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WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants
Funding for elementary classroom community projects
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
$ 500
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Up to $500 is available for elementary-level classroom projects that create a positive impact in the community outside the school. The program supports student-led, creative projects with a community partner and a connection to a WECF Vital Signs issue area.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Primary and Secondary Education
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Student-led community projects with a positive impact outside the classroom.
- Hands-on community outreach activities.
- Creative projects developed by the class.
- Projects that address a WECF Vital Signs issue area.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Approved and signed application
- Budget for the project
- Letter of support from the community partner
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Elementary school classrooms
- JK to Grade 8 classes
Who is not eligible
- High school classes
- Projects without a community connection
- Projects written solely by teachers or administration
Eligible expenses
- Project-related costs included in the classroom budget.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Guest speaker fees
- Projects that are part of the standard curriculum
- Projects normally covered by core funding
- Multi-year projects
- Fundraising, charity donations, or existing operations
Eligible geographic areas
- Windsor-Essex
Selection criteria
- Student-driven and creative
- Positive community impact
- Community partnership
- Classroom inclusiveness
- Alignment with a WECF Vital Signs issue area
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the program guidelines
- Confirm the project fits the KidStart criteria.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Fill in the application form and project budget.
- Step 3: Obtain school approval
- Have the application approved and signed by school administration.
- Step 4: Submit by email
- Email the completed application to Kirstie Montague at kmontague@wecf.ca.
- Step 5: Keep records and follow up
- Keep a copy for your records and follow up to confirm receipt.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed in February.
- Applicants are notified of the project status by February 26, 2026.
- Approved projects may include a cheque presentation visit.
- Funding is issued through the school board.
- Recipients must submit a final report by June 12, 2026.
Additional information
- A final report is required by June 12, 2026.
- Projects must include a community partner; a letter of support is recommended.
- All students in the classroom must participate.
- The grant money must be spent by the end of the school year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants Program
What is the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants?
Up to $500 is available for elementary-level classroom projects that create a positive impact in the community outside the school. The program supports student-led, creative projects with a community partner and a connection to a WECF Vital Signs issue area.
How much funding can be received?
WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants Funds up to $500 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants program?
To be eligible for the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants program, you must:
Elementary-level classrooms only
Community-connected project
Aligned with a Vital Signs issue area
What expenses are eligible under WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants?
Student-led community projects with a positive impact outside the classroom.
Hands-on community outreach activities.
Creative projects developed by the class.
Projects that address a WECF Vital Signs issue area.
Who can I contact for more information about the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants?
You can contact The Greater Windsor Community Foundation (WECF) by email at amurselovic@wecf.
Where is the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants available?
The WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants is a Grant and Funding