Apply for funding
Beginning January 2026, United Way Waterloo Region will only accept applications from organizations that have received funding at any point since April 1st 2023.
This decision was made after careful consideration of the challenges in balancing accessible funding opportunities with the reality of growing community needs, as well as the time and resources required of prospective applicants.
Please note that this measure is intended to be temporary. Eligibility for Community Impact Fund applications for the fiscal year April 2027 – March 2028 will be re-evaluated between October and December 2026.
If you have any questions about your organization’s eligibility or the Community Impact Fund, please contact:
Brian Kamm
Senior Manager, Community Investment
519-888-6100 EXT. 209 | bkamm@uwaywrc.ca
Q1 (Apr – Jun 2025)
Focus: Affordable Housing & Homelessness
Application Window: January 12th – 29th, 2026
Q2 (Jul – Sep 2025)
Focus: Children & Youth; Hate, Gender-Based, and Family Violence
Application Window: April 13th – 30th, 2026
Q3 (Oct – Dec 2025)
Focus: Community & Social Supports; Literacy, Employment Skills & Assistive Devices
Application Window: July 13th – 30th, 2026
Q4 (Jan – Mar 2026)
Focus:Mental Health & Addictions; Food Insecurity
Application Window: October 12th – 29th , 2026
General Operating Support (GOS)
These grants are intended to support an organization’s ability to achieve its mission overall. This type of grant is flexible and allows grantees to allocate funds towards self-identified organizational priorities in order to develop and strengthen their internal systems.
Program/Project Grants
These grants support specific programs or projects of an organization. This type of grant allows grantees to focus on specific aspects of their work. Programs/projects can be new or existing.
A group of local funders in Waterloo Region, including The Astley Family Foundation, Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, Social Venture Partners Waterloo Region, United Way Waterloo Region Communities and Waterloo Region Community Foundation have been working together over the past few years on several initiatives. Collectively we focus on building a strong and healthy community. Organizations applying for grants have shared the need for one common place that lists upcoming funding opportunities. We listened and have created Waterloo Region APPLY. Check out the website at https://www.wrapply.ca.
Funded Partners
At United Way we fund a network of partners helping people meet their basic needs, access mental health supports, and reduce social isolation.