There are a number of programs available in the City of Cambridge that help support arts and culture, recreation and sports, festivals and events and social services in our community.

Community Grants Program

The City of Cambridge recognizes the value community organizations provide in improving the health, lifestyle and wellbeing of Cambridge residents. The Community Grants program provides financial support to volunteer and/or not-for-profit organizations in the community to deliver programs or services that benefit the quality of life of Cambridge residents. 

The 2025 Community Grants application process is now open. The deadline for grant applications is November 29, 2024. Please complete your grant application online at the appropriate link below.

Community Grants Online Portals:

If you are unable to use the online portal, please complete the hard copy forms below and follow the included instructions for submission:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a volunteer group or not-for profit organization located in Cambridge that benefits the community through recreation and sports, arts and culture, festivals and events or social services.
  • 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.
  • Must submit a complete application form providing all documents by the required deadline.
  • Applications for services or events that are already provided by the City of Cambridge will not be considered.
  • For complete eligibility requirements and grant information see the Community Grants Program Policy.
  • If you are not applying for 2025 funding but have received funding in 2024, you are required to submit Form D reporting by November 30, 2024. 

If you require assistance with your application, please email Stephanie Backes, Administrative Assistant at communitygrants@cambridge.ca 

Region of Waterloo Arts Fund

The Region of Waterloo Arts Fund is a not-for-profit organization that provides grant funding for:

  • Performing arts
  • Visual arts
  • Literary arts

The organization supports all cities and townships within the Region of Waterloo. Applicants must live and/or work in the Waterloo Region to apply.

Cultural Awards Committee

The City of Cambridge Cultural Awards Committee administers the distribution of awards and expenses of the Bernice Adams Memorial Fund. Scholarships and bursaries help deserving, qualified individuals further their development in the fields of arts and culture.

The Committee also sponsors the Annual Bernice Adams Memorial Awards, to honour the achievements of individuals and groups in Cambridge in the following categories:

Visual Arts

  • Performing Arts
  • Music
  • Communications
  • Literary Arts
  • Outstanding Youth

Learn more about the Memorial Awards and other arts and culture awards and bursaries.

Bernice Adams Legacy Awards Night Gala

The Annual Bernice Adams Memorial Awards Night Gala celebrates the cultural achievements and community impact of individuals and groups from Cambridge. Nominations are solicited from the general public. Nominees must be residents of Cambridge, work in the area or be affiliated with an educational facility in the city. They must also have contributed to the culture of the community.

Nominations are in the categories of: Communications/Literary, Music, Outstanding Youth, Performing Arts and Visual. A Special Trustees Award will also be given to someone who has excelled in two or more of the categories. To nominate someone, complete the Bernice Adams Award nomination form online. 

How you can help

We truly appreciated any contributions to the Bernice Adams Memorial Fund or the Annual Bernice Adams Memorial Awards Night Gala. If you are interested in supporting the development of arts and culture in the Cambridge community through these programs, contact the Recreation Coordinator for the City of Cambridge at (519) 740-4681 ext. 4565. 

Tax receipts are available for contributions of $25 or more.

Arts Connect Cambridge

Arts Connect Cambridge is a volunteer committee that has been raising funds in support of Cambridge artists and arts groups since Drayton Entertainment opened the Dunfield Theatre, (now known as the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge), in 2013.

At this time we are not accepting applications for this program. 

Cambridge Arts Connect Committee