Community Grants Program

Through its Community Grants Program (CGP), the Foundation solicits and accepts applications from a wide range of community organizations. Each year, the CGP provides more than $2 million to well over 160 projects and initiatives that serve the residents of Ottawa. This typically represents approximately 15% of the total funding distributed annually through the Foundation. 

The CGP funds across a broad range of needs and opportunities in Ottawa — social services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, and more. In making its grant decisions, the Foundation relies on the expert advice of a Grants Committee, which is made up of volunteers who are knowledgeable about local issues and activities. 

The Foundation has limited funds that it can apply at its own discretion.  To support more Community Grants and to enhance fundholder engagement, the Foundation selectively shares approved applications with fundholders based on their interests. They can then choose to support these through their individual funds at the OCF. This approach has proven very successful. Since 2020, donor-advised funds have funded more than 50% of the total grants recommended by the Grants Committee.