Through its grantmaking programs, the Community Foundation of Ottawa is committed to seeding, nurturing, supporting and strengthening our community. Grants are made in support of social services, animal welfare, arts and culture, education, environment and health, primarily within the Ottawa region.

In awarding grants, particular consideration is given to projects that fall under the Foundation’s priority areas. Grants are designed to support initiatives that increase the capacity of organizations and individuals to develop local leadership, promote self-reliance, and mobilize civic participation and resources. Grants are made to not-for-profit organizations in all sectors that are recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities.

Donors play an integral part in the Community Foundation’s grantmaking programs by establishing funds in particular areas of interest, leaving them totally at the Foundation’s discretion, and/or by selecting particular projects for support through their donor-advised funds.

In 2011, the Community Foundation of Ottawa distributed more than $5.4 million in grants and disbursements. Click here for a complete list of the grants made in 2011.

For further information about our grant programs and application process, please click here.