Grants
Charities are integral to our quality of life
They provide an exceptional range of programs and services for causes that matter, from emergency food and shelter to counselling, mental health, support for seniors, arts and culture, environmental conservation, youth recreation, and so much more.
Yet most struggle to meet the high demand for service due to chronic underfunding.
We’re working hard to build our “forever fund” so that local charities have access to secure, sustainable funding that helps meet local needs.
Grants increased 24% in 2026
This year we are disbursing $215,000 in grants – a $41,000 increase over 2025. Thanks to our generous community and hardworking Board and Volunteers, our grantmaking has achieved a remarkable 1094% growth since 2020. The majority of these grants are from Donor Advised Funds, where the donors help select which charities will receive their funding.
Our Fall Grants program has also expanded with more funds available and two new grant streams:
- Local Heritage Grants
- Children & Youth Fund Grant
The W.&M. Edelbrock Fund bursary program continues to make obtaining post secondary education possible for more students in Dufferin County.
Grants Overview
This year, we will be disbursing grants from the following funds:
- Greenwood Family Fund
- WoodLot Family Fund
- Cedar Fund
- W. & M. Edelbrock Fund
- Carroll Family Fund
- Mikoliew Mach Fund (first time granting)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin Charitable Fund
- Dufferin Vision Fund
- Environment Fund
- Arts & Culture
- Refugee Resettlement Fund
Join our Grants Review Team
We would like to hear from community-minded residents who can help review Fall Grants applications and decide which projects will receive funding.
It’s a 5-6 week commitment and a great way to learn more about local charities and the work of the Foundation. We’ll provide the training.
Contact Shirley Boxem, Grants Committee Chair, at grants@dufferincommunityfoundation.ca.
Learn more about Grants Review
Sign up for our e-news to receive alerts about grants opportunities and application deadlines.