Community grants

Community Grants provide funding to not-for-profit organizations that deliver programs, services, projects, or events that benefit Kitchener residents. 

On this page:

1. About the grant program
2. Eligibility Checker
3. How to Apply
4. How Application Are Reviewed
5. Support
6. Previous Recipients

About the grant program

Community grants (tier 2) help organizations that work for the common good of Kitchener residents.

Only organizations in one of these areas are considered for funding:

• arts and culture
• special events
• community support and development
• sports and recreation (under age 18)

Funding is available for: 

• Operating support
• Projects
• Special events
• Equipment purchases  

Quick Eligibility Check

Can you answer "Yes" to all of these questions? 

• Does your project benefit Kitchener residents? 
• Does your project support City priorities? 
• Are you applying for a direct program, service, or event (not fundraising or granting funds to other organizations)? 
• Does your organization have the capacity to manage the project and funding? 
• Is your project accessible, inclusive, and open to community participation? 

If you answered "Yes" to all five questions, your organization is likely eligible to apply. 

If you answer "Yes" to any of the following, your organization is not eligible: 

• Are you applying as an individual? 
• Is your project primarily healthcare, education, training, social services, or another non-municipal service? 
• Does your project provide religious services? 
• Does your project duplicate an existing City or City-funded program? 
• Is your organization in arrears or in litigation with the City of Kitchener? 
• Does your organization host, promote, support, or participate in conversion practices? 

For complete eligibility requirements, read the Community Grants Policy. 

How to Apply

Applications for 2027 Community Grant (Tier 2) funding open in November 2026 and close in December 2026. 

Choosing a Funding Amount 

As a guide: 

• Most 2026 grants were approximately $5,000 
• Requests over $10,000 should clearly demonstrate a larger project scope and need

What makes a strong application? 

• A clear description of the project or event 
• A realistic and detailed budget 
• An explanation of how the grant funding will be used 
• Other funding sources, sponsorships, donations, or in-kind contributions identified where applicable 

What can make an application less competitive? 

• Asking the City to fund the entire project
• Requesting more funding than the project requires
• Providing an incomplete or unclear budget 

Request the amount you need to successfully deliver your project. Requesting more funding will not improve your chances of approval.