Funding & Grants

Contact our Recreation & Culture team for help with any step in the application process at

communitygrants2@cambridge.ca or (519) 513-6705

Applicants can also book a 15-minute virtual or phone consult with our team by emailing

communitygrants2@cambridge.ca.

First time applicants are asked to book a consult call with our Recreation & Culture team before applying.

Book your 15-minute virtual or phone consult by emailing communitygrants2@cambridge.ca. 

Organizations applying must meet all these criteria:

• Start-up Funds;

• Community Grants Application Request Up to $25,000
• Community Grants Application Request Over $25,000

Paper copies are available in office at Cambridge City Hall - Service Cambridge and upon request to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca.

If using a paper copy, please email your completed application to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca or deliver by hand or mail to: 

Jordan O’Dell, Recreation Coordinator – Allen Reuter Centre, 507 King St E, Cambridge, ON N3H 3N4

For those approved for 2026 funding, please complete Outcomes Reporting by November 30, 2026 using one of these two options: 

1. Option 1: Complete the Outcomes Report digital form including uploading the completed one-page financial summary received via email. 
2. Option 2: Complete the Outcomes Report PDF form and the one-page financial summary, both received via email, and send to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca.

Applications are reviewed by a staff Grants Review Committee and approved by Council. 

After applications close, all submissions are reviewed and applicants will receive updates on their application status in the Winter of 2027.

Approved grant submissions will require applicants to:

• Enter into an agreement for the disbursement of funds. Funds will be released approximately two weeks after the signed agreement is received. 

Successful applicants are expected to acknowledge the contributions of the City of Cambridge on all promotional materials, and are encouraged to use #CambridgeCommunityGrants on social media. 

City staff will follow up with submissions that are incomplete, require further information or do not meet the requirements of the grant.

Applicant must be one of the following:

• Individual resident
• Informal or ad-hoc groups of community members, or residents’ associations consisting of at least two Cambridge residents.
• Non-profit organizations that operate under the authority of a volunteer board, committee, or individual elected or appointed by the general membership or group.
• Must be in good standing with the City of Cambridge and be in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws for all levels of government.

Applicant cannot be:

• Organizations or activities that the City deems may promote discrimination, as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Political party or politician.
• Schools and/or School Boards may only apply in partnership with a neighbourhood, community group, or student group, as a sponsor and the town will liaise with the project lead that must be from the community.
• A group that has already received City funding or in-kind support including grants administered by other organizations (e.g., Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Community Grants Program, Cultural Awards Committee) within the same calendar year.

Applications led by and/or focused on providing programs and services to equity deserving individuals and groups are strongly encouraged (including but not limited to):

• Black
• Indigenous
• People of Colour/Racialized
• 2S & LGBTQIA+
• Women
• Low Income
• Older Adults
• Newcomers
• Experiencing disability
• Experiencing barriers participating in community events (e.g., domestic abuse survivors, food bank users, etc.)

Projects must be an event, activity, program, or similar initiative that:

• Takes place in the City of Cambridge.
• Open to the public at no cost.

A special event application is needed for events on City of Cambridge property (e.g., community centre, parks) and/or a public roadway. All third-party vendors must comply with City procedures, fire and public health regulations and may be inspected before or at the event.

Event organizers may need to submit documented support for the event from neighbours close to the event location. Contact city staff to determine the steps needed.

Projects cannot be an event, activity, program, or similar initiative that is:

• The same or similar to another approved application submitted by a different applicant in the same year. 
• Political in nature. 
• Promotes a religious doctrine or where participation is conditional upon the religious activities of the organization. 
• In contradiction to any City policies or procedures. 
• A commercial venture and/or advertising for a private company.

Examples of Eligible Expenses Include:

• Facility rentals/permits (including insurance):
  • Indoor facilities
  • Parks
  • Community use of schools
  • Road closure costs
• Insurance
• Instructor/Facilitator Fees
  • Expenses related to hiring a third-party facilitator or instructor necessary for implementing the proposed activation or event.
• Food and refreshments
• Green consumables (e.g., paper plates, bamboo and/or wood utensils, reusable cups, garbage/recycling/compost bags)
• Security, policing, and first aid costs
• Audio/visual costs
• Art and craft supplies
• Equipment rentals:
  • Chairs, tables
  • Tents
  • Audio-visual equipment
• Marketing and promotions:
  • Printed materials (newspaper ads, flyers, pamphlets, banners)
  • Social media promoted posts (Instagram ads, Facebook ads)

Examples of Ineligible Expenses Include:

• Organizational operating costs
• Deficit reduction funding and/or accumulated deficits
• Conference or membership fees
• Activities that charge an admission or registration fee
• Fundraising projects
• Promotion of a political party or politician
• Travel and accommodation
• Expenses accruing prior to the current grant cycle
• Major capital expenditures (such as the purchase of land, buildings, building renovations, machinery and vehicles)

Determine the steps and the costs to bring your idea to life.  

Work Plan Template (Microsoft Word)

Budget Template (Microsoft Word)

Budget Template (Microsoft Excel)

Multiple formats of the Budget template are provided for accessibility. Pick only one version to use for your application.

Applications are evaluated based on their impact for enhancing community health, lifestyle and well-being. Preference will be given to:

1. New events, activities, activation, programs or initiatives.

2. Applications led by and/or focused on providing programs and services to equity deserving individuals and groups.

Approved grant submissions will require applicants to: 

• Enter into an agreement for the disbursement of funds. Funds will be released approximately two weeks after the signed agreement is received.
• Use the funds and follow your work plan to implement your project.
• Submit a final report within 60 days of the initiative detailing how the funds were spent.
  • City staff may request an accounting of all expenses, with proof of purchases. All receipts/proof of purchases must be kept for a period of 12 months.

Eligibility for future grants will be impacted if the report is not completed.

Successful applicants are expected to acknowledge the contributions of the City of Cambridge on all promotional materials, and are encouraged to use #CambridgeCommunityConnections on social media. 

City staff will follow up with submissions that are incomplete, require further information or do not meet the requirements of the grant.

Unsuccessful applicants may submit an appeal to the City if they can show that the information was misunderstood in the assessment process. Appeals will be reviewed by the Director of Recreation and Culture.