Key Facts About Canadian Nonprofit Grants

What type of nonprofit are you?

Find grants tailored to your organization's focus area

How do nonprofit grants compare?

Quick comparison of the top 6 programs for Canadian nonprofits

Program Amount Level Best For Timeline
Social Innovation Fund Up to $10M Federal Large-scale social impact Ongoing
Enabling Accessibility Fund Up to $100K Federal Accessibility improvements Annual Call
New Horizons for Seniors Up to $25K Federal Seniors programs Annual Call
Community Economic Dev (Ottawa) $5K-$50K Municipal Job creation, entrepreneurship Feb 2026
PME MTL Social Economy $5K-$50K Municipal Montreal social enterprises Ongoing
Calgary Circular Economy Varies Municipal Sustainability projects Annual

What are the top federal nonprofit grants?

Major programs from the Government of Canada for charities and social purpose organizations

Federal Up to $100K

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Employment and Social Development Canada

Funding for projects that improve accessibility and safety in communities and workplaces. Supports construction, renovation, or retrofit to improve physical accessibility for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Inclusion Capital
Federal Up to $25K

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Employment and Social Development Canada

Supports projects addressing social isolation and improving quality of life for seniors. Community-based projects help seniors share knowledge and experiences with their community.

Seniors Community Social
Federal Wage Subsidies

Digital Skills for Youth Program

ISED Canada

Funding for organizations to create digital skill internships for underemployed post-secondary graduates. Wage subsidies help hire young Canadians and provide digital work experience.

Youth Digital Training
Federal Up to $50M

Strategic Innovation Fund

ISED Canada

Supports large-scale, transformative collaborative projects between industry, researchers, and non-profit organizations that grow Canada's economy.

Major Projects Innovation Collaboration
Federal Varies

2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund

CGLCC

Funding for not-for-profit business-support organizations delivering projects that support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada.

2SLGBTQI+ Ecosystem Inclusion

What municipal grants support nonprofits?

City-level programs for community organizations in major Canadian cities

Municipal $5K-$50K

Community Economic Development Funding

City of Ottawa

Financial support for non-profit projects helping youth, newcomers, and persons with disabilities overcome obstacles to employment and entrepreneurship.

Ottawa Jobs Inclusion
Municipal $5K-$50K

PME MTL Social Economy Fund

PME MTL

Supports social economy projects in Montréal from planning to growth. Focus on innovative projects exploring new sectors or approaches.

Montreal Social Economy Innovation
Municipal Up to $50K

Main Street Innovation Fund

City of Toronto

Supports BIAs and not-for-profit business organizations with innovative projects to strengthen main streets and local economies.

Toronto Main Street Innovation
Municipal Varies

Calgary Circular Economy Grant

City of Calgary

Supports not-for-profit organizations and BIAs with circular economy and sustainability projects in Calgary.

Calgary Sustainability Environment

What about social enterprise and private funding?

Alternative funding sources for impact-driven organizations

Private Up to $100K

Coralus (formerly SheEO)

Coralus

Zero-interest loans for women and non-binary entrepreneurs building ventures contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Includes social enterprises.

Zero Interest Impact SDGs
Federal Varies

ACOA Programs

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Various programs supporting SMEs, startups, and non-profits in Atlantic Canada including business development and community economic development funding.

Atlantic Regional Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about nonprofit grants in Canada

Canada offers 20+ grants for nonprofits including the Social Innovation and Social Finance Fund (up to $10M), New Horizons for Seniors Program ($25K), Enabling Accessibility Fund ($100K), and municipal programs like Ottawa's Community Economic Development Fund ($5K-$50K). Both federal and provincial governments actively fund charitable organizations working on social services, accessibility, seniors programs, and community development.

Funding ranges from $5,000 for small community projects to $10 million+ for major social innovation initiatives. Most municipal grants provide $5,000-$50,000, provincial programs offer $10,000-$100,000, and federal programs like the Social Innovation Fund can provide millions for transformative projects. Many organizations successfully combine multiple grants.

Yes, many programs specifically support social enterprises alongside registered charities. The Social Innovation and Social Finance Fund, PME MTL programs, and various provincial funds welcome applications from social purpose organizations that blend social impact with sustainable business models. Some programs require nonprofit status while others accept for-profit social enterprises.

Most programs require CRA charitable registration or provincial nonprofit incorporation. Organizations typically need 2+ years of operating history, audited financials, and a clear social impact mission. Some programs accept newly formed organizations for smaller grants. Municipal programs often require the organization to be based in that city or serve its residents.

Most nonprofit grants are non-repayable when program requirements are met. However, some social finance programs offer low-interest or zero-interest loans. The Social Innovation Fund includes both grant and loan components depending on the funding stream. Coralus offers zero-interest loans. Always verify terms before applying—the majority of community grants are true grants with no repayment required.

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