Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program
Funding for community projects in Hamilton
Funding available
$ 35,000
Deadline
May 7, 2026
Opened March 3, 2026
Location
Dundas, Hamilton, 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.
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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
- 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
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Education projects
- Health and human services projects
- Recreation initiatives
- Environmental projects
- Arts projects
Documents Needed
- Most recent audited financial statements
Official resources
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
- Alignment with the organization’s mission
- Community need and local relevance
- Equity, diversity and inclusion
- Feasibility and clear timelines
- Budget reasonableness and value for money
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 7, 2026.
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?
Education projects
Health and human services projects
Recreation initiatives
Environmental projects
Arts projects
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 Ontario.