Project grants are one-time, short-term funding for special activities that benefit the community or seed funding for new organizations. 

Intake period deadlines: April 2, 2026 and October 23, 2026

Maximum requests: 

• Seed funding for a new organization (eg. incorporation costs, fees and other start up costs) - up to $3,000
• Special one-time community/cultural projects - no more than 80% of the project's operating budget, to a maximum of $10,000.

Priority focus areas:

• Anti-Racism, Truth & Reconciliation
• Community Safety & Well-Being
• Culture
• Sport Development
• Youth

Projects may include:

• Special one-time activities that are distinct from core/ongoing operations 
  • eg. a special activity, event or program that does not occur on an ongoing basis
• Training and development to assist with upgrading skills or knowledge of members to improve organizational capacity or performance 
• Acquisition of program equipment necessary for ongoing development of the organizations (does not include capital requests, furniture or equipment that needs to be replenished each year, equipment for personal use of members such as uniforms/costumes, or equipment that becomes part of the physical plant/structure such as workstations, storage units, lighting, etc.)
• Seed funding for the establishment of an organization - for costs associated with incorporation, insurance, or rent/utilities.

Eligible applicants must:

• Have a community, youth, or culture sector focus/mandate.
• Be an incorporated non-profit community, youth or cultural organization or non-incorporated collective which operates on a non-profit basis.
• Have a clearly stated purpose and function and be fully responsible for the planning and provision of its services.
• Operate from a location in the City of Thunder Bay and carry out programs in this community for the benefit of its people.
• Extend its services to the general public and/or Indigenous public in Thunder Bay, and accommodate for needs related to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, and disability, unless to do so would cause undue hardship.
• Must maintain a clear distinction in programs and budgets between religious activities and its community service programs if operating under the auspices of a religious body.
• Have an independent, active governing board composed of volunteers and a considerable volunteer component.
• Demonstrate need for the requested funding and provide evidence that funds are confirmed/projected from other sources, e.g. donations/sponsorships, user fees, other government sources.

View the full program guidelines for additional criteria specific to each focus area.