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Source verified August 12, 2026
Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund
Recreation funding for children and youth in Waterloo Region
Latest source updateLast Update: August 12, 2026Latest change: The Youth in Recreation Grants page now shows the 2026 application window, updated support deadlines, new application materials, and revised funding totals and location allocation.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 12, 2026
Latest change: The Youth in Recreation Grants page now shows the 2026 application window, updated support deadlines, new application materials, and revised funding totals and location allocation.
Youth in Recreation Grants updated for 2026 intake
The Youth in Recreation Grants page now shows applications open from August 10, 2026 to September 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST, and verbal application or translation support requests are due by August 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The evaluation report deadline also moved to January 31, 2028, and the related guidelines, application, budget template, partnership agreement, and evaluation documents were updated to 2026 materials. Funding now shows approximately $100,000 for 2026, with about $30,000 eligible for activities in Cambridge and North Dumfries and about $70,000 eligible for activities anywhere in Waterloo Region. The information session is now a Zoom registration event on August 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST, and a new apply link is visible.
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
September 14, 2026
Opened August 10, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Train or support volunteers
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
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
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
- Young adults
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Documents Needed
- Budget plan
- WRCF Charitable Partnership Agreement form, if applicable
Official resources
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
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.
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.
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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is September 14, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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?
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.
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.