Apply for funding
Applications are open to any registered charity or qualified donee located and operating in Waterloo Region.
- There are two streams of funding within the General Community Fund (GCF). Please see details below and in the Application Guides provided.
- Maximum amount per grant is $50,000
Funding allocated needs to be spent within one year of allocation date.
GCF Application opportunities occur on a quarterly basis. We recognize that agency needs extend beyond three months. For that reason, an agency is able have the same application considered in the next funding period, providing updated information as necessary (e.g. budget, emerging needs). For more information on when and how to do this, please speak with United Way Community Investment staff.
General Community funD
Q2 Funding (Starting July 1st)
Applications open: April 10th to April 28th, 2023
Decisions Communicated: May 29th – June 2nd, 2023
Q3 Funding (Starting October 1st)
Applications open: July 10th to July 28th, 2023
Decisions Communicated: August 28th – September 1st, 2023
Q4 Funding (Starting January 1st, 2024)
Applications open: September 18th – October 6th, 2023
Decisions Communicated: November 6th – November 10th, 2023
Reporting on the impact of successful grant applications is required every 6 months:
- Funding granted Oct-Dec 2022 and Jan-Mar 2023 reports: May 8th – 26th
- Funding granted Apr-Jun and Jul-Sept 2023 reports: Oct 17th – Nov 7th
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.
Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF)
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they build resilience by making investments in their people, organizations, and program innovation.
United Way Waterloo Region Communities is proud to be taking part in the Community Services Recovery Fund, a collaboration between United Way Centraide Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada to provide funding to Community Service Organizations, including non-profit organizations, Indigenous Governing Bodies, and Registered Charities located across Canada. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and nonprofits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, we will be partnering with Waterloo Region Community Foundation, and the Red Cross to assist organizations across Waterloo Region.
Applications open: January 6th to February 21, 2023
You can access more information about the Community Services Recovery Fund at www.uwaywrc.ca/what-wedo/funding-opportunities/community-services-recovery-fund-csrf/ including a link to the application form and program guidelines.
Fonds de relance des SERVICES communautaires (FRSC)
Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est un investissement de 400 millions de dollars du gouvernement du Canada pour aider les organismes de bienfaisance et les organismes à but non lucratif à bâtir leur résilience en investissant dans leurs gens, leurs organisations et l’innovation de leurs programmes.
United Way Waterloo Region Communities est fier de participer au Fonds de relance des services communautaires, une collaboration entre Centraide United Way Canada, la Croix-Rouge canadienne et les Fondations communautaires du Canada pour fournir du financement aux organismes communautaires, incluant les organismes à but non lucratif, les corps dirigeants autochtones et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés situés partout au Canada. Le Fonds de relance des services communautaires est une réponse aux besoins actuels des organismes de bienfaisance et organismes à but non lucratif. Il les aidera à s’adapter aux effets à long terme de la pandémie de COVID-19. À l’échelle locale, nous ferons équipe avec la Fondation communautaire de la région de Waterloo et la Société canadienne de la Croix-Rouge pour aider les organismes de la région de Waterloo.
Période de présentation des demandes: 6 janvier 2023 – 21 février 2023.
Pour en savoir plus sur le fonds de relance des services communautaires, rendez-vous à www.uwaywrc.ca/what-we-do/funding-opportunities/community-services-recovery-fund-csrf/. Vous y trouverez un lien vers le formulaire de demande ainsi que les lignes directrices du programme.
For more information or questions, please reach out to us!

Funded Agencies
At United Way we fund a network of Agencies helping people meet their basic needs, access mental health supports, and reduce social isolation.
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