Find funding for your charity, social enterprise, or community organization. 20+ programs offering $5,000 to $10 million in grants.
Canadian nonprofits can access over 20 grant programs from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The largest program is the Social Innovation and Social Finance Fund offering up to $10 million for transformative social impact projects. Most community grants range from $5,000-$50,000. Programs support registered charities, social enterprises, and nonprofit organizations working on social services, accessibility, seniors programs, youth development, and community economic development.
Find grants tailored to your organization's focus area
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 |
Major programs from the Government of Canada for charities and social purpose organizations
Employment and Social Development Canada
A $755 million federal initiative supporting innovative approaches to social challenges. Funds, finances, and supports social purpose organizations working on transformative projects.
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.
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.
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.
ISED Canada
Supports large-scale, transformative collaborative projects between industry, researchers, and non-profit organizations that grow Canada's economy.
CGLCC
Funding for not-for-profit business-support organizations delivering projects that support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada.
City-level programs for community organizations in major Canadian cities
City of Ottawa
Financial support for non-profit projects helping youth, newcomers, and persons with disabilities overcome obstacles to employment and entrepreneurship.
PME MTL
Supports social economy projects in Montréal from planning to growth. Focus on innovative projects exploring new sectors or approaches.
City of Toronto
Supports BIAs and not-for-profit business organizations with innovative projects to strengthen main streets and local economies.
City of Calgary
Supports not-for-profit organizations and BIAs with circular economy and sustainability projects in Calgary.
Alternative funding sources for impact-driven organizations
Coralus
Zero-interest loans for women and non-binary entrepreneurs building ventures contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Includes social enterprises.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Various programs supporting SMEs, startups, and non-profits in Atlantic Canada including business development and community economic development funding.
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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