Closed
Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program
Funding for community projects in Hamilton
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 35,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 3, 2026
- Closing date : May 7, 2026
Location
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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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 : 35,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : March 3, 2026
- Closing date : May 7, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- 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
- List of current board members
- Most recent audited financial statements
- Current year operating budget
- Partnership agreement, if applicable
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Open Grants: HCF’s Fund Finding Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 $35,000 of admissible expenses.
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 s.charters@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca or by phone at 905.523.5600 x 241.
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.