCSupport@880cities.org or by phone at 289-212-3530.
Where is the Ontario Community Changemakers available?
The Ontario Community Changemakers program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Community Changemakers a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Community Changemakers is a Grant and Funding