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. 

Before Applying

Want Help Applying?

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

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

Organizations applying must meet all these criteria:

  • Only volunteer groups and/or non-profit organizations are eligible to be considered.   

  • The organization shall have a location and/or presence in Cambridge.   

  • The majority of participants 80% in the program/service must be residents of the City of Cambridge.  

  • The organization must extend its services to the general public in Cambridge, as described in the Ontario Human Rights Code.  

  • Applicant organizations must have an active Board of Directors (with a minimum of 5 members) that is independent from senior staff of the organization.

  • Applications should only be considered from the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee of an organization and not from a “part group” of the organization.  

  • The organization must carry valid General Liability Coverage in the amount of $2 million with the City named as an additional insured with a 30-day cancellation period.

  • Organizations are required to keep accurate volunteer and participant records.  

  • The organization must carry out volunteer screening and other risk management measures to help ensure volunteer and public safety.  

  • Organizations must be in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and bylaws for the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Cambridge. (e.g. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act).  

  • Completed application forms, providing all of the requested information and all supporting material must be submitted by the organization by the application deadline.   

  • Organizations must be in good standing with the City and submit all documentation required for any grant funding received in the previous year within the required timelines.

If an organization is not able to meet any of these criteria an explanation shall be provided to the City with the request for funding for further consideration by the Grants Review Committee and/or Council.  

Organizations cannot be:

  • Individuals;  

  • For-profit organizations;  

  • Other levels of government;  

  • Political organizations;  

  • An organization that acts as a funding body, or makes grants to another organization;   

  • Universities, colleges, schools and their associated/auxiliary groups or agencies;  

  • Organizations whose activities could be deemed discriminatory as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code;  

  • Organizations that are not in good financial standing with the City of Cambridge;

  • Organizations that currently have a lease with the City of Cambridge;

  • Organizations that meet the Regional Grant Criteria or organizations that operate within Cambridge as well as at least one other municipality in Waterloo Region unless an application for grant funding has been submitted to the Region for consideration first.  
 Check Eligible Use of Funds
Following the City's Strategic Plan, funds can only be used for one of these categories: 

  • Start-up Funds;

  • Training and Development Funds; 

  • Special Project Funds;

  • Capital Funds.

See the Community Grants Program Policy for full definitions.

Funds cannot be used for:

  • Operating or capital deficits. 

  • Programs/services not aligned with the City of Cambridge’s Strategic Plan.

  • Programs/services that are the same as those provided by the City of Cambridge.  

  • Invitational or discretionary travel.  

  • Travel or training associated with team tryouts.

  • Uniforms for sport teams.

  • Beautification projects (with the exception of Horticultural Societies).  

  • Flow-through funding (where the intent is to directly redistribute funds).

  • Debt retirement, depreciation or deficit funding.

  • Retroactive funding (activities or costs incurred before grant approval).   

  • Duplication of funding received or requested from another funding organization or level of government unless the scope of the project or service is such that multiple funding streams may be necessary and this need is displayed through the application.  

  • Activities that could be deemed discriminatory as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.  

  • Activities that promote religious doctrine. This includes ensuring that no project leader or staff member involved has a primary role of promoting religious beliefs. Applicants are required to provide a clear articulation of all activities and how they align with this requirement.

  • Political and/or advocacy activities.

Submit An Application

Applications for the 2026 funding period closed on November 28, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. 

 

Please read below to view application requirements for 2027.

 Applying Online
 Applying in Person/By Mail
Paper copies are available in office at Cambridge City Hall - Service Cambridge and below. If using a paper copy, please email your completed application to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca or deliver by hand or mail to: 

City of Cambridge, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8 

Attention: Community Grants Program, Recreation & Culture 
Outcome Reporting
For those approved for 2025 funding, please complete Form D and send to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca before or upon your submission for 2026 funding. 

After Applying

 Review and Approval Process

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 2026.    
 Successful Applicants

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 as outlined in your application.  

  • Submit an outcomes report (Form D) within the same calendar year that the funds were received. Eligibility for future grants will be impacted if the report is not completed. 
 Recognition and Acknowledgements 
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. 
Unsuccessful Applicants  

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 should be submitted via email to communitygrants2@cambridge.ca. Appeals will be reviewed by the Director of Recreation and Culture. 

Cambridge Community Connections Grant 

You lead. City supports. Community benefits. 

Cambridge Community Connections Grant provides micro-grants to support a local, neighbourhood-based initiative that improves the health, lifestyle and well-being of Cambridge community members.

Funding of up to $2,500 per applicant is available for local non-profits, community organizations, individual residents, and informal groups to run small-scale events, activities or programs.

How to Apply

Want Help Applying?

Contact our Community Development team for help with any step in the application process.

communityconnections@cambridge.ca

(519) 513-6705
 Come Up With a Cool Idea

Brainstorm with your neighbours. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Block/street party
  • Park benches
  • Tree or flower planting
  • Group exercise
  • Meet and greet afternoon social
  • Holiday celebration (e.g., Diwali, Chinese New Year)
  • Backyard games tournament
  • Road hockey tournament
  • Book or plant exchange
  • Friendly sports game (e.g., cricket, frisbee, soccer, lacrosse)
  • Movie night
  • Nature walk/hike
  • Neighbourhood arts appreciation (cultural, music, dance, visual etc.)
  • Arts or crafts program
  • Ice cream or food truck social
  • Community walk

Pro Tip: Make the most of things already happening in the community. For example, if there is a free swim at a nearby pool, have a get-together after the swim.
Get a Group of People Together

Get together with neighbours who are willing to take the lead on this project. You will need a dedicated group of people to inspire action and keep the project moving.

Partnerships with other groups are a great way to gain support, combine resources and discover new ideas.

Check Applicant Eligibility 
Applicant must be one of the following:Applicant cannot be:
  • 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.
  • 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.)
Check Project Eligibility

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.

Check Eligibility Expense
Examples of Eligible Expenses Include:Examples of Ineligible 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)
  • 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)

 
Plan Your Project

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

Use our templates to plan your project including a work plan and budget. A sample budget is provided to help you plan.

Paper copies are available upon request.

Applicants can also use their own templates.

For help filling out the templates or an alternative format please contact communityconnections@cambridge.ca or

(519) 513-6705. 

Work Plan Templates
Work Plan Template (Microsoft Word)

Work Plan Template (PDF) 

Multiple formats of templates are provided for accessibility. Pick only one version to use for your application (e.g., submit the Microsoft Word version; do not submit a Microsoft Excel and PDF version).
Budget Templates
Budget Template (Microsoft Word)

Budget Template (Microsoft Excel)

Budget Template (PDF)

Multiple formats of templates are provided for accessibility. Pick only one version to use for your application (e.g., submit the PDF version; do not submit a Microsoft Word and Excel version).

 

Submit Application

Applicants need to complete the online application form.

Click here to apply

Applications are now closed.

Applications closed on July 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

If using paper copies, email to communityconnections@cambridge.ca or deliver by hand or mail to:

City of Cambridge, 50 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8
Attention: Cambridge Community Connections Grant Grant, Recreation & Culture

When Should I Apply?

The application review process will take a minimum of six weeks to complete. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

If sending by mail, please consider mailing time and/or delays.

Please contact the Community Development team to discuss options if your event date is sooner.

communityconnections@cambridge.ca

(519) 513-6705

 After Applying

Review and Approval Process
The application review process will take a minimum of six weeks to complete. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

The Cambridge Community Connections Grant Selection Committee will review applications on a first come, first service basis after applications open and while funds last.

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.
Successful Applications

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.
Recognition and Acknowledgments
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.
Unsuccessful Applications

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.

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.

Scholarships:

Are awarded to deserving students entering post-secondary education in the fields of arts and culture. Funds are available for each of Cambridge’s high schools, and recipients are chosen by the secondary schools themselves.

Bursaries:

Are provided to assist qualified individuals or groups to further their further development in the fields of:

  • Visual Arts
  • Performing Arts
  • Music
  • Communications/Literary Arts

To receive a Bursary application, email the Recreation Coordinator at artcentre@cambridge.ca.  Bursary submission deadlines: March 1 and October 1.

How you can help

We appreciate any contributions to the Bernice Adams Memorial Fund. If you are interested in supporting the development of arts and culture in the Cambridge community through this program, contact the Recreation Coordinator at (519) 623-1340 ext. 4565. 

Tax receipts are available for contributions to the Trust fund of $25 or more.

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

Bernice Adams Legacy Awards Night 

The Annual Bernice Adams Legacy Awards Night celebrates the 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 Heart of the Arts Award will also be given to individuals and groups who excelled in two or more of the categories. 

Nominations are paused while we undertake a review of our awards programs.

How you can help

We appreciate any contributions to the Bernice Adams Memorial Fund. 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 to the Trust fund 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