Martin Fund Grants for Seniors and Mental Health (Canada)

The Martin Fund provides grants generally ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 to registered Canadian charities and qualified donees supporting seniors and mental health in Hamilton, Ontario. For the 2026–27 funding cycle, priority is given to evidence-informed existing programs that address community needs and gaps while advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About the Martin Fund

The Martin Fund supports charitable and community initiatives benefiting residents of Hamilton. Its legacy is now continued through the Hamilton Community Foundation, which administers funding to strengthen local community services.

For the 2026–27 cycle, the fund focuses on two priority areas:

• Services and supports that improve the quality of life of seniors.
• Mental health initiatives benefiting people of all ages.

Funding Priorities

The fund prioritizes projects that:

• Address identified community needs or service gaps.
• Improve outcomes for seniors or mental health.
• Use evidence-informed approaches.
• Strengthen the wellbeing of Hamilton residents.
• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Serve equity-deserving communities and populations.

Grant Amount

Grants generally range from $1,000 to $7,500.

Funding is intended primarily for existing programming rather than the creation of unrelated new activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Canadian charities.
• Qualified donees recognized under Canada’s Income Tax Act.
• Not-for-profit organizations without charitable status when applying through a charitable partnership or sponsorship arrangement with a registered charity.

Projects and organizations must be appropriately connected to the Hamilton community.

What Projects Are Supported?

The Martin Fund supports existing programs focused on the two funding priorities.

Eligible areas include:

• Services improving seniors’ quality of life.
• Community-based supports for older adults.
• Mental health services and supports.
• Programs addressing mental health needs across different age groups.
• Initiatives addressing gaps in local services.
• Evidence-informed community programming.
• Projects serving equity-deserving populations.

What Is Not Funded?

The fund does not support:

• Capital campaigns.
• Grants directly to individuals.
• Endowment requests.
• Deficit reduction.
• Political activities.
• Religious activities.
• Conferences.
• Research.
• Activities taking place outside Hamilton.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should clearly demonstrate the local need for their project and explain how existing programming addresses that need.

A strong application should:

• Clearly identify the senior or mental health issue being addressed.
• Explain the gap in existing services.
• Describe the proposed or existing program and its beneficiaries.
• Demonstrate the expected community impact.
• Use evidence-informed approaches where appropriate.
• Explain how the project advances equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Highlight how the initiative benefits Hamilton residents.
• Provide a realistic funding request within the typical grant range.

Key Grant Details

• Funder: Martin Fund / Hamilton Community Foundation
• Funding cycle: 2026–27
• Grant amount: Generally $1,000–$7,500
• Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Focus areas: Seniors and mental health
• Primary beneficiaries: Hamilton residents
• Eligible applicants: Registered Canadian charities and qualified donees
• Charitable partnership: Available for eligible non-profit organizations without charitable status
• Priority: Evidence-informed projects, identified community needs, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Martin Fund?

The Martin Fund provides grants to charitable organizations for community programming focused on improving the quality of life of seniors and supporting mental health in Hamilton.

How much funding is available?

Grants generally range from $1,000 to $7,500.

Who is eligible to apply?

Registered Canadian charities and qualified donees can apply. Non-profit organizations without charitable status may also apply through a registered charity acting as a charitable partner.

What are the main priorities for 2026–27?

The two priorities are services and supports for seniors and mental health across all ages.

Does the fund support projects outside Hamilton?

No. Activities funded through the Martin Fund must benefit and take place within Hamilton.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The fund does not provide grants directly to individuals.

Does the fund support research?

No. Research projects are specifically excluded from funding.

Are conferences eligible?

No. Conference activities are not eligible for support under the Martin Fund.

Conclusion

The Martin Fund offers targeted support for Hamilton charities working to improve seniors’ quality of life and mental health outcomes. With grants generally ranging from $1,000 to $7,500, the 2026–27 cycle is particularly suited to existing, evidence-informed community programs that address local needs, strengthen inclusion, and provide measurable benefits to Hamilton residents.