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Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund

Recreation funding for children and youth in Waterloo Region

Offered by
Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF)
Official source: wrcf.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Registered charitable organizations
See full eligibility

Overview

Youth in Recreation Grants will distribute approximately $100,000 in 2026 to organizations in Waterloo Region that encourage broad in-person participation in healthy and safe recreation for children and youth up to age 18. Eligible recreation includes sport, fitness, youth leadership, camping/outdoor education, play groups, arts and cultural activities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$10,000
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Train or support volunteers

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
Young adults
Revenue structures
100% donations / grants
Scope
Regional

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 3

Latest changes

Youth in Recreation Grants application window closed

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The Youth in Recreation Grants page now says applications were accepted during the intake window and are now closed. The application portal link and the application instruction were removed from the page, and the information-session section now notes that the session was hosted and recorded.

Official source: wrcf.ca
September 16, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Registered charitable organizations
  • Qualified donees recognized by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Nonprofit organizations working with a charitable partner that is a registered charitable organization or qualified donee

Who is not eligible

  • Municipalities
  • Hospitals
  • Organizations that operate as a school, including private and public elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools

Eligible expenses

  • People costs, including wages, support to staff and volunteers, and consulting fees
  • Activity costs necessary for the execution of the activity, including costs associated with using space and purchasing materials and small equipment
  • Technology costs
  • General operating expenses, up to 30% of the funding awarded

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • On-going operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, and other organizational expenses
  • Direct religious activities of religious groups or organizations
  • Capital costs
  • Research activities
  • Fundraising activities
  • Recreational activities that are wholly delivered online

Eligible geographic areas

  • Waterloo Region

Activities funded

  • Community recreation activities for children and youth that are inclusive, accessible, and encourage participation from a diverse community.
  • Sport, recreation, fitness, youth leadership, camping/outdoor education, play groups, arts and cultural activities.

How to apply

  • If you prefer to submit a verbal application, and/or need translation services, contact WRCF no later than August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) to set up a time to do this.

Documents Needed

  • Budget plan
  • WRCF Charitable Partnership Agreement form, if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Proposed activities must align with the purpose of the grant and WRCF’s mission, vision, and values.
  • The application should demonstrate that the organization actively attracts and serves community members with diverse lived experiences, including ethnicity, language, gender, sexual diversity and orientation, socio-economic status, age, and physical abilities.
  • The organization has the capacity to deliver the activity described in the application.
  • The application clearly states the impact of the activity, including the short-term or longer-term impact for participants, their families, or the community overall.
  • There is evidence that feedback from those you are serving is included in the design, evaluation, and delivery of the activity.

Processing and Agreement

  • Committee members will review your website, social presence, and other public communication activities to learn more about your organization and your approach to equity serving work.
  • If you receive funding, your organization will be required to submit an evaluation report before January 31, 2028.

Additional information

  • WRCF does not help set up partnerships with charitable organizations.

Contacts

grants@wrcf.ca
519-725-1806 ext 103

Official sources

Youth in Recreation Grants - Waterloo Region Community Foundation

Program guide

WRCF+YIR+Fund+Guidelines+2025

Application form

WRCF+YIR+Fund+Application+2025Yir+Budget+Template

Supporting document

AddressWRCF+YIR+Fund+Evaluation+2025
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund Program

What is the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund?

Youth in Recreation Grants will distribute approximately $100,000 in 2026 to organizations in Waterloo Region that encourage broad in-person participation in healthy and safe recreation for children and youth up to age 18. Eligible recreation includes sport, fitness, youth leadership, camping/outdoor education, play groups, arts and cultural activities.

How much funding can be received?

Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund program?

To be eligible for the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund program, you must: Applying organizations must be located in Waterloo Region and serve Waterloo Region children and youth. Children and youth must be maximum 18 years old. Eligible applicants include registered charitable organizations, qualified donees recognized by CRA, and nonprofits working with a charitable partner.

What expenses are eligible under Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund?

People costs, including wages, support to staff and volunteers, and consulting fees Activity costs necessary for the execution of the activity, including costs associated with using space and purchasing materials and small equipment Technology costs General operating expenses, up to 30% of the funding awarded

Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund?

You can contact Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) by email at grants@wrcf.ca or by phone at 519-725-1806 ext 103.

Where is the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund available?

The Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund is a Grant and Funding