Closed
Source change captured:
Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program
Funding for community projects in Hamilton
Get notified when Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program reopens
Funding available
$ 35,000
Location
Dundas, Hamilton, New Brunswick, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides funding up to $35,000 for initiatives in Hamilton. It supports evidence-informed projects in education, health and human services, recreation, the environment, and the arts.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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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 : 35,000 $
- Up to 12% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Dundas, Hamilton
- New Brunswick, Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Mental Health and Crisis Intervention
- Other Health Services
- Social Services
- Emergency and Relief
- Income Support and Maintenance
- Environment
- Housing
- Employment and Training
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Education projects
- Health and human services projects
- Recreation initiatives
- Environmental projects
- Arts projects
Documents Needed
- A list of current Board members of the organization holding charitable status
- Most recent audited financial statements of the organization holding charitable status
- A copy of the operating budget for the current year of the organization holding charitable status
- A copy of the partnership agreement between the applicant and the sponsoring organization
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Open Grants application and rubric updated
The Open Grants application form now makes the charitable-status upload optional, and the FAQ now points to a 2026 reviewer rubric.
The Open Grants application form now shows the charitable-status upload as optional, and the budget template has been reordered so amount and budget notes appear before the total project budget field. The FAQ also now links to a 2026 Open Grants reviewer rubric, which may reflect an updated assessment framework.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered Canadian charities
- Non-profit organizations with a charitable partner
- Community organizations with a charitable partner
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Programming costs
- Administrative costs for charitable partners, up to 12%
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- For-profit organizations
- Projects outside Hamilton or without benefit to Hamilton residents
- Activities focused on capacity building or operating costs
- Capital costs
- Summer camp subsidies
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton
- Dundas
Selection criteria
- Organization mission and how it aligns with the proposed project
- Project detail, including what you want to achieve, the activities you will undertake, and timelines
- Community need and evidence that the project is needed and does not duplicate existing service
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation
- Community representation and inclusion, including engagement of equity-deserving groups in planning and implementation
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines and FAQ
- Read the program details before starting.
- Review the scoring rubric and application questions.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Choose the appropriate funding stream.
- Gather organizational and project information.
- Prepare required attachments and budget details.
- Step 3: Submit online
- Complete the application in the online portal.
- Enter all project and financial information.
- Submit before the portal closes.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by HCF staff and community advisors
- Projects are assessed using the reviewer rubric
- Applicants are notified after the review round
- Reporting is required when the project ends or before reapplying
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed by staff and community advisors.
- Reporting is required when the project is complete or before reapplying.
- Up to 12% of the grant may cover charitable partner administrative costs.
- Organizations may apply in both spring and fall rounds, subject to stream rules.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program Program
What is the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program?
This program provides funding up to $35,000 for initiatives in Hamilton. It supports evidence-informed projects in education, health and human services, recreation, the environment, and the arts.
How much funding can be received?
Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program Funds up to 12% of admissible expenses, capped at $35,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program program?
To be eligible for the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program program, you must:
Registered Canadian charity or qualified organization
Project benefits Hamilton residents
Hamilton presence or partner required
What expenses are eligible under Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program?
Programming costs
Administrative costs for charitable partners, up to 12%
Who can I contact for more information about the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program?
You can contact Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) by email at t.henderson@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca or by phone at 905-523-5600.
Where is the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program available?
The Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program program is available the province of New Brunswick, Ontario.
Is the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program is a Grant and Funding