Summary
Funding Priorities: Inclusivity and Belonging, Learning and Growing, Strengthened Non-profits, Sustainable Futures, Thriving People
Applications Open: Monday, September 15th, 2025 - Friday, October 10th, 2025
Funding Range: Up to $25,000
The Community Grants Program provides flexible support for local organizations through Equipment, Program, and Operations grants, helping community projects grow and thrive.
Applicant Info Sessions:
Thursday, September 25 | 1:00-2:00pm
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 6:00-7:00pm
https://cfka.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=3052
Community Grants are available in three streams:
- Equipment Grants — Support the purchase or upgrade of essential equipment needed for your organization’s work or project (e.g., computers, tools, or medical devices). (No formal funding cap; requests are assessed based on need and available funds.)
- In 2024, awarded Equipment Grants ranged from $3,000 to $15,000, with an average of $6,353.
- Program Grants — Provide funding for the development, implementation, or expansion of a specific program or initiative. Eligible expenses may include staffing, materials, and program delivery costs. (Up to $25,000 per grant.)
- In 2024, awarded Program Grants averaged $13,426.
- Operations Grants — Offer flexible funding to support general operating expenses such as salaries, rent, utilities, and administrative costs, helping sustain your organization's day-to-day activities. (Up to $16,000 per grant.)
- In 2024, awarded Operations Grants averaged $13,910.
The program runs twice each year, with applications reviewed by our volunteer Community Grants Committee. In 2024, the Community Grants Program awarded over $660,000 across two rounds, supporting nearly 50 community projects throughout Kingston & Area.
Geographic Area
Projects must benefit communities within the following catchment area:
- City of Kingston
- Loyalist Township
- Township of Central Frontenac
- Township of Frontenac Islands
- Township of North Frontenac
- Township of South Frontenac
To be eligible, the lead applicant must demonstrate a significant existing presence within the catchment area. Partnerships with other organizations are welcome, but only if the lead applicant is locally established.
Exceptions:
- Environmental projects may be located in the catchment area and/or in the Cataraqui Watershed.
- Children’s Mental Health projects may be located in the catchment area and/or in Lennox & Addington County.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
All proposals must meet the Community Foundation’s general eligibility criteria:
- Any applicant organization must be a charity registered with Canada Revenue Agency or formally partnered with an organization that is either a charity registered with Canada Revenue Agency or a municipality.
- The applicant organization must have a strong community presence in the geographic area we serve through a local Board of Directors, a local, well-defined accountable committee, or a local office with strong community involvement.
- All applications involving activities with primary and secondary schools must be accompanied by a Letter of Permission from the relevant School Board(s).
- Any overdue final reports for previously completed projects funded by the Foundation must have been received.
All Community Grants Projects Must:
- Have a well-defined purpose.
- Clearly explain and demonstrate financial need.
- Meet the eligibility criteria that applies to all CFKA’s granting programs.
- All funds must be spent within one year of receiving the grant.
- If applicable, final reports for completed projects previously funded by the Foundation must have been received and approved.
Grants for the following will NOT be considered:
- to cover deficits or retire debts.
- to provide endowment funds.
- for sectarian, religious, or political purposes.
- to respond to annual fund drives for sustaining support.
- to contribute to major renovation or capital construction costs.
- to provide money for fundraising activities.
- to individuals.
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Application period dates are confirmed each round and communicated through our website, email updates, and social media.
- The application form will be available in the Grants Portal on the first day of the application period.
- Applications must be completed and submitted through the Grants Portal by the posted deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted.
- Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email within one business day. If you do not receive this email, please follow up with the Grants Officer at grants@cfka.org.
- Accessibility Note: Applications may be completed orally by appointment with the Grants Officer. To request an accommodation, please email grants@cfka.org to book a time.
Who Evaluates:
- All applications are first reviewed for completeness and eligibility by the Grants Officer.
- Eligible applications are then evaluated by the Community Grants Committee, a group of dedicated local volunteers who bring a wide range of community experience.
When to Expect a Decision:
- After the application period closes, applications are evaluated by the Community Grants Committee.
- Their recommendations are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Strategy & Impact (GSI) Committee, and then forwarded to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval.
- Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions within 10 weeks of the application deadline.
If Successful, What Comes Next:
- Grant Agreement: You’ll receive a Grant Agreement Form through the Grants Portal, outlining the Terms and Conditions of the grant. This must be completed before funds are released.
- Recognition & Stewardship: Each grantee works with Foundation staff to plan a simple recognition activity that suits their organization. This could be a cheque presentation photo, a “Day of Service” with donors, or another approach that highlights your impact in a way that feels authentic and low-burden.
- Final Reporting: A Final Report is due within 30 days of the stated end date of your grant. Final reports are designed to help you reflect on your work and to help us understand the impact of our granting.
- Accessibility Note: Final Reports may also be completed orally by appointment with the Grants Officer. To request an accommodation, please email grants@cfka.org to book a time.