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I’m Interested In Grants

Since 1983 the WindsorEssex Community Foundation has invested over $10 million to organizations throughout Windsor and Essex County

Our grant programs are vital to helping organizations and groups achieve their goals of filling gaps in our community by addressing important community needs. By providing funding to community projects and programs, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation inspires leadership, community collaboration, and innovation. Based on needs outlined in our annual Vital Signs Report, the Community Foundation aims to fund programs that fall within our granting areas of interest and answer community needs. This is in collaboration with our seven areas of interest. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation strictly abides by the guidelines and policies outlined by Community Foundations of Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency with respect to grant-making practices.

News and Updates

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Click HERE 

Kia Communities In Motion

Kia Canada, in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and community foundations across Canada have launched Kia Communities in Motion. This program is inspired by Kia’s brand belief, ‘Movement that inspires.’ Movement is at the core of human development – through movement we see new places, meet new people and have new experiences.  It is through this movement that we find inspiration.

This all-new program is developed to support movement in local communities providing charities and the recipients of their efforts, the time, space and funding to find inspiration to move forward. Kia Canada will be investing $1.4M over four years to fund projects in communities that will help build inclusive communities across the country.

Many communities, including immigrants, Indigenous communities, racialized communities, individuals living with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, among others to name a few face unique challenges in creating safe and inclusive spaces. Kia Communities in Motion is supporting moving grassroots efforts forward to create a future where everyone flourishes.

At the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) we are looking forward to seeing how this program can inspire movement in our community. The WECF is providing grants to two projects within our community:

Women’s Skills Enterprise Training (WEST) of Windsor and Bike Windsor Essex’s Young Women in Motion: Breaking Barriers with Bikes peer-led program aims to will move participants forward socially through new relationships and interactions with a range of cyclists in the community. The program is designed to build skills, confidence, and opportunities to be seen and heard as young leaders and influencers in the city they inhabit.
Black Boys Code is an organization that inspires black youth to become more self-confident and realize their incredible potential by developing digital literacy and computer competence. Through the program, Black Boys Code will create a safe and inclusive space to provide signature exposure workshops and host fieldtrips for practical applications of learned classroom topics.
We look forward to hearing about the amazing things these projects can accomplish for our community.
To learn more visit : Kia Communities in Motion
“Kia Communities in Motion is made possible through the support of Kia Canada.”

 

Investment Readiness Program

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada in the newest round of the Investment Readiness Program. Funded by the Government of Canada, the Investment Readiness Program (IRP)  supports social purpose organizations as they contribute to solving pressing social, cultural and environmental challenges across Canada. Its goal is to help social purpose organizations build their capacity to participate in Canada’s growing social finance market and prepare themselves to be able to take on investments.

IRP is currently open for an additional round of applications for thanks to the renewed $50 million investment from the Government of Canada. The IRP is supporting social purpose organizations as they recover from the pandemic and build more resilient communities for the future. Eligible organizations can receive $10,000 to $75,000 to ensure their organization is ready for investment.

Applications are now CLOSED! 

CFC launched its second round of funding through the IRP in September of 2020, the results of which are now publicly available click HERE to see who the second round grant recipients were  

About the Investment Readiness Program
Community Foundations of Canada is a partner in the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) which helps deliver capital from the Government of Canada to social purpose organizations preparing to successfully participate in the social finance market. As a Regional Partner with CFC in delivering the IRP, the WECF will help empower others to unlock innovative solutions to social challenges.

The Investment Readiness Program is Funded by the Government of Canada

Green Shield Canada Community Investment Initiative

Since 2018, Green Shield Canada (GSC) has partnered with Community Foundations across Canada to support critical mental and oral health projects. Through these partnerships, GSC can leverage the granting expertise, grassroots relationships, and community knowledge of local Community Foundations. GSC is Canada’s fourth-largest health and dental benefits provider and is uniquely structured as a social enterprise with the purpose of making it easier for people to live their healthiest lives.

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is proud to be one of the Community Foundation partners with GSC and is proud to continue to be the local partner for investment. The WECF and GSC have come together once again in search of projects that are driving measurable improvements in health outcomes for the Windsor-Essex community. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement!

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative 

As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities.

The Southwestern Ontario HUB is pleased to announce $744,000 in funding to support projects in Southwestern Ontario as part of the second round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Through the $31-million Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. There are over 650 projects taking place across the country, including in every province and territory.

The Southwestern Ontario HUB is being co-led by Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, London Community Foundation, and the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, in partnership with Aylmer Area Community Foundation, Sarnia Community Foundation and Sunset Community Foundation supported by Centre Wellington Community Foundation, Dufferin Community Foundation, Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation and Oxford Community Foundation.

A complete list of projects being supported through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative can be found at https://communityfoundations.ca/chci-results/

The following organizations from Windsor-Essex County have received funding on behalf of the second round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:
Bike Windsor-Essex supporting their Safe Cycling Windsor-Essex Program
CJAM FM – Student Media supporting their Technology Lending Library Program
Downtown Windsor Business Revitalization Association supporting their Art Alley Project
Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator supporting the development of the Accelerator Community Patio
Essex County Library supporting the  Library Book Bike and Mobile Information Kiosk program
Polish Peoples’ Home Association supporting the creation and transformation of an eco-friendly pavilion for safe gatherings
Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) – Windsor Essex Rainbow Alliance supporting the redevelopment and enhancement of the Lanspeary Park

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is designed to fund eligible projects between $5,000 and $250,000 that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions. A variety of community-led organizations were selected, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.

To learn more, please visit the following links:
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca 
Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html

Emergency Community Support Fund

THE WINDOW FOR THIS GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

Launched on May 19, 2020, the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) was a $350M investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations as they manage the impacts of COVID-19.

Through the ECSF, Community Foundations Canada, along with the WECF has redirected emergency funding to support almost 5,000 projects from coast to coast to coast. These projects are providing essential services and supporting people who are experiencing heightened vulnerability. Locally, the ECSF has supported many organizations in Windsor and Essex County.

Organizations funded in Round 1:

  • Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County
  • Art Gallery of Windsor
  • Welcome Centre Shelter for Women
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Home
  • Essex County Diversion Program
  • Windsor Residence for Young Men
  • Windsor Goodfellows Club
  • Amherstburg Food & fellowship Mission
  • GR8 Day-Crossroads Addiction Recovery Support
  • Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor Essex County
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters in Collaboration with Beautiful Words
  • WETRA
  • CMHA
  • Life After Fifty
  • Easter Seals
  • WEST Arts Council of Windsor
  • Region Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative
  • Windsor Jewish Federation and Community Centre

Organizations funded in Round 2:

  • Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County
  • Art Gallery of Windsor
  • Brain Injury Association of Windsor & Essex
  • Essex County Diversion Program
  • JA South Western Ontario
  • John McGivney Children’s Centre
  • Matthew House Refugee Centre
  • Migrant Worker Community Program
  • MCC
  • Windsor Residence for Young Men
  • Windsor-Essex Transgender & Allied Support WEST

 

Communities for Gender Equality 

THE WINDSORESSEX COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TAKES PART IN COMMUNITIES FOR GENDER EQUALITY INITIATIVE

$280,000 in funding available in Windsor-Essex County for charities advancing gender equality.

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is proud to be one of the participating community foundations across Canada taking part in the Communities for Gender Equality, a new collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada and the Equality Fund which is supported by the Government of Canada. Communities for Gender Equality is being hosted by participating community foundations who will make a total of $3.4M available to projects in their communities. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation has $280,000 in funding available to local organizations working to support women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals working towards a future grounded in equality, inclusion, and justice.

From October 3 to October 31, 2022, the WindsorEssex Community Foundation will begin accepting applications for funding from organizations at the “heart” of the women’s movement, with a focus on organizations that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to empowering women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people through their mission, activities, or partnerships. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including to pilot new initiatives, to address long-standing community needs, or to support a just recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The initiatives themselves may touch on a wide range of areas that are affected by gender equality, including food insecurity, income inequality, racial injustice, domestic violence, and many more. In particular, the Communities for Gender Equality will prioritize initiatives and organizations that are ‘self-led’—those that are led by the same groups that they focus on serving. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation will approve grants valued up to $40,000 per grant.

Applications to Apply Now Closed! 

Applications will be reviewed in November, and it is expected that funding will be issued in January 2023. Charities and community organizations are invited to visit the foundation website for eligibility and application details.

To learn more about the Communities for Gender Equality initiative and whether your organization might be eligible to apply click the links below:
Applicant Guide
To learn more about the collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada, the Equality Fund, click HERE.

Communities for Gender Equality is supported by a collaboration between the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Equality Fund, with support from the Government of Canada.

Community Services Recovery Fund

 

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation takes part in the Community Services Recovery Fund – a $400 million investment in Community Services Organizations

Now more than ever, Community Service Organizations (charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies) are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all Canadians. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities, non-profits, and Indigenous Governing Bodies as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation is proud to be working with community foundations across Canada as part of the Community Services Recovery Fund. This fund is a collaboration between the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada, and United Way Centraide Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies or Registered Charities located in Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what Community Service Orgnizations need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic.

Applications are now open, and non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and charities must apply by February 21, 2023.  Visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants, and submit your application.

Funded by the Government of Canada under the Community Services Recovery Fund.

 

Green Shield Canada (GSC) grants $450,000 through Community Investment Granting Initiative

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) in partnership with Green Shield Canada (GSC) invested a total of $450,000 as part of the Green Shield Canada (GSC) Community Investment Granting Initiative, to support six local charities and fund local programs that address the oral and mental health needs of the Windsor–Essex Community, with a goal of impacting over 3,000 lives. This partnership between the WECF and GSC began in 2018 with the establishment of the GSC Community Impact Fund, a collaboration designed to support granting in oral and mental health areas that are typically under-funded and under-resourced.  

The organizations funded through the Green Shield Canada (GSC) Community Investment Granting Initiative include: 

  • The Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex County Branch awarded $50,000 to support their Building a More Mentally Healthy Community project.  
  • South Essex Community Council awarded $65,000 to support their Building Routes to Mental Wellness Project. 
  • Harrow Health Centre Family Health Team awarded $70,000 to support their Community Oral Health Care Project. 
  • Trans Wellness Ontario awarded $75,000 to support their Queer and Trans* Mental Health and Addictions Services Program. 
  • Life After Fifty awarded $95,000 to support their Post-Pandemic Support for Seniors’ Mental Health through Socialization and Physical Activity Project. 
  • The Multicultural Council of Windsor & Essex County awarded $95,000 to support their Oral Health and Wellness Project.  

Click HERE to view the Press Release

 

Community Impact Grant Program

THE WINDOW FOR THIS GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

The 2022 to 2023 Community Impact Grant Program has been allocated to a special project.
At this time we are not accepting applications for this grant program.

The Community Impact Grant (CIG) Program is an annual granting program offered through the WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF). CIGs can provide up to $15,000 in funding for projects or programs that create partnerships, tackle important Vital Signs issues, and those that will make a lasting impact on the Windsor and Essex Community.

Our Impact in 2021

The organizations funded through the WECF 2021 Community Impact Grants Include:

  • Artcite Inc.
  • Art Gallery of Windsor
  • CNIB Foundation Windsor
  • Hiatus House Windsor
  • Kiwanis Music Festival Windsor-Essex County
  • LaSalle Rowing Club
  • Multicultural Council Windsor & Essex County
  • Pelee Island Bird Observatory
  • Purple Theatre Company
  • South Essex Community Council
  • Windsor Endowment for the Arts

To receive updates on the Community Impact Grant Program subscribe to our e-newsletter. Click HERE.

Specific questions regarding the Community Impact Grant Program can be directed to Ajsela [email protected]

Fast Track Grant Program

THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

Fast-Track Grants provide up to $1,000 in funding. Applicants for this grant are those that require funding to support an emergent situation or project. This grant program is open annually. The application window for the Fast-Track Grants is now closed.

To receive updates on the Fast-Track Grant Program subscribe to our e-newsletter. Click HERE

Specific questions regarding the Fast-Track Grant Program can be directed to Ajsela at [email protected]

KidStart Grant Program

THE WINDOW FOR THIS GRANT PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED

The KidStart Grant Program provides small grants up to $500 to support elementary classrooms taking on special projects that will impact the class, the school, and the community in a positive way.

To receive updates on the KidStart Grant Program subscribe to our e-newsletter. Click HERE

Specific questions regarding the KidStart Grant Program can be directed to Ajsela at [email protected]

The WindsorEssex Community Foundation holds 12 scholarship funds available to high school students who will be graduating this year and pursuing their education at the post-secondary level.

Constable John Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund;

Father Matt Sheedy Scholarship Fund;

Gale & Irene (Knister) Taylor Scholarship Fund;

Harding Electric/Morris and Ruth Harding Memorial Endowment Fund;

Hocktoberfest  Legacy Scholarship Fund;

Joel W. Jones Family Scholarship Fund;

Kolody Family Memorial Scholarship Fund;

Martha Reavley Community & Leadership Award;

Michael G. Solcz Endowment Fund;

Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) Centennial Scholarship Fund;

Sharon and Gary Kelly Scholarship Fund;

Shawn Boxe Memorial Scholarship Fund;

Sharon and Gary Kelly Scholarship Fund 
Established to provide financial support to students graduating from a secondary school in Essex County, this scholarship aids students pursuing a post-secondary degree in either an Accounting or Financial discipline at either St. Clair College or the University of Windsor. This scholarship is to be credited to the successful recipient’s account to support their Winter semester tuition. To learn more about the Sharon and Gary Kelly Scholarship Fund, please click HERE. 
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW CLOSED 

Constable John Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in memory of Constable John Atkinson to honour his service and the ultimate sacrifice he made while protecting the citizens of Windsor & Essex County, this scholarship will aid students pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. Helping the next generation of law enforcers reach their potential is John’s legacy. To learn more about the Constable John Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund, please click HERE.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

Shawn Boxe Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Shawn Boxe Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Shawn Boxe, a graduate of Vincent Massey Secondary School who exemplified the Mustang spirit through his high academic and athletic achievements and school community involvement. The family and friends of Shawn Boxe wished to create a lasting legacy to honour Shawn’s memory and assist students enrolled in a post-secondary program who are looking to blaze their own successful career paths in the fields of computer science or creative arts. To learn more about the Shawn Boxe Memorial Scholarship Fund, please click HERE.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

The Kolody Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Kolody Family Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Pauline and Joseph Kolody. The family of Pauline and Joseph Kolody wished to create a lasting legacy to honour their parent’s memory and provide assistance to newcomer youth to support their education achievement. To learn more about The Kolody Memorial Scholarship Fund, please click HERE.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

The Gale & Irene (Knister) Taylor Scholarship Fund
Since 2000, the Gale & Irene (Knister) Taylor Scholarship Fund has been awarding grants to fund the continuing education of residents of Comber who graduate from Tilbury District High School and Belle River District High School. Please visit your High School Guidance Counsellor for full details and an application form. To learn more about the Gale & Irene (Knister) Taylor Scholarship Fund, please click HERE
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

Harding Electric/Morris and Ruth Harding Memorial Scholarship Fund
This fund provides financial assistance and support specifically for the acquisition of books, safety equipment and tools to apprentice electricians, or electricians engaged in preparation for their Journey persons or Master Electrician examinations. To learn more about the Harding Electric/Moris and Ruth Harding Memorial  Scholarship Fund, please click HERE
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.    

Father Matt Sheedy Scholarship Fund
Open only to graduating students at Assumption College Catholic High School, this scholarship is available to students pursuing their post-secondary education in health-related fields. Please visit your High School Guidance Counsellor for full details and an application form. To learn more about the Father Matt Sheedy Scholarship, please click HERE 
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

Hocktoberfest Legacy Scholarship Fund
The Hocktoberfest Legacy Scholarship Fund was established to provide a yearly scholarship to a female hockey player who is entering post-secondary school or currently enrolled in a post-secondary program and playing in the Hocktoberfest Female Hockey Tournament. Note: if the tournament ceases to operate then any female hockey player is eligible for the scholarship. To learn more about the Hoctoberfest Legacy Scholarship, please click HERE
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW CLOSED

Joel W. Jones Family Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2020, by the Jones Family in honor and memory of Joel W. Jones. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to deserving students pursuing post-secondary education in the skilled trades, helping them to reach their full potential.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW OPEN
Click HERE to apply.  

Martha Reavley Community & Leadership Award
This Scholarship provides financial assistance and support of the Martha Reavley Community Leadership Scholarship Award at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Please contact the University of Windsor for further information.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW CLOSED.

Michael G. Solcz Endowment Fund
The Michael G. Solcz Endowment Fund was established in 2017, by Dr. Michael G. Solcz to ensure a lasting legacy. The Fund was created to give financial assistance to deserving students pursuing post-secondary skilled trades education, helping them to reach their full potential. To learn more about the Michael G. Solcz Endowment Fund Scholarship, please click HERE 
THE WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW CLOSED.

Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) Centennial Scholarship Fund
Intended for a Rotary exchange student, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), who has returned from abroad (also known as a Youth Exchange Rebounder) and is attending a Canadian post-secondary institution. The scholarship will be in the amount of $2,000 in Canadian funds.
THE WINDOW FOR THIS WINDOW FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW CLOSED.

Please contact the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) for further information.

 

How to Apply

Please see each grant program listed below to review the individual program application submission requirements. Please download and review the WECF’s applicant guide before applying to any of the grant programs (click DOWNLOAD NOW below). This guide will provide you with all the information necessary to know if your project is eligible for funding.

WindsorEssex Community Foundation Applicant Guide – DOWNLOAD NOW

Community Impact Grant Program: The application window for the Community Impact Grants runs from July to September annually. The CIG  application window is now CLOSED!

For a copy of the Acknowledgement Guidelines
For a copy of the Consent Form

Fast-Track Grant Program: The application window for the Fast-Track Grants is open from December to March. The Fast-Track Grant application window is now CLOSED!

KidStart Grant Program: The KidStart Grant application window is now CLOSED! 

 

Grant Reporting

To Submit Your Report:

Community Impact Grant Mid-Term Report
Community Impact Final Report

 

To Submit Grant Impact Stories and Media Files: Click HERE

To Download the WECF Acknowledgement Guidelines: 

Community Impact Grant | WECF Acknowledgement Guidelines

To Download the WECF Logo: WECF Logo

To Download the Inspiration 100 Logo: Inspiration 100 Logo