Closed
Source verified August 1, 2026
Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund
Community-led funding in Waterloo Region
Latest source updateLast Update: August 1, 2026Latest change: The Upstream Fund landing page now shows the 2026 funding cycle as applications closed and removes the weekly Friday drop-in support notice.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 1, 2026
Latest change: The Upstream Fund landing page now shows the 2026 funding cycle as applications closed and removes the weekly Friday drop-in support notice.
Upstream Fund cycle now shows applications closed
The 2026 funding cycle shown on the Upstream Fund landing page now says applications are closed, replacing the prior weekly application support notice. The top section no longer displays the virtual Friday drop-in support line. A separate 2026 funding cycle page still shows the application windows as February 17 to April 1, 2026 for the Expression of Interest and April 1 to May 15, 2026 for funding applications, but the main page presentation now signals that intake has ended. The page also picked up some testimonial-style content and placeholder blocks that affect presentation more than program rules.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Upstream Fund supports community-led initiatives in Waterloo Region that align with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. It funds new or expanded projects, programs, and services, related equipment and operating costs, and organizational capacity building or professional development.
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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
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Implementing or piloting new projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
- Continuing or expanding existing projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Funding application form
- Project plan
- Budget request
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not For Profit organizations located in Waterloo Region.
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations and Social Enterprises.
- Other levels of government.
- Public Sector Institutions such as Hospitals, School Boards, Post-Secondary Institutions, Children’s Aid Society, and Community Care Access Centres.
- Political organizations and organizations whose activities may breach the Ontario Human Rights Code or Charter of Rights.
- Activities already funded by the Region of Waterloo or other funding agencies, and initiatives with existing Upstream or CCB funding agreements that have not been completed.
Eligible expenses
- Implementing or piloting new projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
- Continuing or expanding existing projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
- Related equipment and operating costs such as space rental, supplies, and events.
- Related administrative costs such as staffing and benefits.
- Organizational capacity building or professional development such as board development and staff training.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital Construction.
- Work beyond the scope of this fund.
- For-profit work.
- Programs that other levels of government have legislated responsibility for funding, including school board educational programs, public health programs, provincially mandated services or social assistance programs, and health care services.
- Debt or debt financing, including deficit reduction, depreciation or financing charges, costs incurred before the grant, and work with an existing funding source.
Eligible geographic areas
- Waterloo Region.
Selection criteria
- Clarity of the proposed activities and alignment with upstream approaches.
- Strong fit with Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan priorities.
- Organizational alignment with reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Community impact and relevance to the geographic area served.
- Reasonableness of the funding request and collaboration potential.
How to apply
- Complete a mandatory Expression of Interest.
- After submitting an EOI, submit a Funding Application.
Processing and Agreement
- The Community Change Committee reviews funding requests and makes funding decisions.
- Successful applicants sign a Funding Agreement with the Region of Waterloo.
- An Interim Check-in with the Upstream team is completed before the funding agreement.
- Final Reports are due 60 days after the funding agreement ends.
- An Annual Report is required for multi-year recipients.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund Program
What is the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund?
The Upstream Fund supports community-led initiatives in Waterloo Region that align with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. It funds new or expanded projects, programs, and services, related equipment and operating costs, and organizational capacity building or professional development.
Who is eligible for the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund program?
To be eligible for the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund program, you must:
Initiatives must operate within Waterloo Region.
Applicants must be not-for-profit groups with or without charitable status.
What expenses are eligible under Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund?
Implementing or piloting new projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
Continuing or expanding existing projects, programs, and/or services that align with the fund objectives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund?
You can contact Region of Waterloo by email at upstream@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone at 226-752-4909.
Where is the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund available?
The Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund?
Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund is funded by Region of Waterloo, Region of Waterloo Upstream Fund, Sunnyside Foundation