GRANTING

Each year, grants are made to community organizations that support BACF’s mission statement of “strengthening the community…for the benefit of all.”

2025 community grants program: now closed

Thank you for taking the time to apply for a BACF grant this year! We will be reviewing applications over the coming weeks and will notify all applicants of the outcomes by the end of October.

Every Fall, The Brockville and Area Community Foundation provides support for projects, programs, and initiatives led by qualified non-profit and charitable organizations within Brockville area. This program is funded through earnings from our pooled Community Fund and various individual endowment funds established by generous community donors. Ready to Apply? Scroll to learn more about our grants and to access the online application form.

Funding Streams Overview

1. Community Grants FUNDING

The Community Fund, as well as various individual endowments funds support a broad range of projects and organizations that contribute to the well-being of our community. These funds are pooled each year to support out Community Grants Program.

Areas of focus include:

  • Arts and Culture

  • Community Development

  • Education

  • Environment

  • Food Security

  • Health

  • Heritage Preservation

  • Housing

  • Recreation

  • Social Services

  • Support for Youth and Seniors

Grant Amounts:
Charitable organizations may apply for funding between $1,000 and $10,000 from the Community Grants stream of funding. Thanks to the GROW OUR ROOTS campaign, we have unlocked an additional $100,000 for granting this year! See details here!

Please note:

  • Not all grants will be awarded at the maximum amount.

  • The funding range is intended to provide flexibility based on the size and scope of each project.

  • Smaller projects are encouraged to apply — if your funding need is closer to $1,000–$3,000, we welcome your application.

  • Final grant amounts will be determined by the Grants Committee and our Board of Directors.

2. The Thomas Dailey Fund

The Thomas Dailey Fund is dedicated to supporting projects that enhance and beautify historic downtown Brockville and the waterfront walking parks.

Grant Amounts:
Organizations may apply for funding between $500 and $11,800. Not all grants will be awarded at the maximum amount. There is just one application form for all grants.

Please note: Within the form, you will be able to indicate which funding stream you are applying to.

APPLY FOR A GRANT NOW!
  • i) In most cases, the applicant organization will meet the criteria of being a qualified donee by being a registered Canadian charity. In such cases, the organization’s charitable status will be in good standing and its registration will not have been revoked at time of application; and

    ii) Pursuant to the Income Tax Act, a non-registered applicant organization may have its proposal “sponsored” by another registered charity. If so, the sponsoring and applicant organization must have a relationship in terms of mandates and financial record-keeping.

    In addition, the applicant organization must operate in the geographic area of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

    i.) Organizations outside the Specified Area may apply if the proposal will primarily or significantly benefit the people in the defined geographic area.

2025 Grant Deadlines

Applications for the Fall 2025 Community Grants round will be accepted until 11:59 PM (EST) on October 3, 2025. The online application portal will typically open approximately one month prior to the deadline.

Please Note:
Dates are subject to change. We encourage all potential applicants to follow us on social media and sign up below to receive updates and important announcements about our granting programs.

Confirmation of Submission:
Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submitting their application.
If you do not receive a confirmation, it is your responsibility to follow up with Stephanie at info@yourcommunityfoundation.ca

Please ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline, as we are unable to consider late or incomplete submissions.

We truly value feedback about our Community Grants Funding Program and are always open to suggestions for improvement. We simply ask that all communication be shared in a respectful and constructive manner.

Next Steps

After your application is submitted through our online portal:

  1. Initial Review:
    Our Executive Director will review the application to confirm it is complete and that the applicant meets eligibility requirements.

  2. Committee Review:
    If the application is deemed eligible, it will be reviewed by our Grants Committee, made up of knowledgeable community members with experience in grantmaking and community development.

  3. Final Approval:
    The Grants Committee will make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Brockville and Area Community Foundation, who make the final decision on all grant approvals.

  4. Notification:
    Applicants will be notified of the results. From the application deadline to the distribution of funds, the process typically takes

  5. Grant Reporting:

    If you are awarded a grant, you will be required to sign a Grant Agreement Form outlining the Terms and Conditions of the grant before you receive your cheque. You are required to complete a Final Report within 30 days after completion of your project. The Final Grant Report is intended to help you evaluate the initiative and help us evaluate the effectiveness and impact of our grants on enhancing and strengthening the quality of life in our community. You must complete this report before applying for another grant with the BACF.

2024 Funded Projects

We are proud to support the following projects and organizations through our 2024 Community Grants:

  • Spencerville Mill Foundation – Development of a new website.

  • Athens and Area Heritage AssociationLocal Heroes, showcasing local history from the post-WWII era.
    Funded by the Don and Virginia Glover Fund.

  • St. Lawrence Shakespeare FestivalThe Community Show, a free theatrical production engaging community members of all ages.

  • Loaves and Fishes BrockvilleMona’s Meals, take-home meals for families facing food insecurity. Funded by the Davis Fund.

  • Food For All Food Bank (South Grenville Food Bank) – Bulk meat purchase to support food distribution.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville – Afterschool program for youth at the Brockville Public Library.

  • CrossTown ImpactIMPACT ZONE, empowering high-risk children with mentorship and community support.

  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – In-school educational programming.

  • Rural FASD Support NetworkRed Shoe Run, a timed charity run raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

  • Senior Support Services (CPHC) – Medical transportation services for seniors.

  • Alzheimer Society of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville – Art and music therapy sessions for caregivers.

  • The City of Brockville - John Taylor Park Funded by the Thomas Dailey Fund

    👉 See the full list of 2024 grant recipients here.

How are applications assessed?

  • Grants are made to projects that support BACF’s mission statement of “strengthening the community.”

  • Grant proposals will generally be accepted from all sectors, which will include arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, heritage preservation, recreation, social services, senior services and youth.

  • Applicants who have received a grant in the previous calendar year will generally be given lower priority over applicants who did not receive a grant in the previous year.

  • Grants will generally be awarded for specific initiatives, that is, projects with a beginning and an end, which are not usually a part of the applicant’s regular operating activities.

In determining how the proposal acts to strengthen the community, the following criteria will be used:

  • Organizational capability

  • Determination of need or benefit

  • Impact of the initiative

  • Degree of Innovation (or duplication)

  • Degree of collaboration

  • Feasibility or soundness of project's plan

  • Budget/finances