PollinateTO Community Grants - Toronto - Ontario - Canada

Open

Source verified July 6, 2026

PollinateTO Community Grants

Toronto pollinator habitat funding for community groups

Offered by

Latest source update

Last Update: July 6, 2026

Latest change: PollinateTO now highlights 2026 recipients and a new intake cycle, with applications opening in September 2026 and project planning extending into 2027–2028.

View change

PollinateTO moved to 2026 recipients and new intake cycle

The PollinateTO Grants page now presents 2026 recipients and incoming projects instead of active application guidance, and the timeline has shifted to a new intake cycle with applications opening in September 2026. The visible project completion and planning horizon now extends into 2027–2028, while the grant amount remains up to $5,000. The page also adds a recipients list, project map, and videos, along with more explicit eligible and ineligible cost guidance for applicants. Overall, the program’s public-facing focus has shifted from applying now to reviewing funded projects and preparing for the next intake.

Funding available

$ 5,000

Deadline

Open continuously

Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Who can apply

Resident-led groups

See full eligibility

Overview

PollinateTO Grants support resident-led groups, registered charities, and not-for-profit organizations in Toronto to create publicly visible pollinator habitat. Eligible projects include new pollinator or rain gardens, garden enhancements with native pollinator-friendly plants, and converting lawns, boulevards, or hard surfaces into pollinator habitat.

/100

Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increase social or community impact
Implement environmental initiatives
Reach a new target audience

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 5,000 $

Funds Providers

City of Toronto

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Toronto
Ontario

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Environment

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

100% donations / grants

Scope

Local

Next Steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

Create a new pollinator garden or rain garden.
Expand or enhance an existing garden by adding native pollinator-friendly plants.
Convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard surface to a pollinator garden.

Documents Needed

Property Owner Support Letter
Proposed Budget
Photos of proposed garden location(s)

Official resources

Program guide

Pollinate TO Grants

Application form

Application Questions Summary

Payment Receipt / Honorarium Form

Pollinate TO Multimedia Consent Form

Supporting document

Blooming Boulevards: Plant List - Sun/Part Sun

Impact Report Questions Summary

Pollinate TO Pre-Approved City Parks List - Google Sheets

Pollinate TO: Best Practices for Pollinator Education

Tracking Log for Transit Fares / Gift Cards Issued

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Resident-led groups
Registered charities and not-for-profit organizations
Resident, tenant and neighbourhood groups
Community groups and organizations
School groups, student clubs and parent councils

Who is not eligible

Individuals
For-profit businesses
Building and property managers
Grant-making organizations
Organizations allied with political parties

Eligible expenses

Direct project delivery costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Backyard gardens
Single front yard residential gardens
Projects that are already fully complete
Temporary projects not intended to last beyond one growing season
Beekeeping activities, education or promotion

Eligible geographic areas

Toronto Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs)

Selection criteria

Support from the property owner
Equity considerations
Group experience, history and track record
Proposal’s ability to meet the goals and objectives of the program
Long-term sustainability of the project

How to apply

Download and review the Application Questions Summary.
Form your group and choose a Group Lead.
Pick your garden location and obtain the required support letter for each location.
Create your plans and estimated budget using the provided templates.
Complete the online application form and submit the required supporting documents.

Processing and Agreement

Applications will be screened for eligibility by City of Toronto staff.
Eligible applications will be further assessed by a Review Committee made up of representatives from various City of Toronto divisions.
For gardens on school grounds, City staff will engage the School Board as part of the review process.
Final recommendations for funding will be approved by the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry Division, City of Toronto.
Successful applicants will receive notice via email and details about next steps.
A funding agreement will be drafted and sent to successful applicants to be signed.

Additional information

Priority will be given to projects located in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs).
Successful applicants will attend an online orientation session and take part in the How to PollinateTO training program.
Funded groups will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance of Anti-Harassment/Discrimination City Policy.
The City of Toronto has engaged official trustee organizations to provide administrative oversight of funding disbursement.

Contacts

pollinateTO@toronto.ca

437-224-3518

Frequently Asked Questions about the PollinateTO Community Grants Program

What is the PollinateTO Community Grants?

How much funding can be received?

PollinateTO Community Grants Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the PollinateTO Community Grants program?

To be eligible for the PollinateTO Community Grants program, you must: Resident-led groups, registered charities, and not-for-profit organizations Projects must create publicly visible pollinator habitat in Toronto At least three Toronto residents from separate households for resident-led groups

What expenses are eligible under PollinateTO Community Grants?

Create a new pollinator garden or rain garden. Expand or enhance an existing garden by adding native pollinator-friendly plants. Convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard surface to a pollinator garden.