Grant Programs
The Guelph Community Foundation makes grants that promote and support community initiatives and non-profit charitable organizations. We bring local knowledge, experience and a network of community relationships to our grant making. We are able to see 'the big picture' and build on community strengths.

Visit the grants schedule below to view the type of applications that are currently being accepted. To ensure you do not miss a funding opportunity, we encourage community organizations to subscribe to our RSS feed or visit this web page monthly to view our granting schedule. 
 
grants schedule
We invite charitable organizations to apply for grants to the following grant programs listed below. Please read the application guidelines to ensure that your organization qualifies for the programs being offered – as each program has specific criteria.

1] 2012 Community Grants Program 
Deadline for applications: July 31, 2012 (4:00 PM) 
Our 2012 Community Grants program is now open. The Guelph Community Foundation invites applications from charitable organizations providing projects/activities in the following areas:
-Arts and Culture
-Children & Youth
-Recreation 
-Education
-Environment
-Health and Wellness
-Social Services

If you are interested in applying, please review the General Application Guidelines for all applicants to determine your eligibility and to learn more about what we do and do not fund. We fund eligible organizations that:
-Have registered charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Your charitable registration number must be provided. (Note: if your organization does not have registered charitable status, you may be sponsored by a registered Canadian charity, in which case the link must be legitimate and approved. Additional paperwork is required.);
-Provide services within Guelph and surrounding communities; 
-Make services available without discrimination; 
-Demonstrate fiscal and management responsibility, and financial need.

We will be accepting applications for the 2012 Community Grants Program through our on-line process. Click here to view the application. We ask that all interested applicants review the General Application Guidelines first (to determine eligibility) and, if you are going to apply, ensure all of the required attachments are in PDF format. We will only accept PDF uploaded attached documents that are under 1000 KB (=1 MB). 

Need a PDF converter? It's free, click the icon to download: 
(if you are having trouble downloading doPDF, contact us and we will walk you through the process)

Grant Evaluation Report:
2012 Community Grant Evaluation (MSWord)
2012 Community Grant Evaluation (PDF)  

2] Scholarships & Bursary Awards (2012)

Through its scholarships and bursary funds, The Guelph Community Foundation supports continuing education, training of promising students, and financial assistance for post secondary education.

For most GCF scholarships and bursaries, the selection process is managed directly by the educational institution. Students are nominated by their institution and the grant is given to the educational institution, that in turn, gives it to the student. A list of all GCF awards and scholarship funds appears in our Report to the Community. Award availability may vary from year to year.

On occasion, awards are available through an ‘open call’ process and applications can be completed by a student meeting specific eligibility criteria. The Terry Doyle Award is available through an “open-call” process. This award is in support of a student pursuing a career in the performing arts. Deadline for applications: May 16, 2012.

For specific eligibility criteria and an application please download the following:
Terry Doyle Award Eligibility Criteria (PDF)
Terry Doyle Award Application (PDF)
Terry Doyle Award Application (MSWord)

3] Children & Youth Summer Camp Fund (2012)- This grant program is now closed.
Deadline for applications: April 20, 2012 
The Children & Youth Summer Camp Program provides grants (financial support) to organizations operating camps that help children and youth from financially disadvantaged families participate in the summer camp experience. This grant is supported by several funds held at The Guelph Community Foundation, including the Guelph Mercury Kids to Camp Fund and Camp Discover, a field of interest fund. If approved, grants typically range between $500 to $1,500 with a total of approximately $10,000 available for this granting program.

Application Guidelines
The Foundation will consider applications for support from camps that are operated by local not-for-profit organizations with a charitable registration number, and;
- Have a process in place to determine financial need;
- Provide day or overnight camping opportunities to children who reside in Guelph and Wellington County and who are in need of financial assistance;
- Serve children from the community-at-large;
- And/or serve children with special needs/who are disadvantaged/who are vulnerable because of their life circumstances (e.g. physical or mental challenges, major illness, survivors or witnesses of violence).

Evaluation Guide:
2012 Children & Youth Summer Camp Fund Evaluation (PDF) 
2012 Children & Youth Summer Camp Fund Evaluation (MSWord)
  
2011 grant evaluations
If your organization received a grant in 2011 for one of the programs listed below, your evaluation date may be coming up. Please review your grant agreement for details and download the evaluation form that you require.
1] Arts and Culture Grants
2011 GCF Grant Evaluation (MSWord)
2011 GCF Grant Evaluation (PDF)

2] Community Grants
2011 GCF Grant Evaluation (MSWord)
2011 GCF Grant Evaluation (PDF)

grant criteria
Your organization should verify that it qualifies for the grant program prior to submitting an application. We ask that you carefully review the grant application and eligibility and if you would like to discuss your project before completing an application, please contact our office.
  
to apply for a grant
On-line submission (new for 2012): 
We will be accepting select grant programs through an on-line grant application process. Those affected will have a link directed to the specific application. Before you begin, read through the important tips and the required information, then complete and submit your grant application. We encourage all charitable organizations to apply on-line. 
 
Electronic submission:
If you would like to submit an application by email, please send it to admin@guelphcf.ca . Within a few days you must receive a verification that it has been received, if you do not receive this verification, please contact our office.
 
Mail submission:
The Guelph Community Foundation, PO Box 1311, Guelph, ON, N1H 6N6

In-person submission (our location):
147 Wyndham Street North, Suite #405, Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9

Guelph Community Foundation RSS Feed for Grant Updates
Did You Know ...
In 2008, 58.9% of individuals (12 yrs and over) living in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph health region were considered moderately/physically active. In comparison, the provincial average is 49.5%. Since 2007, the physical activity rate has gone down 2.0% in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. See our VitalSigns report to learn more.