Grants & Bursaries

A maximum of $35,000 is available for In-Kind Facility Grants annually. Appliants are those wishing to have the fees waived for use of a Town facility. The maximum grant per eligible applicant is $5000 and the minimum request is $500.

Prior to applying, applicants must contact a Recreation Service Advisor to preliminarily book the facility and to determine the value of their In-Kind Facility Grant request. Contact 705-444-2500 ext 3382 or email prc@collingwood.ca. Learn more about the Town's facilities here. 

The Town will not provide chairs or tables for organizations or events unless they are already in the facility. 

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Collingwood-based, not-for-profit, charitable or volunteer-based.
• Supports the community by providing opportunities for all persons to participate in arts, culture, recreation, sport and health and well-being activities. 

The degree to which applicants meet the requirements below will be weighed to form part of the evaluation. 

•    Meets Grant Criteria.
•    Financially responsible and in good standing with the Town. 
•    Capable of initiating and managing the proposed project.
•    Demonstrates an inclusive and accessible organization that supports diversity and equity.

Individuals and Town of Collingwood boards and committees are not eligible.

Project Eligibility Requirements

For the purposes of this grant program, projects are special events, programs or activities. Projects must meet all the following eligibility criteria:

• Open to the public and to take place between March 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024.
• Non-denominational in nature.

The degree to which the project meets the requirements below will be weighted to form part of the evaluation (Grant Allocation and Assessment).

• Meets Grant Criteria.
• Demonstrates inclusive and accessible programs or services that support diversity and equity.
• Clearly defined and understood.
• Supports the growth of the applicant organization.
• Has support from other funders and partners. 

Examples of items within your project that are eligible for a Financial Grant include:

• supplies and equipment of a non-permanent nature
• marketing
• volunteer development and training
• entertainment
• rental of venues and equipment
• food and refreshments (non-alcoholic)
• professional service fees

Examples of items within your project that are not eligible for a Financial Grant include:

• capital projects, bricks and mortar
• salaries for staff
• day to day operational expenses

Examples of Town fees that can be waived under the In-Kind Grant include:

• Park rental fees
• PRC facility fees

In-Kind Facility Grant requests are evaluated by staff. Financial Grant requests are evaluated by a team of staff and community volunteers assembled for this purpose.  

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the end of March 2023. Grants are awarded by cheque (mailed) or by Electronic Fund Transfer. Recipients who have an outstanding report for a 2022 grant (project takes place between January 1 and March 31, 2023), will not be issued their 2023 grant funds until a post grant report is received and approved. 

Payment is issued to the applicant organization or group and will not be issued to another organization or an individual. 

Grant Assessment

Projects and applicants that satisfy the following factors are considered higher priority for funding. Each factor below is scored and then weighted to reflect the CRCG priorities. The weighting is in brackets. 

1.    Project has support from other funders and partners and utilizes partnerships to strengthen the project, reach new audiences, add value and expand capacity. (x4)
2.    Applicant and project meet a recognized need in the community and demonstrate clear and substantial support for one of the Grant Criteria.(As an organization x2, as a Project x3)
3.    Applicant shows strong financial and organizational stability. (x2)
4.    Applicant and project support inclusive public participation. This includes promoting access for all regardless of age, income level, culture, gender, ability and treating all members of the community with dignity and fairness. (x3)
5.    Applicant is capable of initiating and managing the project. (x4)
6.    Project supports the growth and sustainability of the organization. (x3)

The goal of the CRC Grant Program is to provide grants where they are most needed, therefore you may be asked to provide additional information, including your organization’s financial overview.