Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Grants Catalogue is a funding platform managed through the London Community Foundation that allows eligible nonprofit organisations to submit grant requests of up to $25,000. Fundholders can browse, select, and partially or fully fund these requests. The program supports qualified donee organisations serving London, Middlesex County, and nearby First Nations communities in Canada, with applications accepted twice per year.
What is the Grants Catalogue?
The Grants Catalogue is a structured community funding platform where nonprofit organisations submit funding requests, and donors (fundholders) directly support selected projects.
Unlike traditional grants, this system allows:
- Organisations to publish funding needs
- Fundholders to browse and choose projects
- Flexible full or partial funding of requests
- Transparent community-driven grant allocation
It is designed to connect community needs with targeted philanthropic support.
Geographic Scope and Service Area
Funding must benefit communities within the London Community Foundation region, including:
- City of London (Ontario, Canada)
- County of Middlesex
- Oneida Nation of the Thames
- Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
- Munsee-Delaware Nation
Projects must clearly demonstrate impact within these areas.
Key Objectives of the Grants Catalogue
The platform is designed to:
- Support local community-driven initiatives
- Connect donors directly with funding needs
- Strengthen nonprofit sustainability
- Improve access to flexible funding
- Increase transparency in philanthropic giving
- Address regional community priorities
- Support First Nations and rural community development
How the Grants Catalogue Works
The system operates as a digital matchmaking platform between nonprofits and fundholders.
Step 1: Submit Funding Request
Eligible organisations submit a detailed grant request.
Step 2: Catalogue Listing
Requests are published in the Grants Catalogue portal.
Step 3: Fundholder Review
Individual donors or fundholders browse available projects.
Step 4: Funding Allocation
Fundholders choose to fully or partially fund requests.
Step 5: Grant Disbursement
Funds are distributed through the London Community Foundation.
Funding Structure
- Maximum funding request: up to $25,000 per organisation
- Application frequency: Twice per year
- Funding model: Partial or full support from multiple fundholders possible
- Request updates: Organisations may revise submissions before peak funding periods
This structure allows flexibility and donor-driven funding outcomes.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is strictly limited to qualified donee organisations.
Eligible Organisations Must Be:
- Registered as a qualified donee under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Authorised to issue official donation receipts
Eligible organisation types include:
- Registered charities
- Certain nonprofit organisations recognized by CRA
- Other qualified donees under the Income Tax Act
Funding Priorities
Funding requests should align with community needs in the service region.
Priority areas include:
- Community development initiatives
- Social services and wellbeing programs
- Indigenous community-led projects
- Youth and family support programs
- Education and skill-building initiatives
- Health and inclusion programs
- Local capacity-building projects
What Types of Requests Are Supported?
The catalogue supports a wide range of community needs, including:
- Program delivery funding
- Community service expansion
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Indigenous-led community projects
- Local infrastructure or service support
- Educational and outreach initiatives
- Social innovation projects
All projects must demonstrate clear community benefit within the catchment area.
Application Cycle
- Submissions accepted: Twice per year
- Purpose of cycles: Align with fundraising and donation periods
- Opportunity: Organisations can revise or refine proposals between cycles
This ensures better visibility and stronger donor engagement.
Why This Funding Model Matters
The Grants Catalogue creates a unique community-driven funding ecosystem by:
- Allowing donors to directly choose projects
- Increasing transparency in charitable funding
- Improving access to flexible grant support
- Strengthening local nonprofit sustainability
- Supporting Indigenous and rural communities
- Enhancing responsiveness to community needs
- Encouraging collaborative philanthropy
Key Concepts Explained
Qualified Donee
An organisation recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that can receive tax-deductible donations and issue official receipts.
Fundholders
Individuals or entities who hold charitable funds and select projects to support through the catalogue.
Community Foundation Model
A philanthropic structure that pools donations and redistributes them to community organisations based on need and donor preference.
Catchment Region
The geographic area served by the London Community Foundation, including London, Middlesex, and nearby First Nations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without CRA qualified donee status
- Proposing projects outside the catchment region
- Missing eligibility documentation
- Submitting unclear or unfocused funding requests
- Ignoring revision opportunities between cycles
- Overstating budget needs without justification
- Not demonstrating measurable community impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Grants Catalogue?
It is a funding platform where nonprofits submit grant requests and fundholders choose which projects to support.
2. What is the maximum funding amount?
Organisations can request up to $25,000 per application.
3. Who can apply?
Only CRA-qualified donee organisations such as registered charities can apply.
4. Where must projects take place?
Projects must benefit communities in London, Middlesex County, or nearby First Nations.
5. How often can applications be submitted?
Applications are accepted twice per year.
6. Can funders partially support a project?
Yes. Fundholders may fully or partially fund any listed request.
7. What makes a strong application?
Clear community impact, strong alignment with regional needs, and well-defined project outcomes.
Conclusion
The Grants Catalogue by the London Community Foundation is a modern, donor-driven funding platform that connects qualified nonprofit organisations with targeted philanthropic support. By enabling transparent project selection and flexible funding from up to $25,000 per request, it strengthens community development across London, Middlesex County, and neighbouring First Nations while improving access to impactful local funding.
For more information, visit London Community Foundation.
